Fortinos, Loblaws, Zehrs & RCSS Negotiations

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2008
Feb 05: Notice to all Zehrs Members
2007
Aug 03: Attention all Bargaining Unit Members of Zehrmart Inc.
Jun 07: NOTICE to all members at ZEHRS SUPERMARKETS
2006
Oct 23: Memorandum of settlements available in PDF format
Oct 16: Zehrs, RCSS & Fortinos workers at Locals 175 & 633 ratify
Oct 06: UFCW Canada and Loblaw Companies reach a tentative agreement
Oct 04: Loblaw and union continue round-the-clock negotiations
Sep 29: Attention Fortinos workers - meeting postponed
Aug 15: Full negotiations resume in September
Jul  24: UFCW-Loblaw conciliation meeting set for August 9, 2006
Ju l 05: Letter from President Hanley and FAQ
Jun 06: June 5-9 negotiations to be rescheduled
Apr 21: Latest negotiations bring no settelment more talks scheduled
2005
Dec 09: Update on negotiations held in November 2005
Aug 19: Progress in Loblaws negotiations; talks to resume
Aug 04: Negotiations will resume
Jul   18: Mediation dates set
Jul   15: National strategy established among Union leaders
Jul   07: More on UFCW/Loblaws mediation
Jul   07: OLRB directs mediation to continue in Zehrs closure            
Jul   07: Letter from the President - Zehrs stores closing
Jun  17: Loblaws/Zehrs/RCSS/Fortinos Company offer information
Jun  02: Membership meetings for Loblaws/RCSS/Zehrs/Fortinos   May 01: Loblaws/Zehrs/Fortinos Early Negotiation Dates Confirmed

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NOTICE TO ALL ZEHRS MEMBERS

In the spirit of keeping each of you fully informed, the Union wishes to advise the following:

On Wednesday, January 30th, 2008, Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee met with your Employer.

At the above mentioned meeting, the Union was put on notice as to the Employer’s intention to convert the following stores.

As of this point in time, the Employer’s intentions are as follows:

1.  Parkway     (Zehrs #29)	To be converted to a Real Canadian Super Store (RCSS)
2.  Dougall     (Zehrs #71)	To be converted to a Real Canadian Super Store (RCSS)
The expected date of conversion reported by the Company is mid to late August 2008, for the above two (2) mentioned locations (numbers 1 and 2).
3.  St. Clair Beach     (Zehrs #73)	To be converted to a Great Canadian Food Store
4.  Malden Road     (Zehrs #21)	To be converted to a Great Canadian Food Store
The expected date of conversion reported by the Company is late September to mid-October 2008, for the above mentioned locations (numbers 3 & 4).

The one (1) other store location slated for conversion is reported by the Company to be a UFCW Local 1977 unit in Stratford, Ontario.

These five (5) store locations mentioned above would be the full compliment of store conversions allowed under the current Collective Agreement in the year 2008.

Any questions you may have will be fully addressed at future meetings with the Company and your Union.

Yours in Solidarity

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Posted August 3, 2007
To All Bargaining Unit Members of Zehrmart Inc.

RE: Store Conversions

The Union has followed up with the company on rumors about store conversions circulating throughout the stores.

As of today, the Union has been advised by the company that they have put conversions for the Windsor area on hold.

Sarnia is still scheduled to convert to an RCSS. The Union will advise the members of the dates for that store conversion as soon as we are made aware.

We will keep you informed as events unfold.

In solidarity,
Wayne Hanley – President, Local 175

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Posted June 7, 2007
Notice to all Locals 175 & 633 members of Zehrs Supermarkets

The Union recently received a letter from the company dated May 14, 2007. A similar letter was sent to UFCW Local 1977 and Local 1000A.

The letter indicates 12 stores are scheduled for conversion in 2007. The breakdown of the stores is as follows: Six (6) Zehrs Local 175 & 633, six (6) Loblaws Local 1000A.

As part of this letter two (2) additional stores are scheduled for conversion in the first quarter of 2008 (corrected since original posting), one (1) Zehrs Local 1977 and one (1) Loblaws Local 1000A.

A subsequent meeting was held with the company on May 28, 2007, to advise them that the letter received on May 14, 2007, was in violation of the Collective Agreement, in the numbers of stores proposed for conversion and in meeting the criteria outlined in the Collective Agreement.

A letter with a formal objection to the May 14, 2007, letter has been sent to the company. UFCW Locals 1977 and 1000A will also be forwarding the company letters objecting to their position.

For your information, the six (6) Zehrs stores named for Local 175 are:

Malden Road St. Clair Beach Kingsville

Sarnia Dougal Parkway

We will continue to keep you informed as this situation develops.

In Solidarity,

Wayne Hanley – President, Local 175

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PDF versions of the settlements ratified by members at Zehrs, RCSS, Fortinos and Loblaws are available for download. You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader - click here for the free download.

Please note these files are NOT the new agreement in its entirety but rather the changes made to the previous agreements. For full details or to compare to the previous agreement please contact your Union Rep.

Fortinos (884 kb)
Zehrs/RCSS (2.63 mb)
Loblaws (2.26 mb)

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October 16, 2006
Zehrs, RCSS and Fortinos workers at Locals 175 & 633 ratify

Mississauga, ON -- Locals 175 & 633 UFCW members working at Fortinos across the province as well as Zehrs and Real Canadian Superstores (RCSS) members in Essex, Lambton and Kent counties, have ratified the agreement reached last Friday between the union and company.

“We’re pleased that so many members turned out to vote and that the majority accepted the terms of the contract as negotiated by their committees,” says National Director and Local 175 President Wayne Hanley.

Members of UFCW Local 175 at Loblaws in the Ottawa area, as well as union members at UFCW Locals 1000A and 1977, also ratified the new contract at meetings held over the weekend.

The contracts for all these workplaces have now been ratified and will go into effect immediately. The exception is Fortinos stores which requires approval of the Ontario Labour Relations Board for the early termination of their agreement, currently scheduled to expire in the fall of 2007.

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October 6, 2006

UFCW Canada and Loblaw Companies
reach a tentative agreement

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 in regards to a tentative agreement reached today between UFCW Canada and Loblaw Companies Limited regarding Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos locations in Ontario:

“After weeks of difficult and complex negotiations and round-the-clock bargaining UFCW Canada and Loblaws Companies Limited have been able to reach a tentative agreement.”

“This is a good collective agreement for our members reflecting all the dynamics that have been involved in these negotiations. While our members at Fortinos are currently covered under a contract not set to expire until 2007, a tentative agreement for those members has also been achieved in this set of negotiations.”

“We will not be discussing the details of the tentative agreements until our UFCW Canada members at Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos locations across Ontario have an opportunity to review those agreements and vote on them.”

“Ratification meetings are in the process of being scheduled over the coming days.”

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October 4, 2006

Loblaw and union continue round-the-clock negotiations

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 on the status of negotiations with Loblaw Companies Ltd. regarding Loblaws, Zehrs and Real Canadian Superstore locations in Ontario:

"Round the clock negotiations continue. We expect to come out with a memorandum of agreement, or failing that, a final offer from the employer that in all likelihood our negotiating committee would not recommend.

While we have received an overwhelming strike mandate from our members and are in a legal strike position as of October 6th we have not set a strike deadline at this point.

If there is a memorandum, or final offer, it will be presented to our members before the commencement of strike.

The only way a strike might start earlier is if either of the negotiating parties should walk away from the table."

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ATTENTION ALL FORTINOS WORKERS

Your meeting scheduled for this Sunday, October 1, 2006 - has been postponed. The Loblaws & Zehrs negotiating committees will be conducting a strike vote with their affected memberships.

All negotiating committees are still in negotiations with the Company, which we expect to continue through the weekend. The Union will advise the Fortinos membership of any further developments once they become available, including any meetings that will occur in the future. If you have questions, please contact your Union Rep.

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Full negotiations resume in September

Wednesday, August 9, senior officials from the company and from UFCW Locals 1977, 175 and 1000A met with a Conciliation Officer from the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The purpose of the meeting was to get the negotiations back on track ad to put the union in a position to request a "No Board Report" should that be necessary.

We made progress. The bargaining committees of the union and the company will resume full negotiations in the last week of September (25-28). We Will make very effort to work out a settlement that is acceptable to all three UFCW local unions that represent Loblaw Companies Ltd workers at the following banners: Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstores, Loblaws and Fortinos.

Under the 2005 UFCW Solidarity Pact, the local union presidents agreed to negotiate as one. Our respective collective agreements, however, will continue to be separate.

Monday, August 14, the full bargaining committees of all three locals and all banners met to discuss and finalize a strategy for the September talks.

Following the September talks, watch your store's bulletin board for notice of the time and location of meetings that will begin on Sunday, October 1. At these meetings we will be voting. If we are able to reach a settlement with the company, it will be a ratification vote. If we have not reached a settlement, it will be a strike mandate vote. In either case, it is vitally important that every member attend and be part of the decision.

To be among the first to get the news, check back here for updates.

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UFCW-Loblaw conciliation meeting set for August 9, 2006

Posted on July 24, 2006

The Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Conciliation Officer assigned to the UFCW-Loblaw negotiations has called a meeting of the senior union and company officials for Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

The purpose of this meeting is to update the Conciliation Officer on the progress of negotiations to date and for the local unions with expired collective agreements to be in a position to request a No Board Report. Once a plan on how to approach negotiations has been agreed to by both sides, firm dates for full scale negotiations will be set and talks will proceed.

A follow up meeting for the union negotiating committees for the three local unions has been scheduled for August 14, 2006.

Stay informed! Look for updates here – www.ufcw175.com – on your workplace union bulletin board and through mail-outs. Should you have any questions, please contact your Union Rep or call the head office at 1-800-565-8329.

In Solidarity,

Wayne Hanley
President
Local 175 UFCW Canada

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Early negotiations to resume in 2006

December 09, 2005

The negotiating committee for Fortinos, Loblaws, RCSS & Zehrs made some progress at the three days of bargaining held in Niagara Falls in late November. The union, company and mediators have agreed to meet again in early in the new year.

"I am encouraged by the progress made by our negotiating committees in the latest round of bargaining, " says Local 175 President Wayne Hanley. "Since our members are still guaranteed no wage or benefit concessions and no strike or lockouts as talks continue, it's in the best interests of the membership to meet again and see what the company can do to meet our needs."

Reminders:

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Some progress made in UFCW/Loblaws negotiations; Talks to resume within 90 days

August 19, 2005

NIAGARA FALLS – Negotiations aimed at reaching an early renewal of collective agreements between Zehrs and other banners of Loblaws Companies Ltd. and UFCW Locals 1977, 1000A and 175 have adjourned for a “stand-down” period of no more than 90 days, on the advice of mediators Vic Pathe and David Joffe. The talks had been underway since Wednesday, August 17, and were scheduled to end today.

As of Friday noon, the mediators believed there was genuine desire on both sides to reach a settlement. Given the number and complexity of outstanding issues, however, they felt a workable settlement could not be achieved in the time remaining in this session of bargaining.

Some progress has been made but substantial issues remain unresolved. It is encouraging, however, that the employer is showing signs of understanding the importance of our fundamental issues. That is why we have accepted the advice of the mediators to continue talking.

During the last two years we have consistently shown our willingness to attempt to reach acceptable settlements with Loblaws' management over the company's restructuring issues. We will continue to do so but it must be understood that we represent our members' interests, not the interests of shareholders.

The multi-party talks for early renewal of collective agreements covering workers at Ontario Zehrs, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstores and Fortinos result from complaints by UFCW Local 1977 to the Ontario Labour Relations board following company announcements of intent to close the Zehrs Strathroy store and, later, four additional Zehrs stores.

UFCW Local 1977 was able to reach an agreement today to deal with the conversion of the Strathroy and Highland Hills Zehrs stores. Moreover, decisions on the Colborne, Simcoe and Welland Zehrs stores are deferred for not less than 90 days. In addition, the employer has agreed that there will be no further announcements of store closures in any of the banners before negotiations resume.

Joint negotiations involving all the Locals will resume within 90 days. We will be advising the membership once all parties have agreed to dates for our next session of bargaining.

If agreement is not reached, the current collective agreements remain in force until they expire in mid-2006.

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To all members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 at Fortinos, Loblaws, RCSS & Zehrs

August 4, 2005

After having met with the mediators and the company on August 2 and 3, 2005, at the mediator's recommendation the parties have agreed to resume negotiations on August 17, 18 and 19, 2005.

Although issues remain outstanding, it is hoped that these meetings with the full committees will help to facilitate a settlement.

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Mediation dates set

July 18, 2005

Following an earlier Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) decision, the leadership of the Local Unions representing 30,000 retail grocery workers, at Fortinos, Loblaws, RCSS and Zehrs stores across the province, will attend mediation on August 2 and 3, 2005 with the appointed mediators.

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National Strategy developed among Union leaders – Loblaws/Westfair Meeting

July 15, 2005

Local Unions from across the country, who represent members at all national grocers (including Loblaws, Zehrs, Fortinos, RCSS and Westfair), met on July 12, 2005, to discuss regional and national issues.

The Union representatives resolved to make a national strategy to deal with the issues facing retail grocery workers. The Local Unions also resolved to provide a common effort to improve communication between the Local Unions as well as the consumers and membership.

Information on this strategy will be further discussed at a planning meeting to be held on Augus 22, 2005.

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UFCW/Loblaw Mediation Update

July 7, 2005

Further to our communication of July 6, 2005 and the Ontario Labour Relations Board's decision of July 5, 2005, the Senior Mediation Officers appointed to assist with the UFCW/Loblaws mediation process are, Vic Pathe and David Joffe.

The mediators have advised the parties that they will convene separate meetings with the Company and the Union. July 19 has been scheduled for the Senior Union Officers to meet with the Mediators. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the mediators with an overview and the history on the recently concluded negotiations with the Company.

No negotiation dates have been scheduled - we will keep you up to date of any further developments.

In Solidarity,

Wayne Hanley
President
Local 175 UFCW Canada

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OLRB directs that mediation continue for Zehrs, Loblaws, RCSS and Fortinos negotiations

July 6, 2005

Re: UFCW/Loblaw mediation directed by OLRB

The Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, Kevin Whitaker, yesterday directed senior union and company officials to attempt a mediated solution to the issues arising out of recent store closure announcements by Loblaw Companies Limited-owned Zehrs Markets. 

The direction came out of an all-party consultation called by the Chair the day before hearings were to begin into UFCW Local 1977 complaints of Unfair Labour Practices over five potential Zehrs store closings. Should mediation fail to resolve the issues, hearings on Local 1977’s complaints will begin in late August and continue into September.

Whitaker directed that the process involve “the most senior officers” of all parties to the recent unsuccessful negotiations for an early renewal of several Loblaw-related collective agreements. Besides company officials, this includes the senior officers of Locals 175 & 633, 1977 and 1000A. According to the direction, the three locals must “negotiate together, and ratify together, any resulting agreement.”

The entire text of the board order has been reproduced and is available in PDF format (Adobe Acrobat required) by clicking here.

We have always been willing to negotiate an acceptable settlement with this employer and we will approach this mediation process with the same attitude, we want fairness and security for our members.

Mediation will begin once the company and the union have agreed on a neutral third party or parties who are knowledgeable about the retail industry and available as soon as possible.

In Solidarity,

Wayne Hanley
President
Local 175 UFCW Canada

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A message from President Hanley
Re: Loblaws, Zehrs, RCSS & Fortinos

July 4, 2005

Dear members:

Loblaws Co. has announced five Zehrs locations, including Strathroy are either closing or converting to NO FRILLS within the next two to six months. All these locations are represented by Local 1977.

We question the Company’s motivation and ask ourselves, “Is this being done to get the Union back to the bargaining table?” We do not believe these scare tactics are necessary, as we have maintained from the beginning of this process that we are always prepared to sit down and bargain a fair Collective Agreement for our members.

We have always said that negotiation is a two-way process. Unfortunately, thus far, we don't believe the company feels the same.

As a result of the store closure announcements, UFCW Local 1977 has filed further charges at the Ontario Labour Relations Board. All three Local Unions continue to meet to discuss strategies, and keep one another informed. We think that a fair and equitable settlement is achievable if the Company is prepared to have meaningful Negotiating.

In Solidarity,

Wayne Hanley
President
Local 175 UFCW Canada

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Information on the Company Offer presented to the negotiating committees for Loblaws, RCSS, Zehrs & Fortinos Early Negotiations

The following offer was presented by the Company to the members of the Locals 175, 633, 1000A and 1977 negotiating committees. Your committees unanimously deemed this offer to be insufficient and turned it down.

This is for information purposes only and is the content of the offer that was missed by those members who could not attend an information meeting held last weekend.

Please note that this same offer was presented to each bargaining unit's committee. Also remember that your current collective agreement remains in full force until its expiry date in 2006.

Download the Offer in PDF format. You will require Adobe Acrobat.

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Negotiations Update for Locals 175 & 633 members at: Loblaws, RCSS, Zehrs and Fortinos

June 2, 2005

The Union Negotiating Committee, comprised of UFCW Locals 175, 633, 1000A and 1977 representatives, met in negotiations with the employer on:

May 9 - 13
May 15-20
May 29 - June 2, 2005

Your committee, which represents over 30,000 members, determined unanimously that the employer’s offer of settlement was not sufficient and would therefore not recommend the proposed settlement for ratification by the membership.

“The committees from each of the Local Unions worked very hard to reach an agreeable settlement,” says Local 175 President Wayne Hanley. “Each of your committee representatives should be commended for their dedication. Though a settlement wasn’t reached, their input and efforts are invaluable.”

Your committees have scheduled membership meetings at which your representatives will provide you with a detailed explanation of the negotiations. Similarly, Locals 1000A and 1977 will hold meetings for their membership as well.

Please attend your regional meeting and remember that your current collective agreement remains in effect until its expiry date. Locals 175 & 633 membership meetings dates are scheduled as follows:

Zehrs/RCSS members – Sunday, June 12, 2005

Sarnia	8 p.m.	Eurocan Hotel – Ballroom A
		1485 London Road
Chatham	4 p.m.	Wheels Inn - Coach Room
		615 Richmond Street
Windsor	8 p.m.	Knights of Columbus Hall
		1286 Lauzon Road

Loblaws members – Sunday, June 12, 2005

Ottawa	7 p.m.	Tudor Hall
		3750 Boweville Road

Fortinos members

Hamilton	June 13, 2005	Locals 175 & 633 Hamilton Office
	7 p.m.	412 Rennie Street

Rexdale	June 14, 2005	Woodbine Banquet & Convention Hall
	7 p.m.	30 Vice Regent Blvd. (Hwy. 27 & Rexdale Blvd.)

“The unity with which the Local Unions approached these negotiations and the unanimous decision that the employer’s offer was not sufficient, sends a strong message to the company – we will not accept an inadequate settlement for our members,” says Hanley.

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Early Negotiations
Loblaws, Zehrs & Fortinos

May 1, 2005

Dates for 2005 early negotiation meetings have been confirmed for:

May 9 - 13
May 15-20
May 29 - June 3

Your Locals 175 negotiating committee is comprised of:

Loblaws (175)	Lou Butler
	Madeleine Devereaux
	Vivian Dunse
	Bob Gagnon
Zehrs (175)	Robert Hamilton
	Denis Kendall
	Carolyn Levesque
	Mike Milkens
	Maureen Street
Zehrs (633)	Dave Balsam
	Pat Vanderprit
RCSS	Lisa Courtemanche
	Joe Fields
Fortinos	Paul Braga
	Pamela Clarke
	Mary McCabe
	Nancy Melcore
	Andre Morano
	Justin Pace
	Gabe Stanziani
Union Representatives	Sharon Gall - South Central Director
	Sylvia Groom – Union Representative
	Dan Lacroix - Eastern Director
	Teresa Magee - Executive Assistant
	Julie Marentette - Union Representative

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