If you have any concerns about on-going issues in the workplace related to the administration of your current collective agreement but not related to negotiations, please contact J.P. Petit at (204) 786-5055.

We have requested their earliest available dates to meet, but have not heard back yet.  On January 30, the union committee met to review the bargaining process, our proposals, and essential services. The union’s bargaining committee is:  Blair Hudson, Sally Huculak, Margaret Cockle, Russ Sanders, Debbie Brandt (BCHRC), Patty Pasichynk (Northern Spirit Manor), Pia Morales (Lynn Lake), and Curtis Reykdal (Leaf Rapids).

We are hoping to have bargaining dates set in the near future.  We are also meeting regularly with the other support unions in the other RHA’s; their contracts also expire on March 31^st.  Once bargaining commences, we will send you a further update.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact UFCW Local 832 negotiator, Michelle Masserey at 1-888-832-9832 or michelle.masserey@ufcw832.com

Following a presentation on all of the proposed language and monetary changes to your collective agreement and after your questions have been answered, you will be asked to vote by secret ballot. Donna and Josiah from the bargaining committee, have been asked to keep the details of the settlement confidential until we are all together and everyone can see the offer at the same time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact UFCW local 832 negotiator, Michelle Masserey at 1-888-832-9832 or michelle.masserey@ufcw832.com

Canada’s largest private-sector union, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCWCanada), announced today that the UFCWCanada National Council has voted to endorse Thomas Mulcair for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of Canada.

“UFCW Canada members across the country are impressed by the strong field of candidates who are all fully committed to creating a better, fairer Canada, and we are all inspired by their sincere desire to create a government that works for working people,” says UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley.

“UFCW Canada is especially inspired by Thomas Mulcair, who is the best candidate to build upon the NDP’s historic success in the last federal election, and the best candidate to immediately represent the interests of UFCWCanada members and all working families,” adds the national leader of Canada’s largest private-sector union.

“The UFCW Canada leadership recognizes union activists who are currently dedicating their time and energy to other dynamic NDPleadership candidates, but we are calling on all member-activists to speak with one voice by supporting Thomas as the best person to create the kind of Canada that working families want and need.”

UFCW Canada is a progressive and inclusive organization dedicated to workers’ rights and a better future for members, families and the community. UFCW Canada is Canada’s largest private-sector union with over 250,000 members from coast-to-coast working in your neighbourhood in the service sector, retail, hospitality, healthcare, financial services and manufacturing, and in every sector of the food industry from field to table.

• The good, the bad and the ugly at Granny’s Poultry.
• Time to target the competition.
• UFCW Canada signs co-operation agreement with Mexican State on migrant workers rights.
• UFCW dental coverage for 832 members.
• 2011 Scholarship winners.
• Two Westfair members receive $8,000.
• First contract ratified at Geri-Aid.
• Income tax service ready to go February 9.

February / March Magazine

The health and safety committee regularly tried to investigate the problem, but managementrefused to co-operate. After the company continually denied the complaints, the union hired an occupational hygienist to investigate the issues and, along with reports of studies of poultry plants in the United States on similar issues, a complaint was made to the Provincial Health and Safety Division. After visiting the plant, the division agreed with the union’s findings and issued an improvement order.

“This company has shown complete and total disregard to the health of our members. Granny’s Poultry and its board of directors should be ashamed of how they treat its workers. They know that the exposure of chloramines is causing respiratory issues and refusing to make the necessary changes at their plant demonstrates their disregard for their workers safety,” stated Traeger.While the company drags out the appeal process, the union is confident that once the Workplace Safety and Health Division hears how the company refuses to make the necessary changes, that the long awaited improvements will be done.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 832, the largest private sector union in Manitoba, has an opening for a full-time union representative. The primary role for this position is providing exceptional service to our union members working in various workplaces. This includes contract interpretation, grievance handling and frequent workplace visits.  We have a fast paced environment that requires good time management skills and the ability to handle competing priorities. A demonstrated commitment to the trade union movement and its principals are essential. The applicant will be able to provide effective representation to large number of union members from diverse backgrounds working in a variety of sectors across the province.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Workplace visits and member contact.
• Contract interpretation and grievance handling.
• Assisting in negotiations for new collective agreements.
• Assisting in organizing of new members.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of  two years demonstrated previous experience in labour relations duties or as an active shop steward.
• Knowledge of collective agreement interpretation and provincial labour legislation.
• Motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision but also function effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and time management skills.
• Proficient in computer use.
• Travel is a requirement and a driver’s license is a necessity.

This position is covered under a collective agreement with competitive pay and benefits.

To apply please send a cover letter and resume by January 21, 2012 to

Beatrice Bruske
Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 832
1412 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3G 0V5

or by e-mail
bea.bruske@ufcw832.com