United Food & Commercial Workers Union
Local 1400

News Archives 2006

Submission from Wayne Hanley to the HUMA Committee regarding Bill C-257, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (replacement workers)
2006-12-07 - The use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout is an inherently violent act meant to destroy the basic human right to bargain collectively in good faith. 

Allowing replacement workers creates an imbalance in bargaining power that explicitly encourages some employers to impose trauma upon workers, their families and the surrounding community in order to achieve a unilateral settlement.

As UFCW Canada National President, as well as president of UFCW Canada Local 175, the largest private sector local union in North America with over 50,000 members, I have personally witnessed on too many occasions the harm, injury, strife and anguish caused to our members by the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout.

Employers will tell you their choice to use replacement workers is just another negotiating tool but the reality is that employers who resort to strike breaking are not interested in negotiating. In fact the plan to use replacement workers typically begins months before collective bargaining begins.
Read more.
Read Submission

UFCW Local 1518 (B.C.) News Update
The UFCW Local 1518 members employed at Extra Foods in Squamish went on strike November 15th at 9:00pm. The strike comes after 18 months of trying to get a fair settlement from Westfair, the national corporation that controls the Extra Foods store.

The Negotiating Committee for these members announced on November 21 that they reached a tentative agreement with Westfair/Extra Foods after less than a week on strike.

The Negotiating Committee recommended acceptance of the tentative package at a ratification meeting to be held November 22. The membership ratified the Agreement.
Read full story.

Saskatchewan Court of Appeal Dismisses Wal-Mart’s Latest Appeal
November 16, 2006
Saskatoon, SK – Wal-Mart’s latest appeal, regarding their application to prohibit the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board from hearing any applications concerning themselves, was heard before the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal on November 15, 2006.

In the matter of Wal-Mart’s appeal of Justice Gerein’s previous lower-court decision regarding the alleged bias of the Labour Relations Board against Wal-Mart, the Court reaffirmed the view of Justice Gerein and dismissed Wal-Mart’s appeal.

Wal-Mart also obtained a sworn affidavit from former Vice Chair Matkowski and was asking that the Court allow it to be filed at the Court of Appeal as “fresh evidence”. The Court dismissed Wal-Mart’s application to file this affidavit.

Paul Meinema, president of UFCW Local 1400 commented “The union is pleased with the outcome of this appeal and will continue to advance the rights of the workers.”

Collective Agreements Reached for Sobeys workers in Moose Jaw and Prince Albert
November 16, 2006
Saskatoon, SK – UFCW Local 1400 members working at Sobeys in Moose Jaw and Prince Albert have reached first Collective Agreements. The new two-year agreements were attained with the help of a Labour Board Agent who has been meeting with the parties since October 2005, mediating the process to bring about a settlement.

The Moose Jaw store was certified with UFCW Local 1400 in February, 2004, and a strike vote was taken in March as was required at that time to apply for First Contract Arbitration. The company fought the union’s application and several days of hearings took place prior to the Trade Union Act amendments made in June, 2005, which no longer required a strike vote to obtain First Contract assistance. This was the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board’s first ruling on the new legislation; they ruled a hearing will no longer be required before a Board Agent is appointed.

The Prince Albert store was first certified on September 7, 2004. Following unsuccessful attempts to bargain a first Agreement, the union also made an application in December of that year to obtain First Contract assistance. A Board Agent was appointed for that unit and the company agreed to have the progress in one contract apply to the other unless there were compelling reasons not to, on an issue by issue basis.

“We are pleased that with the help of the Labour Board Agent Collective Agreements have finally been reached for these members. It has been a long process that has ultimately resulted in very good first Collective Agreement for these workers that they can be proud of.” stated Local 1400 President Paul Meinema. “We commend the government for enacting this legislation which has allowed a fair and progressive avenue for achieving first Collective Agreements in Saskatchewan.”

Local 1400 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union is the largest private-sector union in the Province of Saskatchewan, representing members in cooperative, food, industrial and service sectors.

Details of the new Collective Agreement are available on the Negotiations page.

The Seeds of Justice Have Taken Root: Canada, the NDP and the Rights of Canada’s Farm Workers
Andrew Mackenzie, UFCW Canada

The roots of the NDP and UFCW Canada run deep through the struggle for justice and equity for Canada’s agricultural farm workers.

The campaign achieved its first breakthrough in 1994 when Ontario’s NDP government passed legislation – the Agricultural Labour Relations Act (ALRA) – which allowed agricultural workers to unionize for the first time. The Minister of Labour of the day, the Honourable Bob Mackenzie, would later receive the Caesar Chavez Award for championing the groundbreaking legislation.

With the door to justice opened by the ALRA, UFCW Canada followed through in 1994 by organizing the first-ever Ontario farm workers’ union local when 200 workers at the Highline Produce mushroom factory in Leamington, Ontario were certified as a bargaining unit.

But in 1995 the Mike Harris Ontario government repealed the ALRA, retroactively revoking the Highline farm’s bargaining unit certificate, and discarding all other farm workers’ applications pending with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

Undeterred UFCW Canada commenced a series of legal challenges that ultimately led to a December 2001 Supreme Court of Canada ruling upholding the union’s Charter challenge that the exclusion of agworkers from the Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA) violated their freedom of association guaranteed under the Charter. The court stipulated that the Tories had 18 months to bring their legislation into line with the Charter.

The Eves Tory government cynically responded in 2002 with the Agricultural Employees Protection Act (AEPA), which followed the letter of the Supreme Court decision but not its spirit by allowing farm workers to create associations but not to unionize.

UFCW Canada legally, and the Ontario NDP Party politically have challenged the AEPA ever since but to date the McGuinty Liberals have chosen to uphold the Harris government legacy of denying Ontario’s agricultural workers the right to unionize.

While the fight against the AEPA continues others have been won. In June 2006 in the face of another UFCW Canada Charter challenge as well as pressure from the NDP, the McGuinty Liberals relented and extended Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to cover agricultural workers for the first time.

While the campaign is far from over, the solidarity of UFCW Canada and the NDP has put farm worker’s rights on the political and public agenda both provincially and federally. The seeds of justice have taken root.

To: All Local 1400 Superstore Meat Cutters and Meat Production Workers Regarding the Central Meat Cutting Facility
Westfair Foods announced on October 13th that they would not be proceeding with the planned Meat Cutting Facility. The Company asked us, as well as representatives from UFCW Locals 401 and 247, to attend a meeting to discuss the retention bonuses they had committed to paying. The Company also wished to discuss a plan to introduce a new training program for Meat Production employees.

It is the intent of the Company to make changes to the retention bonuses promised to employees hired prior to the May 2005 plant announcement, as outlined in the letter the Company mailed you dated October 13th, 2006. The Company presented these proposed changes to us verbally, all of which would be considered inferior to their initial offer. The Company no longer wish to pay out the "current employee lump sums" that were implemented on May 8, 2005 but rather a premium to be based on hours worked - combined with a reduced lump sum which would only be paid if the employee was still with the Company in September 2007. We have asked Westfair to formally submit their proposal to us in writing.

We also asked the Company if the Cutting Facility was now a dead issue and if they would guarantee the expansion and operation of its Meat departments for the foreseeable future, or at the very least, for the duration of the collective agreement. They were unable or unwilling to do so.

We will keep you informed of any future discussions.

Brewers Distributor Ltd., Saskatchewan
Members employed by Brewers Distributor Ltd. in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina and Yorkton voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Sobeys, Yorkton
Members employed by Sobeys in Yorkton voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Welcome to Our New Members
The employees at Prairie Pride Natural Foods Ltd. located in Saskatoon are UFCW Local 1400’s newest members. Our local has recently been certified to represent the employees who work at the Poultry Processing and Packaging Plant location. Please call the Saskatoon office to speak to a Service Representative.

UFCW Local 1518 (B.C.) News
Members employed by Extra Foods in Squamish, BC have given Westfair Foods a 72 hour strike notice. Soon after strike notice was given, Westfair responded with lock out notice. The strike will commence at the close of business on November 15th. These Squamish members will join the 35 Extra Foods members in Prince George who have been locked out for two months. Read full story.

UFCW Ontario Members Win New Agreements
On October 16, 2006, in a joint statement from Wayne Hanley, National Director UFCW Canada and President, UFCW Canada Local 175 & 633; Kevin Corporon, President, UFCW Canada Local 1000A; and Scott Penner, President, UFCW Canada Local 1977, it was announced that four-year Collective Bargaining Agreements covering Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos locations in Ontario had been ratified by the 28,000 members working at more than 140 Loblaw Companies banner stores across Ontario.

This ratification followed a tentative agreement that was reached October 6th. The union had stated that without a deal, and armed with an "overwhelming" strike mandate from earlier the same week, these members would have struck the company just prior to the Thanksgiving weekend. They were in a legal strike position and the Negotiation Committee didn't expect to receive an offer they could recommend to their membership, but with the membership united, the company took note; round-the-clock negotiations produced a good Collective Agreement that all Negotiation Committees recommended to their members.

Westfair Foods is one of the divisions under Loblaw Companies Limited. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada, UFCW represents the majority of these workers across the country.

Welcome to Our New Members
The employees at Comfort Inn located in Prince Albert, SK are UFCW Local 1400’s newest members. Our local has recently been certified to represent these employees who work at this hotel. The Service Representative assigned to this unit is Darren Kurmey, based out of the Saskatoon office.

Masterfeeds, Saskatoon
Members employed by Masterfeeds in Saskatoon voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

HMS Host (formerly Cara Operations), Saskatoon
Members employed by HMS Host in Saskatoon voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Scholarships
Congratulations to the successful applicants of the 2006 scholarships available through Local 1400. Please visit the Scholarship page for a listing of winners.

Labour Day Message from Paul Meinema, President, Local 1400
Labour Day is a holiday that is observed throughout Canada and almost all other countries in the world in one way or another. It recognizes the labour movement’s work to improve the lives of working people.

Unfortunately today this holiday is more often associated with the last summer weekend than to remember the advances that our forefathers fought to achieve.

Without the many gains that have been achieved, we wouldn’t have benefits such as vacation, a defined workweek, breaks, overtime pay, health and safety legislation, parental leave, pensions or any other basic standard or benefit.

This Labour Day, take time to remember what this day is truly about, a celebration of workers and the achievements that have been gained.

On behalf of the Executive Board and staff of Local 1400 I wish you and your families a happy, safe weekend.

Labour Day Message from Wayne Hanley, National Director UFCW Canada
2006-08-30
For many young workers Labour Day is nothing more than a sign that the summer season has come to an end. What they don’t realize is that many of the things they take for granted like statutory holiday pay, paid overtime, health and safety legislation, universal healthcare and many other basic workplace rights only exist because of the sacrifices and commitment of the generation of trade unionists who came before them.

For those of us in the labour movement Labour Day is our opportunity to acknowledge those gains and to be grateful to those who worked towards them. But for all of us, and especially young workers, Labour Day should also be a wake-up call not to be complacent. In spite of living in a rich country with a strong economy, the opponents of workers’ rights would have us believe that things like job security, decent wages, pensions, and protection against exploitation are all just old fashioned notions that don’t fit the modern Canadian model.

The fact that many Canadians have shruggingly accepted this as truth is a sign that the campaign for workers’ rights never ends and must continue to evolve strategically and politically. Labour Day is an important part of that ongoing campaign. It is a vibrant opportunity for working men and women to introduce their children to the history, power and challenges of the labour movement, and to excite them about its future.

A century of struggle brought the labour movement to where it is today. If Labour Day continues to be celebrated in the 22nd century, it will only be because today’s young people take up the challenge and carry the campaign forward. They are smart and strong and given the tools they can succeed.

Let this September 4th be a well deserved celebration for you and your family. To find out about Labour Day events in your community contact your local labour council or UFCW Canada local union office.

In solidarity,
 Wayne Hanley, National Director UFCW Canada

SFL Labour Day message
August 31, 2006

More than 130 years ago, Labour Day was created to honour the groundbreaking Ontario demonstrations of 1872. Marchers from 27 unions took to the streets and demanded that their brothers from the Toronto typographical union, who had struck for a nine-hour workday, be released from prison. Thousands of citizens flocked to the protests in support of the right to legally belong to a union. And the workers won.

“Shorter working time, fair compensation, union representation, paid holidays, an end to child labour, and many more benefits that workers enjoy today, have never been easily won. Those in our society who hold the most wealth and power have historically been reluctant to cede to workers’ demands. Labour Day is a time to say ‘thank-you’ to our ancestors for their determination and courage, “ says SFL President Larry Hubich.

As the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour marks its 50th year as a workers organization - workers in our society still require much of the same determination and courage. In many ways – now more than ever.

“In Saskatchewan today, we have far too many workers who are struggling to survive on poverty wages. We have skilled employees tossed out on the street, because the multinational corporation who employed them for the last twenty years closed up shop when profits weren’t high enough. Certain ruthless big-box retailers, by exploiting their workforce, continue to squeeze out smaller family owned enterprises. And we have an employer who refuses to enter into negotiations to settle a long, painful strike. As a society, we’ve got to do better than that,” says Hubich.

But, the shining light at the end of that tunnel remains a strong and vibrant labour movement. Unions in this province continue to play a vital role every day – helping workers help themselves.

The labour movement’s tradition of collective action and struggle continues. “The SFL and its 35 affiliated unions in over 700 locals across this province are proud to stand up for decent working conditions, for fairness, for equality and for economic justice for workers everywhere,” adds Hubich.

The SFL wishes workers, their families, and all Saskatchewan citizens a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend. Join us as we celebrate the contributions of workers and their unions.

Wal-Mart Attempt to Scuttle Labour Board Quashed by Saskatchewan Appeal Court
25/07/2006 SASKATOON, SK. – A Saskatchewan court has quashed Wal-Mart Canada’s demand that the Saskatchewan Labour Board (SLRB) be prohibited from ruling on any application to unionize Wal-Mart locations in Saskatchewan.

The ruling strikes down a submission by Wal-Mart earlier this month to the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench. Wal-Mart requested that the SLRB be prevented from adjudicating any Wal-Mart file, because according to Wal-Mart the SLRB as currently comprised was allegedly biased toward unions.

Currently UFCW Canada Local 1400 (United Food and Commercial Workers Canada) has union applications pending for Wal-Mart stores in Weyburn, North Battleford and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Both UFCW Canada Local 1400 and the SLRB had contested Wal-Mart’s charge of bias, citing there was no credible evidence to support the submission. The Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench concurred.

In his decision Justice Frank Gerein, a former Chief Justice of the Queen’s Bench wrote, “without such evidence it is impossible to conclude that bias exists within the SLRB or that there is justification for a reasonable apprehension of bias. To conclude otherwise, this court would be acting on pure conjecture or fantasy. That is not good enough.”

With the SLRB’s authority to hear Wal-Mart union applications upheld, it is likely the SLRB’s first Wal-Mart decision will be on the store in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. The union application to represent the Weyburn Wal-Mart was originally made in April 2004 but legal stalling tactics by Wal-Mart dragged out hearings at the SLRB until December 2005.

The latest decision by the Queen’s Bench now clears the way for the SLRB to finalize and publish its ruling on Weyburn which could make Weyburn the seventh Wal-Mart unit in Canada to be granted union certification.

To review the full written decision of Judge Gerein click here

Agrifoods, Swift Current
Members employed by Agrifoods in Swift Current voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Regina Coke Members Ratify Collective Agreement
 At a ratification meeting held July 26th, 2006, the members employed by Coke in Regina voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Saskatoon Co-operative Association Members Ratify Collective Agreement
 At a ratification meeting held July 18th, 2006, the members employed by Saskatoon Co-op voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Welcome to Our New Members
The employees at Natural Valley Farms located in Wolseley, SK are UFCW Local 1400’s newest members. Our local has recently been certified provincially to represent these employees who work at the packaging and processing plant. The local will also represent the employees of the slaughter plant facility slated to open in the near future in Neudorf, SK.

The service Representative assigned to this new unit is Glenn Stewart based out of the local’s Regina office. He can be reached by calling our toll free number (1-800-274-4036) and we will transfer your call to him. He is also available by email at glenn@ufcw1400.ca.

Direct Transport Members Ratify Collective Agreement
 At a ratification meeting held June 27th, 2006, the members employed by Direct Transport in Saskatoon voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details are available on the Negotiations page.

Local 1400's Leukemia Research Fundraising Donations Another "Best Ever" Year
On June 23rd, 2006, at the annual UFCW Canada Murray Margarit Memorial Gala Evening in Toronto, President Paul Meinema presented our local’s donation cheque (pictured) of $13,000.

This amount was another “personal best” for our local and represents the fundraising efforts that our members and committees have worked hard to raise for Leukemia Research over the past year.

The local will continue our fundraising with both the Leukemia Bashers and George Semeniuk Classic Leukemia Fundraising Golf Tournaments and with other fundraisers hosted by the Aboriginal, Women’s and Youth committees over the summer and coming year. Please watch this page, the Focus newsletter and your workplace posting boards for dates and locations of events. Come out and have fun while helping to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada; the United Food and Commercial Worker’s charity of choice.

UFCW Members Raise Record $1.13 Million for Leukemia Charity
TORONTO, June 26, 2006 – UFCW Canada members have set a new fundraising record of $1,133,808 in their annual campaign backing the efforts of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). The record breaking campaign makes the UFCW Canada membership the largest annual supporter of LLSC’s research to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

Wayne Hanley, national director of UFCW Canada and President of UFCW Canada Local 175 (pictured below) announced the record tally at the UFCW Canada Murray Margarit Memorial Gala Evening held June 23 in Toronto. The event, held annually since 1989, was renamed in 2005 to honour Murray Margarit, UFCW Canada’s 35-year-old head of leukemia research fundraising who died last year from complications of the blood cancer.

UFCW Canada adopted the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada as its charity of choice in 1985. Including this year’s record breaking campaign, UFCW Canada has raised a total $9,381,000.00 for the LLSC.

“The tremendous success of this and every year’s campaign is all because of the outstanding efforts of our members across Canada,” said Hanley. “This is such an important commitment for us and our members’ families. We all know someone who has lost a battle to some form of blood cancer but we also know children and adults that are in remission thanks to breakthroughs discovered through research.” 

“Our members are grateful their fundraising has helped save lives. Our members know every dollar brings us a step closer to finding a cure, and we’re going to keep on going till we get there.” 

UFCW Canada fundraising takes place year-round through member-organized walkathons, bowlathons, barbecues, bake sales, pool, tennis, golf, volleyball and hockey tournaments and other events put on by UFCW members and supported by UFCW Canada local unions and the UFCW Canada national office.

UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) represents more than 240,000 Canadian workers in every aspect of the food industry, as well as other service, commercial, processing, manufacturing, technical and professional occupations.

October 20th, yearly - Tommy Douglas Day
In May, 2005, the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly passed “The Tommy Douglas Day Act” to acknowledge the many contributions of former Premier Tommy Douglas.

Thomas Clement Douglas was born in 1904 and was Premier of Saskatchewan from 1944 to 1961. Under his leadership, Saskatchewan paid down its huge public debt and became well known for balancing responsible financial management with innovative social policies.

He was instrumental in the creation of Crown corporations to benefit the people of Saskatchewan. He sought to improve the living standards of rural Saskatchewan and introduced measures to modernize the rights of working people. He is best known as the father of Medicare.

Warren McCall, Government MLA for Regina Elphinstone-Centre, sponsored the Private Member’s Bill. “It’s very fitting that the first ever Tommy Douglas Day should occur during Saskatchewan’s centennial year. Tommy Douglas is held in such high regard because he was a humanitarian man whose public policies reflected, and continue to reflect, the values of Saskatchewan people,” said McCall. “Many of the things we take for granted today, things like universal medicare and public automobile insurance were considered radical concepts in their day. We likely wouldn’t have them if Douglas hadn’t led the fight to put them in place.”

“T. C. Douglas was humorous, compassionate and tough. It was that toughness, along with his uncompromising sense of right and wrong, that allowed him, despite fierce opposition, to do so much on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan and, in the long run, the people of Canada.” said McCall. “Tommy has a place in the hearts of all Canadians but there’s a special place reserved for him in the hearts of the people of Saskatchewan. That is why October 20th, the anniversary of his birth, has been declared ‘Tommy Douglas Day’ here in the province.”

Information provided from the NDP Caucus web page at http://ndpcaucus.sk.ca.

New Retail Council for UFCW
VANCOUVER, May 18, 2006 – UFCW Canada National Director Wayne Hanley today announced the formation of the UFCW Canada National Retail Council.

The establishment of the Council was born, and evolved out of recommendations from the International Committee on the Future of the UFCW, after the 2003 California labour dispute with Safeway, Vons and Albertsons and the election of UFCW International President Joe Hansen.

The Council will offer Local Unions the ability to coordinate and form policy on negotiations and contract administration issues with national retail chains and individual employers.

With current and upcoming negotiations with Loblaw Companies, the Council will work to develop policy that will resolve grievances in an expeditious and timely manner, to work towards shorter collective agreements, and, to develop minimum standards for collective bargaining.

In light of the current labour dispute at Extra Foods in British Columbia, the Council will explore the establishment of a ‘Fight Back Fund’ to assist local unions involved in prolonged and unnecessary labour disputes.

“The future of the Council is a positive step forward for UFCW Canada and our Local Unions,” said Director Hanley. “It will ensure that commitments made by companies will be kept and employers will be held accountable for their actions.”

For more information: Michael Forman, UFCW Canada Communications, (416) 675-1104

Heritage Inn Saskatoon Members Ratify Collective Agreement
 At a ratification meeting held May 15th, 2006, the members employed by Heritage Inn in Saskatoon voted to accept a new Collective Agreement. Details available on the Negotiations page.

Latest federal budget: lost focus, little vision
TORONTO, May 4, 2006 – In reality, working families will benefit little from the Conservatives’ first budget said UFCW Canada national director Wayne Hanley.

“Finance Minister Flaherty kept repeating himself saying his budget gave Canadian a focus and a vision, but an analysis of the budget indicates there is little vision and a lost focus to this budget,” said Hanley.

“$100 a month that will be taxable income will do little for parents who can’t find a day care space as a result of the rollbacks to the national child care program. How will it help those families who have children between the ages of 7 and 12 and both parents have to work?"

“Where is the pre-election promise to provide relief at the gas pumps for those people who have to commute to work?” said Hanley. “A 1% reduction in the GST will do little to protect Canadians from rocketing gas prices.”

Hanley further slammed the Finance Minister for not providing funds for training and better jobs or providing better relief to students burdened with overwhelming tuition fees for post-secondary education.

“By raising the personal income tax rates for low income Canadians while giving a corporate tax break, Flaherty is following the vision he had as finance minister in the Harris government in Ontario,” said Hanley. “Clearly his focus is to give to the rich and take from the poor while ignoring important issues such as the environment and Canada’s commitment to the Kyoto Accord.”

“The government clearly lost the opportunity to invest in working families. There is no focus to invest in people. Instead Mr. Harper and Mr. Flaherty chose to squander the surplus on corporate tax cuts.”

UFCW Canada (United Food and Commercial Workers) represents more than 230,000 Canadian Workers in every aspect of the food industry, as well as other service, commercial, processing, manufacturing, technical and professional occupations.

May Day: Working Families Need Child Care
OTTAWA – The first day of May is a day of celebration and solidarity for working people around the world.

International Workers’ Day celebrates the unity of workers and their unions in the cause of equality, justice and the daily struggle to improve the quality of life of our families and communities.

The struggles of workers and their unions are the same all over the world. From young people demanding their rights at work, to migrant workers fighting exploitation, to millions of women in export processing zones or trapped in informal work and striving for justice, people across the planet understand more than ever that our common struggle is truly global.

This is why Canadian working families and the Canadian Labour Congress have built an international presence that strengthen our resolve to achieve, in this country a society where the ideals of equality guide our workplaces and our communities.

With two-thirds of mothers with children under the age of three working outside the home to support their families; with three quarters of mothers with children between three and five working outside the home and with more than half of all Canadian children in some form of child care, governments across the country have a duty to make sure our children enjoy high-quality and safe child care.

Advertising on urban transit buses with the slogan “Child Care. Kids Are Worth It” will drive this point home over the coming weeks. Working Canadians want new, affordable, high-quality and safe child care spaces created in their communities. But the current federal government has another agenda and plans to cancel agreements signed with the provinces just last year, agreements that guarantee funding for the child care spaces working families need.
Working parents the world over want nothing less than the best they can provide for their children. Good child care spaces create and foster learning environments that provide children with a great and lasting first start in life.

Our success at building international solidarity continues despite the struggles at home. Global action on global issues is essential to realizing our basic goals of fighting for workers’ rights and organizing for safe, sustainable and healthy work for all.

This solidarity is indispensable in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other great crises facing humanity. Later this year, Canada’s labour movement will continue its leadership in the global struggle to educate workers and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa at a major summit in Toronto.

Today, workers and their unions celebrate their accomplishments. Today we also renew our pledge to fight for a world in which every worker is treated with dignity and respect and where each person is empowered to fulfill their potential, no matter where they live.

The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada's national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 135 district labour councils. Web site: www.canadianlabour.ca

Wayne Hanley elected as new UFCW Canada National Director - TORONTO, April 28, 2006
Wayne E. Hanley, (pictured) the 48-year-old president of UFCW Canada Local 175 and International UFCW Vice-President, was elected National Director of UFCW Canada on Thursday by the UFCW Canada National Council. Until the election of a successor at Local 175, Hanley will also continue in his role as the local’s president.

Hanley’s election as National Director follows the retirement announced earlier this week by Michael J. Fraser who had served as UFCW Canada National Director since 1999 and as International Executive Vice-President of UFCW since 2004.

“Michael Fraser has done an outstanding job leading UFCW Canada,” said Hanley. “I am committed to advancing the programs he has initiated. For more than 25 years, Michael has dedicated his life to improving the lives of working Canadians and I’m determined to continue that agenda.”

Like Fraser, Wayne Hanley also started out as grocery store employee in 1976. The teenage customer service clerk at a London, Ontario Miracle Food Mart soon became involved as a union activist. Over the next eight years, he went on to become a steward, a member of his local union's executive board, and then an organizer when he was hired on staff at UFCW Canada Local 175 in 1984.

In 1992, Hanley was elected as Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Canada Local 175. In 1999, he was elected President of Local 175 which today has grown to become North America’s largest single local, with over 50,000 members.

“I’ve been a friend and have worked with Wayne for over 20 years,” says Michael Fraser. “His vision, leadership and commitment to the members has never wavered. With Wayne, the future of UFCW Canada could not be in better hands. I congratulate him on his election. No one could be more deserving and I leave feeling confident of greater things ahead for Wayne and UFCW Canada.”

As for Fraser’s own future, “UFCW Canada will always be a part of my life, just a smaller part. I plan to continue to contribute in some way but what I’m really looking forward to is spending more time with my kids.”

UFCW Canada is one of Canada’s largest private sector unions with more than 230,000 members across the country working in retail, warehousing, food and beverage processing, manufacturing, hospitality, health care and other professional and service sectors.

UPS Security Members Ratify Collective Agreement
 At a ratification meeting held April 20th, 2006, the members employed by UPS Security in Saskatoon voted to accept their first Collective Agreement. Details available on the Negotiations page.

RWDSU Local 454 Members On Strike Against Sobeys in Regina
85 members of Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 454 have been on strike at Sobeys located at 4250 Albert Street in Regina since September 11, 2005. Most of the workers are part-time and wages, generally $2 to $5 behind other major food stores in the city, are a major issue.

At Christmas time, Local 1400 made a food donation to these picketers and received a letter of thanks which notes, in part, that at their last bargaining session nothing was achieved and that it seems that the company does not want to find a fair and reasonable settlement to this dispute.

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL)has endorsed a boycott of Sobeys stores in Regina and Saskatoon. With the labour dispute taking place in Regina, the number of issues that UFCW Local 1400 has filed Unfair Labour Practices against at the new locations of Sobeys that we represent, and the tension that our members at the Yorkton location are experiencing with their upcoming negotiations, Local 1400 asks that you honour this boycott - do not shop at any Sobeys locations in either Saskatoon or Regina.

At the UFCW Provincial Council convention held on March 30 and 31, 2006, a resolution was put forward that UFCW Saskatchewan also fully endorse the boycott of the Sobeys locations in Saskatoon and Regina as sanctioned by the SFL. This resolution was carried unanimously by the delegates of this convention.

These members need our support. Please make time to drop by their picket line and walk with them, offer encouragement or make a donation if you are able.

AN INJURY TO ONE - IS AN INJURY TO ALL!

Great West Brewery Ratifies Collective Agreement
Members at this unit ratified their Collective Agreement on April 10, 2006. Details available on the Negotiations page.

Wheatland Regional Library Members Ratify Collective Agreement
Members at this unit voted to accept their First Collective Agreement on April 5, 2006. Details available on the Negotiations page.

Securitas Security Members (Regina and Balance of Province) Ratify Collective Agreement
At ratification meetings held April 2, 3 &4, 2006, the members employed by Securitas Security have voted to accept a new Collective Agreement covering Regina and the balance of the Province of Saskatchewan. Details available on the Negotiations page.

Welcome new members
Local 1400 would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members - Impact Security employees in both Regina and Saskatoon.

UFCW Provincial Council Convention
This gathering of members from the Locals of UFCW in Saskatchewan took place on March 30 and 31, 2006, at the Education & Training Centre located on Fletcher Road in Saskatoon.

The conference “Ice Breaker & Wing Night” took place the previous evening at Uncle Barley’s Restaurant and Pub with a large number of delegates and friends taking part. A silent auction, 50/50 draw and excellent wings ensured that this social, hosted by the UFCW Women’s Committee, was a fun time for all.

The conference was called to order on March 30 by President of the Council, Derrick Rosenfelt, followed by greetings brought from the city by Councillor Maurice Neault. He talked about a few of the issues taking place presently at City Council and congratulated the UFCW on our ongoing organizing campaigns and our work on labour issues.

In President Rosenfelt’s address, he shared the focus of the Provincial Council to give identity and direction to the council and the achievements that have taken place over the last year such as NDP fundraising events, and labour campaigns such as the Mal-Wart demonstrations. He also proudly announced a unique scholarship that will be awarded annually, the George Semeniuk Memorial Scholarship Award. This $1,000 scholarship will go to the successful candidate who displays significant community, union, political and/or volunteer involvement. Academic standards will be considered secondarily as criteria.

UFCW Western Assistant Nancy Quiring (pictured) delivered greetings and a message that “the world is changing, be careful about taking things for granted” and drove her message home with a video, recently put together about the Brooks strike. The video was a compelling, behind the scenes look at the members and all those who came in their support and the huge stride that was made by their win of a First Collective Agreement. It let us all see and hear first hand the hideous conditions that our Brothers and Sisters, in Canada, were forced to endure every working day.

Guest speaker Doreen Bradshaw, the Director of Saskatchewan First Nations Métis Relations, spoke about a representative workforce, the partnerships that have already begun, the education that has and still needs to take place and the inclusive direction that is being taken. She reminded us that “working together, we all move forward”.

Another guest speaker, Lyndon Linklater (pictured, standing) from the Speakers Bureau of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, gave a very entertaining and enlightening presentation entitled Treaties as a Bridge to the Future: Understanding the Treaty Relationship, Past, Present and Future. He took us on a magical and imaginative path of understanding, putting delegates into the shoes of Aboriginals, in this case the UFCW Nation, who are being asked by beings from another world to sign treaties that will better everyone, for all time.

Each of the Locals gave their President’s Reports on the past year and a UFCW Youth Committee report was given by Tammy Lekopoy from Local 1400.

A banquet was held in the evening, with the Honourable David Forbes, MLA for Saskatoon Centre, Minister of Labour and Minster Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Corporation, as guest speaker. A presentation was made to the Semeniuk family (pictured with Derrick Rosenfelt, President of the Council) outlining the Scholarship Award in George’s name and the evening concluded with a poker tournament that raised $90 towards Leukemia Research.

The conference concluded on Friday with Saskatoon and District Labour Council President Brian Nixon speaking to the delegates about partnerships that would be entered into with the other Labour Councils across the province and how the SDLC is developing a more formal relationship with the United Way.

Nancy Murdock from Local 248, talked to the delegates about her experience as a Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Vice President and SFL President Larry Hubich brought greetings and spoke about solidarity, strength in the 93,000 members of the SFL, and about the importance of OH&S and the fall conference that will be held on this topic.

Along with the regular business of the conference, a resolution was put forward that UFCW Saskatchewan also fully endorse the boycott of the Sobeys locations in Saskatoon and Regina as sanctioned by the SFL. The delegates of this convention carried this resolution unanimously.

Chris Dennis, UFCW Canada’s Saskatchewan Representative, chaired the election of Table Officers for the next term (pictured).

 

 

 

 

Code Blue for Child Care
Affordable child care - this is an issue that has been at the forefront of discussions in Ottawa for some time and a commitment was made to Canada by the previous government. Prime Minister Harper needs to know that the wishes of the public are that this commitment must be upheld. Code Blue for Child Care is a Canada-wide campaign to protect child care.

In a very short period of time and with little formal publicity, more than 27,000 Canadians, including Olympic gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser, senators, mayors and chiefs of police have signed a letter to the Prime Minister, Leaders of the Opposition parties, and Premiers calling on the present government to honour the agreements the federal government signed with the provinces.

Canceling the national child care program would be a breach of trust with the public, and the Conservative’s proposed taxable $1,200-a-year allowance will not provide viable child care options for today’s families. Families need access to affordable, quality child care spaces as well as income support.

More information and a link to both the petition letter and the Code Blue for Child Care home page are available below. Make your voice heard. Don’t sit idle and watch this promise be thrown away.

UFCW members in Manitoba face health care cuts
UFCW Canada Local 1869 in Winnipeg has launched a multi-media campaign to counter plans by St. Boniface Hospital to cut back caregiver staff represented by the UFCW at the Winnipeg facility. Please visit the website www.savesaintboniface.com for more information.

Code Blue for Child Care
Code Blue for Child Care is a national campaign that is being led by the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada and a coalition of our partners.  Code Blue means "medical emergency". Canadian politicians need to know that saving child care is an urgent need. Make your voice heard before Parliament resumes on April 3.  Do your part by signing this open letter online.  Please circulate this petition to as many people as you can - friends, co-workers, family, daycare parents - so that they can add their voices to those telling Stephen Harper that he can't take away our child care! The letter is linked on the CCAAC website http://www.childcareadvocacy.ca/ with other resources for Code Blue.  Check it regularly for updates.

"Childcare is an important issue that was a commitment made to Canada by the previous Government. Prime Minister Harper needs to know that the wishes of the public are that this commitment must be followed through. This petition is very important for working women and ties into International Women's Day. I urge you to sign it and talk to others about it." said President Paul Meinema

For more information about International Women's Day, please see the Women's Committee page.

Saturday, March 4, 2006 - International Women's Day event at Tamara's House, Saskatoon
In honor of International Women’s day, members from UFCW Local 1400 and Local 649 spent an educational afternoon on March 4th at a very unique facility in Saskatoon for female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Founded in 1991, Tamara’s House is a residential facility which opened in 2002 and is the first of its kind in Canada, specializing in the care and treatment of abused women seeking therapy. Read full article, view pictures.

Government should strengthen new workplace hazard prevention rules
OTTAWA – Next Tuesday, February 28, is the internationally-recognized Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day. On this occasion, working people are counting on the federal government to follow through with promised new regulations to prevent the scourge of workplace injuries known as RSIs (repetitive strain injuries).

One of every ten Canadian adults (more than two million people) reported RSIs serious enough to limit their normal activities, according to a Statistics Canada survey from 2000/2001. The same study found most of these injuries were caused by work-related activity.

“Canadian workers are suffering from repetitive strain injuries in epidemic proportions,” says Marie Clarke Walker, executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “RSIs impact workers, their families and the economy. We cannot ignore such a debilitating yet preventable workplace hazard any longer,” she says.

RSI describes a range of injuries that affect the muscles, nerves and tendons. Common examples include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include aches, pains, tingling, swelling, loss of joint movement and strength in affected parts of the body. Unchecked, these symptoms can lead to crippling disorders that make work or even normal life impossible.

Aside from the emotional strain for affected workers and the families who see them suffer, the economic costs of these injuries are also staggering. Estimated at $26 billion each year, much of this is paid for by taxpayers in the form of health care and income assistance and not by employers who operate unsafe workplaces.

The Canadian Labour Congress, which represents over three million workers across the country, received the commitment from the previous federal government that changes to the current federal Hazard Prevention Regulations would be introduced.

According to Clarke Walker, a working group with representatives from labour, federal employers, and the Federal Department of Labour spent almost two years working out a plan for new regulations which, if implemented, would mark a major leap forward in the prevention of workplace repetitive strain injury (RSI).

“British Columbia and Saskatchewan already have regulations. Keeping the promise to bring in new rules at the federal level will encourage other provincial and territorial governments to act so people no longer have to work and live with preventable pain and suffering,” says Clarke Walker.

The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada's national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 137 district labour councils. Web site: www.canadianlabour.ca

Celebrate the life and extraordinary achievements of Tommy C. Douglas by tuning in to CBC Television this March.
His passion, integrity, leadership and innovation inspired the nation to elect Tommy Douglas as the "greatest Canadian". The former Saskatchewan premier, first federal NDP leader, pioneer of universal health care and spirited champion of the people bequeathed this country a legacy of political, humanitarian and social reforms of which every Canadian can be proud.

In a fitting tribute to this legendary leader, CBC Television will broadcast the CBC Big Ticket presentation, PRAIRIE GIANT: THE TOMMY DOUGLAS STORY, a two-part, four-hour dramatic miniseries on Sunday, March 12th and Monday, March 13th at 8 p.m.

The former teenage amateur light-weight boxing champion of Manitoba, Baptist minister, five-time Premier of Saskatchewan and inaugural leader of the NDP became a socialist out of love for humanity. Tommy C. Douglas arrived in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 1930 as the minister for Calvary Baptist Church at the beginning of the Great Depression. He set up a job and food distribution centre at the church, and moved into political involvement. From his first foray into public office politics in 1934 to his post-retirement years in the 1970s, Canada's 'father of Medicare' stayed true to his socialist beliefs – and in the process earned himself the respect of millions of Canadians including many of his political opponents.

Vision, eloquence, wit and a passionate commitment to social causes made Tommy Douglas an unstoppable force. Now, more than ever, this story will inspire generations of Canadians to preserve his precious legacy.

On March 12th and 13th encourage your friends, neighbours and colleagues to watch. A strong audience sends a strong message – the work of Tommy Douglas cannot be forgotten.

For more information go to www.tommydouglas.tv

Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story will also be available on DVD 6-8 weeks following the broadcast. The 2-disc set has a suggested retail price of $29.98 and is available online at www.cbcshop.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-995-7711.