• Local wins eight year battle for Superstore member.
• President Traeger continues to meet members across the province.
• HyLife Foods pushes for 12-hour shifts.
• Local worries about federal changes to settlement program.
• New shop stewards for local 832.

May 2012 Magazine

Both sides were able to reach agreement on several non-monetary items, but the major monetary items remain outstanding. On May 14 and 15, talks will resume and the employer will be presenting the union with a full package including a monetary offer.

The union will send a further update after May 15. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact UFCW Local 832 negotiator, Michelle Masserey at 786-5055.

DATE:             THURSDAY, MAY 3^RD, 2012
TIME:             5:00 PM
PLACE:          UFCW BOARDROOM, 1412 PORTAGE AVENUE

After all the proposed changes to the agreement are reviewed, and your questions have been answered, you will be asked to vote by secret ballot on the new agreement. Please note that Ann, Laura, and Brianna have been asked to keep the details of the final settlement confidential until the meeting, where everyone can hear them at the same time. You must be present to vote (no proxy voting).

Please make every effort to attend.  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.

You can share you’re views about Sunday shopping by clicking here.

You have until May 11, 2012.

In the meantime, we will be commencing full bargaining on July 17, 18 & 19. The employer will bring Extendicare negotiators in from Calgary. Your contract expired March 31, but remains in place until a new one is negotiated, or a strike or lockout occurs. The union will be proposing full retroactive pay.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UFCW Local 832 negotiator, Michelle Masserey at 786-5055 or michelle.masserey@ufcw832.com.

UFCW Local 832 President Jeff Traeger is concerned that announced changes by the federal conservative government on taking back control of settlement services, could erode the social and economic gains made over the last decade in Brandon and Neepawa.

“The diversity of our union has changed dramatically over the last number of years because of this successful program. With this success, companies like Maple Leaf and HyLife Foods have invested millions of dollars and created thousands of jobs here in Manitoba. Our provincial government helped play a vital role to ensure this,” stated Traeger.

UFCW Local 832 and UFCW Canada have been leaders in fighting for the rights of immigrant and migrant workers, not only in Manitoba but across the country. UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley was disappointed by the federal governments proposed changes. “Manitoba has set the standard in Canada of how a province should embrace its immigrant workforce. The proof is shown in how many immigrants stay and make Manitoba their new home. The federal government should not dismantle a program that has been so in successful in strengthening our communities and the future of all Canadians,” said Hanley.

UFCW Local 832 has worked diligently over the years increasing its English as an additional language courses for its members. Along with building a state-of-the-art training centre in Brandon and opening up a training centre in Neepawa to meet the needs of new members who are working in Brandon and Neepawa.

UFCW Local 832 President Jeff Traeger was shocked this morning when he heard Manitoba Finance Minister Stan Struthers discuss proposed changes to Sunday shopping hours on the radio.
“I’m disappointed that our government has made this issue part of the Spring provincial budget with no consultation with our union,” stated Traeger.

UFCW Local 832 represents over 7,500 retail workers at Safeway, Loblaws, Sobeys, IGA and Federated Co-op stores in the North. Thankfully, these members all have collective agreements that protect them on Sunday shopping hours, ensuring that it is voluntary, and if they do work, they are paid a premium.

“I appreciate the desire for the public to want round-the-clock shopping, those who want it are usually not the ones who have to work it.” Traeger is concerned that Manitobans not protected by a union collective agreement will be forced to work on Sundays.

“I look forward to being at the table with government and business to let them know first-hand the adverse effects a few extra hours will cause working Manitobans,” stated Traeger.

Workshop

After two full days of bargaining on April 2 and 3, all outstanding issues were resolved with your employer. We now have a tentative agreement that the committee is recommending, and we have scheduled a membership meeting and vote as follows:

Thursday April 26^th, 2012
Time: 4:00 pm
Place: Chicken Chef

Residential Services

On March 29, all outstanding issues were resolved with your employer. We now have a tentative agreement that the committee is recommending, and we have scheduled a membership meeting and vote as follows:
Thursday April 26^th, 2012
Time: 1:00 pm
Place:  Chicken Chef

Please make every effort to attend.  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

Ratification Vote

Date:  Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Time:  7:20 am, 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm (please attend one)
Location:  Canad Inns Destination Centre Club Regent Casino Hotel – 1415 Regent Avenue West
Room: Ambassador G

At the meeting a summary of negotiations and the details of the settlement which is being unanimously recommended by the negotiating committee, will be reviewed with you. It is important you attend this meeting to hear the full details before voting.  Should you have any questions or concerns please call UFCW Local 832 negotiator, Heather Dezan at (204) 786-5055.