We wanted to provide you with an update on a newly established program for Local 1000A members working at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore.
Last year, your bargaining committee negotiated a Relationship Building Program with the company. The program now forms part of your collective agreement and is facilitated by experienced facilitators from the Ontario Ministry of Labour (Disputes Resolution Branch). The purpose of the program is for the company, the union and our members to listen to each other’s concerns and issues with a view to improve things including communication and relationships.
I am pleased to report that the first set of regional sessions, which took place in January for our Ottawa and area stores, were a success. Members from each store were appointed from member volunteers to participate in the program.
I am proud to report that members who participated in these sessions did an outstanding job of highlighting their and their co-workers' concerns regarding operational and other issues in their store with senior company representatives and store level management.
While it is still early, some members reported that they are starting to see some positive changes since the first meeting.
Meetings of your union, our members and company representatives will take place at store-level to build on what was accomplished in the two days of sessions covering the eastern Ontario stores. As with the earlier sessions, our member’s participation and engagement will be critical to the program’s success.
A follow-up meeting will take place in September to evaluate the progress of the program in Ottawa and area stores. I thank the Ottawa and area membership for their leadership and commitment to dialogue and raising the issues to make their workplace better.
Our next regional sessions will take place in Toronto East on April 21 and May 9. It will include stores from Kingston to Toronto East (1001, 1010, 1019, 102, 1022, 1028, 1032, 1040, 1043, 1058, 1064, 1083, 1127, 1154, 1155, 1179, 1208, 2831, 2842).
The Relationship Building Program has the potential to make your work life better through member participation.
Thank you, and remember, we are always stronger together!
Pearl Sawyer
President, UFCW Canada Local 1000A
