Messages from your President & Secretary-Treasurer
President’s Message
Taking it to the picket line: Dramatic rise in number of work stoppages across Canada
Each year, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives put out its annual statistic on how quickly Canada’s top CEOs made what the average Canadian worker takes all year to make.
For 2024, those CEOs made $60,600 by 9:27 a.m. on January 2, and I suspect that next year’s statistic will be just as, if not more, upsetting. (Source)
In 2022, average pay for those top CEOs was $14.9 million. That’s 246 times the average workers’ pay in Canada.
Over this last year, more than 1,600 members of our Union at three workplaces have gone on strike because their fight for more – their fight for respect and dignity – was worth taking it to the picket lines. You can read more about the strikes at Mobile Climate Control and Maple Leaf Courtney Park on pages 6 and 7 of the 2024 year end edition of Checkout magazine.
And they’re not alone.
Across Canada, workers are fed up. Across all sectors and industries in the country, there were 176 work stoppages in 2022. In 2023, that number grew
to 778. As of October 2024, there have been 706 work stoppages nation-wide. (Source)
Corporate greed has erupted. And while that level of greed has always been distasteful, it feels particularly hard to swallow on the heels of a pandemic that, even today, isn’t really over. A pandemic that saw many working people like our Members continue to do their jobs despite enormous risks to their health.
Too many politicians prioritize the mighty corporate dollar over the survival of people. Real change must be made in the policies and legislation enacted by the candidates elected to represent us.
We see the results of this corporate greed in other ways, too. The money that working people do take home doesn’t go nearly far enough. As food banks report increasing numbers of visits from families and individuals, it is clear that our economic and social systems are in peril.
And it is the most vulnerable who pay the steepest price.
I am proud that our Executive Board continues to see the importance of providing funds to our province’s food banks and community support systems. Yet again this year, your Local Union will donate nearly $200,000 to 60 organizations across Ontario.
And while our Local Union is privileged to be in a position to give these donations, that money – and food banks themselves – should only need to be temporary solutions.
As we wrap up 2024, I want to thank all of you for your solidarity year after year. Your strength and support of each other and for this Union makes me so proud to be your President. I hope you all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and all the best of the New Year.
In Solidarity,
Kelly Tosato
president@ufcw175.com
Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
Health & Safety in the Workplace: A Priority for your Local Union and a responsibility of all
Workplace health and safety is a fundamental concern and focus of your Local Union. It is a broad topic that encompasses many different aspects of your working life.
Whether you’re driving a forklift, using machinery or tools, stocking shelves, dealing with customers, assisting patients and more – safety is the number one priority.
A poll by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, found that nearly half of workplace harm goes unreported around the world. In addition, the poll found that many workers have never received occupational health and safety training. (Source)
In Ontario, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) has a public tally of received and allowed claims in the province, which put the numbers so far this year (as of October 29, 2024) at 177,080 registered claims and 125, 265 allowed claims. (Source)
But many workers do not file a WSIB claim for their work-related injuries or illnesses, and many more injuries go entirely unreported each year.
Employers must have proper policies and procedures, and provide proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees.
Employees must recognize their own role in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, too. That includes bringing any hazards or concerns to the attention of your Health & Safety Rep, Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC), or Union Steward. Workers must also ensure they wear any and all PPE properly and report any injuries immediately.
Please make health and safety your first priority at work. Remain vigilant and ask questions if you are not sure about something or have concerns.
If you are injured at work or suspect that symptoms you experience may be related to work, report it and file a WSIB claim. If you have questions about WSIB Claims and Appeals, reach out to the Local Union Workers’ Compensation experts.
Your Union has a dedicated Health & Safety Department to assist your Representatives, Stewards, and H&S Reps/JHSC in establishing and maintaining good workplace health and safety. We are here to answer questions and help address any safety concerns that arise in your workplaces.
On page 20 of the 2024 year end issue of Checkout magazine, you can read about an important aspect of workplace health safety: violence and harassment. Resources related to all kinds of Health & Safety concerns and more can be found at ufcw175.com. And, as always, please reach out to your Union Rep or contact the Health & Safety Department for more information.
I want to commend all of our members for their dedication and commitment to building better, safer workplaces. I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.
In Solidarity,
Jim McLean
treasurer@ufcw175.com