Members at Loblaw-banner stores vote to join the National Defense Fund
July 4, 2014
At meetings held throughout June, the members of Locals 175 & 633 working at Great Food, RCSS, Zehrs Conventional, and Fortinos stores across the province voted by a strong majority in favour of joining the National Defense Fund (NDF).
The NDF is a strike fund which members from individual bargaining units can join. For small weekly contributions, NDF plan members who go on strike or who are locked out by their employer, receive additional strike pay on top of what is already provided through the Local Union. Other support provided includes training, signs, and other picket line necessities.
Previous to this vote, Locals 175 & 633 had more than 7,000 members participating in the NDF already. This brings the total level of participation for the Local Union to approximately 20,000.
“I’m happy to see that so many members understand the importance of this next round of bargaining,” said Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty.
“They are prepared to take a strong stance and now they have the financial support to help them through a strike if need be.”
The votes took place at regular quarterly and additional membership meetings across the province. Full-time workers will be contributing $1 per week, and part-time workers will contribute 50 cents per week, toward the fund. This means these workers receive an additional $100 per week and $50 per week, respectively, should a strike take place. Plan participation, except for workers at Fortinos, will commence immediately. Members at Fortinos, whose current contract does not expire until July 2016, will begin their plan contributions next July as the NDF requires plan members to begin contributions one-year prior to the expiry of their current CBA.
If you have questions or concerns about your participation in the National Defense Fund, please speak to your Union Representative. You can also visit the UFCW Canada website for the history and more information on the National Defense Fund.