UFCW Twenty Four Seven - Ongoing Negotiations

Ongoing Negotiations

May 07, 2010

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

RCSS/ Western Grocers/ Corporate Extra Foods

It has been since late September of 2009 that we have been at the bargaining table with Loblaws for a new agreement for our RCSS/Western Grocers and Corporate Extra Foods members. We recently mailed out a four page update to let members know what has been happening and what to expect. In the document we also give members information on the status of the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) as well as general information on Pension Plans, how they work, and why this issue is so important.

The newsletter was mailed out at the beginning of May and members may also view a copy by clicking here- UFCW_04_10_Newsletter.pdf

Okanagan Tree Fruit

The final session of mediation with the Employer took place on April 28 with the assistance of Mediator Mark Atkinson. Although the parties did manage to resolve a number of items, there were some issues where an agreement could not be reached. Mr. Atkinson has asked the Union and the Employer to submit written positions on these matters so that he may make a final and binding judgment.

Once this has been completed, he will issue an award which at that point will be a new collective agreement for Local 247 members. Once we have received the award, we will make copies available to all members and create a link to the document on the ufcw247.com website. We realize this has been a long and frustrating process and we thank you for your support and patience.

New Agreement for Centennial Foods

UFCW Local 247 members employed at Centennial Foods ratified a new 5 year collective agreement on Saturday April 10th. The new deal was accepted by 71% of members and contains improvements in bereavement, benefits, job posting language, yearly increases and contributions to the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund.

Okanagan Tree Fruit

The Union and the Company met on April 9th with the assistance of Mediator Mark Atkinson. It was hoped that we would be able to resolve all the outstanding issues but at the end of the day we were still having discussions and it was apparent we would not reach a final settlement. As the two sides were making progress, Mediator Atkinson has requested that we meet one more day, on April 28th, to allow the opportunity to deal with all issues at the table and avoid forwarding matters to him for a binding decision. Some of the matters still outstanding revolve around training and layoff and recall language.

We certainly recognize that this has been a long and frustrating process for the members and we hope to be able to have a full and final resolution at the end of the April 28th meeting.

Western Waffle

A meeting with the bargaining committee to review the proposal package will take place on April 12th with the first two days of negotiations beginning April 13th.

Centennial Meats

A tentative agreement with Centennial Foods was reached early April 7th. A ratification meeting has been scheduled for April 10, at 11 am at the Richmond Sheraton Hotel, formerly the Best Western Richmond Inn.

Okanagan Tree Fruit

The final session with mediator Mark Atkinson is scheduled to take place on April 9th. Many of the major issues have been resolved with final presentations on all the outstanding issues taking place.