Dresden Industrial - Stratford

Effective January 15, 2005 (unless otherwise indicated), the following monetary improvements will occur as a result of your collective agreement:

• Wages increase by 75 cents per hour.

• Workers scheduled on second shift receive an hourly premium of 60 cents.

• Pension contributions increase to 80 cents per hour.

• Dental contributions increase to 30 cents per hour, up from 25 cents.

Effective January 2, 2005 (unless otherwise indicated), the following monetary improvement will occur as a result of your collective agreement:

• Wages increase by 2.5 per cent across-the-board.

Effective January 22, 2005 (unless otherwise indicated), the following monetary improvements will occur as a result of your collective agreement:

• All classifications receive a wage increase of 25 cents per hour.

• Bereavement leave entitlement now includes five days off with pay for immediate family, a designation that also now includes stepchildren.

Effective January 1, 2005 (unless otherwise indicated), the following monetary improvements will occur as a result of your collective agreement:

• Wages increase by 70 cents per hour.

• Those with more than five years service receive $21 per hour toward their pension plan.

More than 200 stewards, including 65 “first-timers,” attended the Locals 175 & 633 South West Region’s annual steward’s conference.

At the conference, stewards attended 10 hours of training to better prepare them to assist co-workers. Subjects included core courses on Stewardship, Health & Safety, Collective Bargaining and Arbitration, as well as newer courses such as Action Team Training.

The conference raised $8,150 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). The money was generated primarily through selling tickets for a draw of donated prizes including a 20-inch super flat screen TV and numerous other electronic items such as home entertainment systems and DVD players as well as clothing, cash and gift cards.

The employer denied any obligation to contribute for members covered by a spousal plan. It contended that the purpose of these contributions was to fund benefits and concluded that it was not required to contribute for members who do not require the benefits.

The arbitrator, however, agreed with the union and required the employer to make contributions for these three members, both in future and retroactively over the period sought in the Union’s grievance.

This is an important win for members, ensuring they maintain benefits through both their own plan and that of their spouse. Also, having coverage in two plans may result in greater benefit reimbursement for these members, as one plan may cover what the other does not, due to differences in listed services, deductible amounts or annual limits.

The UFCW is providing monetary funds to aid those affected by the devastating Tsunami in South Asia. We encourage everyone to get involved - please donate what you can. The UFCW Humanitarian Fund and UFCW Canadian Council are donating $25,000 each, for a total of $50,000 to Doctors Without Borders.

The UFCW Ontario Provincial Council will contribute $5,000 and Local 175 will also donate $5,000 pending Executive Board approval.

Your donations are also urgently needed by the Red Cross. Donations for either the Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders can be made online, on the phone, by cheque or in person.

If you would like help in organizing a fundraiser in your workplace or community, please contact your Union Rep by phone or you can also e-mail us at membership@ufcw175.com.

UFCW Canada and its affiliate local unions pledge to raise a further minimum of $100,000 to help those in need.

Our thoughts are with those who lost family and friends.