2003 in B.C. represents a critical year and potential turning point in labour relations with both Westfair Foods and the union. Collective agreements for all three major food store chains in BC are up (Overwaitea/ Save-On, Safeway and Real Canadian Superstore). If ever there was a time in a persons life when they can make a difference for both themselves and their family’s fortunes and that of their co-workers, NOW IS THE TIME. Everyone needs to do whatever they can to organize their co-workers and to open the lines of communication with others employed in the grocery trade in B.C.

If labour history tells us anything, it’s that workers who are organized and aware of the FACTS will succeed in gaining the greatest concessions from their employers. Unfortunately, most people’s recent experiences with the UFCW has led them to believe that regardless of their participation, the outcome of collective bargaining will be in the company’s favour. In fact, what has happened has been a lack of organization from union locals has led to minimal participation from union members. In these situations, unions have granted concessions to companies leading to our present situation of diminishing earning power and weakened seniority. This situation must end and grocery trade workers must organize amongst themselves to protect their interests and not necessarily those of the union.

On Tuesday, January 21 two meetings will take place at the Marpole Curling Club (8730 Heather st.) to update workers on the negotiations. Meetings will start at 12 noon and the second at 7:30 PM. It is being organized by your Warehouse Organizing Committee a non-UFCW entity composed of your fellow workers. If you care about your job and your future attend one of the meetings.

UFCW Local 247president Gib Whitlock has indicated that he will allow half of the warehouse members of the negotiating and advisory committee to be elected as "at-large" members but will retain the right to veto any worker elected who he deems counter-productive to the negotiations, have a hidden agenda or an anti-union bias. A decision will be made by the end of the month on the process. Getting representatives from as many departments and shifts as possible will be a priority he said.

A 1-2 day Proposals Conference to finalize proposals for the new collective agreement will be held in February with up to 5 warehouse workers attending. Mr. Whitlock also indicated a willingness to have up to 6 worker representatives in attendance for days when negotiations would deal specifically with ware- house issues. The advisory committee he said would be composed of around ten members and would be updated on the negotiations from time to time.

Good question. In order for the company to take us seriously in negotiations we must be prepared for possible job action. The time to start planning is now. Here’s some suggestions:

• Delay making any major purchases until negotiations are resolved.
• Save as much as you can. Union picket pay will only cover the bare essentials.
• Update your resume and be prepared to seek temporary employment.
• Make arrangements with creditors to reduce payments in the event of a strike or lockout.
• Look for price savings on non-perishable food items and stock-up.
• Get together with your co-workers to provide child-care and better savings on food.

Negotiations for a new collective agreement between 8,000 UFCW Local 1518 members and Overwaitea/ Save-On-Foods (OFG) began on October 29 & 30. The company was presented with the union bargaining committees proposals and OFG stated that they would not be asking for any concessions in wages and benefits from union members. The current agreement expires March 31.

Between December 10-12 the two sides met again with the company tabling it’s non-monetary proposals to the union’s bargaining committee. Proposals centered around the company’s desire to gain more ‘flexibility’ in certain job descriptions and schedules. Clearly the company is concerned about the amount of flexibility Westfair (Westfair) has in moving it’s employees around and considers this to be a prime issue in terms of being competitive with Westfair. This issue may not be resolved until we settle.

In an article posted on the UFCW 1518 website, the union said it expected to have to strike or be locked-out in order to resist concessions. They also say that any concessions given by Safeway workers will affect Save-On/ Overwaitea employees as well because both companies want a level playing field when it comes to wages and benefits. In Save-On negotiations it seems that wage & benefit concessions are unlikely yet the union continues to tell it’s employees to expect a strike or lock-out. If both companies are quite profitable, where is the union push to make gains in wages and benefits? They seem to be reducing the expectations of their members even before negotiations have begun. Stay tuned….

The union office was closed during the Christmas season from December 23 to January 1, a total of eight working days. By comparison UFCW Local 1400 in Saskatchewan was closed only on statutory holidays December 25 & 26 and January 1. While our union office was closed how many workers were suspended with no one to turn to? Why should we pay union dues during these two weeks? Currently, grievances are being resolved from over six months ago and Mike Palacek has still not gone to a promised arbitration four months after being fired.

Twenty four warehouse workers attended a general meeting of UFCW Local 247 at the Delta Airport Inn on December 9. Among the topics discussed were:

• Presentation of the petition for an elected negotiating committee signed by 160 workers.
• Overwaitea Foods and UFCW Local 1518 have begun negotiating a new collective agreement for Save-on Foods and Overwaitea. No concessions have been asked for by the company yet which is a hopeful sign. Their contract expires on March 31, 2003.
• A shop stewards course is to be held in January for ten new shop stewards.
• Forty two warehouse employees have completed the safety course with more to come in January.
• Western Waffles, a company owned by Premier Gordon Campbell’s brother Michael, joined UFCW Local 247 in December. The 150 workers received a 27% wage increase.
• Changes to the WCB Act took effect October 23 primarily for appeals of WCB claims. Workers with claims appeals prior to October 23, 2002 are given the option of using either the old appeals system or the new one. UFCW business agent Charles Pratt advised to stick with the old system.
• A new Extra Foods store in Dawson Creek joined UFCW 247 in November.