Franca Scalzo knows first-hand the difference the union can make.
As a cashier who first suffered from carpal tunnel and later, as a Customer Service Representative who experienced shoulder problems due to work, Scalzo saw how hard UFCW Canada Local 1000A fought over the years to ensure that her rights were protected and she was treated fairly by her employer.
Today, thanks to the union’s efforts, Scalza is working happily as a Customer Service Representative at the Thunder Bay Real Canadian Superstore with a guaranteed minimum of hours per week. Her lost wages and benefits-- the results of her shoulder problems-- have been recovered.
“Unless you have union representation, you are not going to get anywhere,” Scalzo said. “Without the union, I would have had to get my own legal representation and pay out of my pocket and I don’t think I would have had any success with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).”
Members with WSIB related inquiries can contact Martha Villeda, Local 1000A's Workers' Compensation Advocate.