Local 1000A members working at Loblaws Great Food and Real Canadian Superstore have voted to join the National Defence Fund (NDF). Polls were held across Ontario from June 15-26.
“By voting to join the NDF, members have sent a strong and clear message to their employer,” said Pearl Sawyer, Local 1000A President. “They are serious about bargaining, prepared for a labour dispute and ready to fight for a fair contract.”
Members had been informed about the option to become part of the NDF through tele-phone townhalls, notices posted and distributed throughout the stores and mailed to their homes, ufcw1000a.ca, through Connections magazine and at union membership meetings held across the province. Members’ enrollment in the fund is effective July 1, 2014.
The National Defence Fund is essentially a strike fund that individual bargaining units can vote to join and benefit from. It provides members, who are part of the NDF, with support when they need it most. It strengthens members’ position during bargaining in an effort to prevent strikes and lockouts.NDF picket pay benefits are in addition to the International and Canadian Council picket pay which would provide $160/ week for full-time and $100/ week for part-time workers upon qualifying for and completion of picket duties, and are paid in accordance with the International and Canadian Council picket pay programs.
As a result of these detailed presentations and discussions the members working at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore voted in favour of the $2/ week contribution level for full-time, and $1/ week for part-time. This translates to an additional picket pay benefit per week of $200 for full-time and $100 for part-time upon qualifying for and completion of picket duties, and are paid in accordance with the NDF picket pay program, which mirrors and is consistent with the International and Canadian Council programs.
Additional details regarding the NDF are available through your union representative.
The NDF is just one of the many ways Local 1000A members are preparing for 2015. Thanks to all the members who came out to vote and made their voice heard.
Stay tuned to your union bulletin board and ufcw1000a.ca for updates throughout the bargaining process.
