Oh, how timely and how effective. The damned thing is dated nine frigging days before the closure. The Power Source will receive it with even less time to spare.
Paaaaaaathetic, completely frigging pathetic. 
UFCW 1518: Too little, too late
September 28th is P-Day (piss-off) for 250 warehouse workers. As their employer (pick one), Overwaitea or Lomans, dumps them, and their union dumps on them, the workers can rest a little easier, or can they? With only 8 days until the warehouse closes, UFCW 1518 has made a half-hearted attempt to rally retail in support.
Too little ... too late ... too predictable?
That's a classic case of butt covering. The letter will be added to the list of Local 1518 activities, but the how, when and to whom will not be publicly discussed by the machine heads.
This is definitely not what "change or get out of the way" was supposed to engender in UFCW leaders.
Brooke and Ivan, I'd say it's time you both got out of the way. 
To say that this is underwhelming is to be really polite about it. It would seem to me that the "Rally Letter" would have been more appropriate at the beginning of a campaign to help these workers than a few days before they are tossed out on the street.
I cannot believe that an organization with the money, the staff, and the communications machinery of UFCW Canada couldn't do any better. It's hard to think how they could have done any worse.
Why didn't they take a $100,000 out of their $650,000 budget for the Harrison Hot Tub conference and put it towards helping these committed activists go head-to-head with corporate greed? These workers showed right from the beginning the resolve, the commitment and the solidarity that so many mainstream leaders are always whining is lacking among their members. Sadly, they had to fight their own battle and had to fight with their union to get even the most minimal support.
They conceived their own campaign, wrote their own material, paid for a good deal of it and even succeeded in getting some mainstream media attention (which their union says it - with all of its communications experts - can't get). Not content to sit back and let the LRB save them, they went to the people - they organized a banner campaign, leafleted stores that belong to the company that's putting them out of work through its greed, took the CEO (good Christian that he professed to be) to task. They worked tirelessly to get their message out. The honchos of their and other unions should be lining up to kiss their butts but instead the mainstream honchos are - nowhere to be seen.
Here's the first news story that appeared on MFD Front Page about the Loman's workers.
quote:
What's the low-down on Loman's Warehouse?
Posted by the_hound Friday, Jan 11 2002 10:59 AM -
Workers' fear jobs on the line as 10-year deal expires
What's going on at Loman's warehouse in Langley B.C.? There is talk of the impending closure of the warehousing facility that services BC Overwaitea Food Group chain stores, a move that would mean the loss of some 150 full time jobs held by members of UFCW Local 1518. The warehouse was at one time operated directly by OFG but in the early 1990's was taken over by Loman, which continued to service the OFG chains. UFCW Local 1518 accommodated Loman with a 10 year agreement which comes up for renewal in the fall of this year. Two years ago, Loman sought concessions to that agreement and threatened a shutdown in 2002 if it didn't get them. A concessionary proposal that Local 1518 put to the members was soundly rejected.
At about that same time, OFG entered into a long term supply agreement with a business called E.V. Logistics, a partnership between Exel Logistics Americas and Versacold Corporation, (two large players in the refrigerated warehousing business) to service some of its chains. The word on the street is that E.V. is going to get the warehouse business, putting UFCW members at Loman's out of work. Workers at the warehouse are concerned and aren't getting a lot in the way of information from their union. It is believed that Local 1518 has made a claim for "common employer" status for E.V., however, rather than taking that claim to the BCLRB, the local has filed some kind of argument with the employer which the employer has, predictably, rejected.
This situation raises a lot of questions. Why did the UFCW give OFG a 10 year deal at this warehouse in the first place? Is this another partnership turned sour? If Local 1518 believes it has a common employer case here, why is it wasting its time filing submissions with the employer when what it really needs is a legally binding ruling? We're going to find out.
The date was January 11, 2002. Since then this web site has posted dozens of items, articles, letters and even these amazing pics. Where was their union on January 11th? Where has it been since then? Where is it now? Where are all the fine men and women of the mainstream labour elite? I have not seen or heard a word about these workers and their courageous battle in any mainstream labour publication, web site, media release or sermon from the podium (apart from a few blurbs on www.ufcw1518.com) Labour elitists: You're all as pathetic as the "rally letter" - and about as effective.
I take comfort in the belief that every sick organization/family/society/whatever has its bottoming-out event after which, something new begins. Hopefully, this is it for the pretty-much-DOA HOLE (House Of Labour Elite).
I don't think this is about solidarity but rather damage control. Between this web site and those dear members who had the courage to stand it alone and fight for their lives, has put UFCW in a precarious situation of looking pathetic in the face of a lot of members.
The intent of this letter is meant to turn a lot of members minds around about the conduct of UFCW 1518. Members from my experience are far to gullible and forgiving by nature and let locals as pathetic as local 1518 off the hook.
Please members see througth the smoke and see this as it is. This is only a political move to save face for local 1518, not to save the 250 members jobs.
This type of sleezy tactics should in fact enrage members even more that the local would in the final moments before the buriel ceremony, save their own ass.
Remember if I read correctly, there is an election next year and leaders will do and say anything to to look good for elections.
What ya think, am I hot or cold?
Sssssssssssst! You're hot, screamin' hot! 
From what people are telling me OFG is feeling the pinch from this half brained idea. Enough that the V.P. who put the bug in their ear to move the distribution out of Lomans is reported to be on the chopping himself.
OFG is ripe with rumours so whatever you hear you have to take it with a grain of salt. Nevertheless I'm surrounded by text books on Organizational behaviour and Human resource management that preach endlessly about the value of a company's workforce. Particularly if those employees are skilled and costly to replace through recruiting, training and lost sales revenue.
Only a half brain moron runs a company strictly on the basis of the bottom line and it takes an even bigger moron to represent a union that takes the position that company's do that and there isn't anyway to change their mind. The human element can't be factored directly into the bottom line. The spin off costs of changing from an extremely efficient and reliable distribution center like Lomans to a warehouse stocked to the ceiling with rookies can't acurately be factored until after the fact. Then, I find it hard to believe OFG can beat the odds and come out ahead.
Product isn't going to be shipped, and when it is more likely than not the loads will be a mess or damanged. This costs money. I would also expect that turnover will be a great deal higher, that cost money as well [see above] Out of stock items are going to increase on the retail side and that leads to greator customer dissatisfaction.
1518 may be back tracking but I'm curious as to why? because they left the Lomans guys hangin' without a lifeline and don't want people to know? or because the combination of agressive leafletting and current shipping fiascos from the other warehouse are giving OFG second thoughs and in order to save face the company is letting it's "partner" play the heavy and appear to pull a rabit out it's hat in the midnight hrs? 
Who's the other company thats doing the warehousing now?
EV Logisitcics ( Excel and Versa) .. tire tacks are ready to be sprinkled Liberaly on road Out side EV, And valve stem removers are ready to remove valve stems from Unloading trailers at stores. soon people will have LOTS of spare time .EXPECT loads to arrive later > soon NO truckers will haul them 500$ a pop for tires aint worth what they are payin to have it deliverd. And I can easily take a Public Mischeif or vandalism charge 
T S ... I will be real disappointed if a bunch of real fine brothers took the low road. You guys have worked too hard and earned the respect of too many members and the labour community to go that route.
It's not over. The machine can still make it turn around if they put the solidarity to work.
Come-on Brooke take it to Overwaitea. Show them what it means to mess with 26,000 UFCW.
valve stems are tough on drivers and trucking companies because ICBC won't cover it under vandlism from what I understand. Only if the tires are slashed I think, and think being the optimum word here. Anyhow, the loads are arriving late as it is and E.V. is constantly behind because they don't have the qualified staff to keep up to meet demand. Even at the Maple Grove Warehouse in Ontario the company was smart enough to recognise the need for experienced help. It's critical to success. Vandlism need not be the answer because stupidity and short sightedness on the part of the employer has taken precident here.
And lets not forget something far more devistating to OFG long term. Think about what they've done to their reputation and overall credability? They've not only lost the trust of all their employees but their suppliers, and even their customers as well. Business based on relationships such as the retail food industry depend on trust and predictability.
OFG made a deal with Safeway in '96 to lock out employees, then when they could ram a deal through they did and left Safeway out for a few extra days. OFG built it's company with the help of Aggressive Transport, yet the instance J.Patterson could find a cheaper carrier for the interior he did. OFG promised that if Loman employees took a ten year deal with concessions they would be able to improve their position in the market place and everyone would enjoy more stable long term job security. Now that they got what they wanted the Loman people are being cast away.
People have taken notice. J. Patterson's company will not last because he's screwed so many people in the end when OFG truely does need help, who's going to trust them? after they've screwed all the suppliers on rebates and guaranteed sales what do you think the reaction of the suppliers is going to be if OFG can't deliver on the volume sales because Wal-mart has cut their business in half?
What goes around will come around. Kelly Douglas was a ruthless unethical company now look at it? Superstore is the same type of outlet Wal-mart is, Wal-mart will one day be allowed to sell perishables and when they do if they're smart they'll hire high quality experienced staff and pay well and watch how fast Superstore goes under. Screw me once...shame on you, screw me twice, shame on me. Once the baby boomers are out of the workforce only the employers who recognise the "human value" will survive. Wal-mart had better recognise this now while they're still on top or they'll get it too. It just takes more time than we're normally willing to wait.
Considering that there are a Lot of mangement Scum Who Lurk this site. read What Is said Here and may hap beleive some or not. Just a suggestion can make security costs rise, paranoia run rampant, More money time and effort pissed away By the Mighty OFG, Just at the thought, that One Or some may cross a line .. GREAT,,, I Like It every penny I can Make dribble Out of their pockets Makes My day!!!! Ol Douggie Hidin In Loading bays, security cameras to watch trailers unload, Security cars to follow the loads to make certain they arrive safe. having to pay drivers 2-3X the going rate to get deliveries, security guards guardin trailers Unloading,,, oh the fun and mayhem. those mangers can believe the Memo sayin after sept 28 All will be better. Some Know better. I feel Kinda warm and fuzzy thinkin about it. Unions didnt get where they WERE By having system Following Paper shuffling Do Nothing mealy mouthed placaters running the whole show. THEY got where they ARE that way. They had people willing to go the extra Mile to do WHATEVER it took to get the job done . IF thats the Low road .. so be it.
Or this could all be a rant, what Do you think douggie???? willing to gamble??
Rule #1 - Never make threats. If something bad happens, then you are the prime suspect. You may be convicted whether you did the deed or not.
By leaving threats on this site, you bring heat on people who don't need it or deserve it. 
wasnt a threat it was an IDEA,, a statement of what could happen If someone picks up a ball and runs with it , cant hold me responsible I have an alibi for every minute of every day...... Hmm does anyone Know why Brooke and Ivan were at OFG head office t day?????
It just keeps geting better.Today we are told that Gord had a verbil agreement that we would be allowed to take all our holidays but Peter has decided not to make good. Now we are going to have money taken from our last check to cover this. How many are working for free this week? Did Gord not ever hear that liars lie? that you should get it in writing from people like Peter?
Good point BBB. Water under the bridge I'm afraid. FYI this issue was decided at the LRB yesterday. This resulted in a Memorandum of Agreement. At point 7 is the exact language:
"Any monies owed to the Employer by the employees due to negative balances in vacation pay and banks, shall shall be deducted from the employees final paycheque. No monies shall be deducted from the severance cheques, unless authorized by the employee. If the employee's final paycheque does not cover monies owed to the Employer, the employee shall pay the outstanding amount to the Employer Oct. 3, 2002."
Motivation took another dive as a result of this information although it surprises very few of us that Peter has done the predictable.
To all of you retail people who see and feel the effects of our dispute let me remind you that we are not proud of the service we are providing to you. If you have been around long enough to know, we were once very proud of what we did and had the statistics to back us up. Loman mangement, with the cooperation of OFG, has made sure that feeling and those statistics were destroyed. I hope that you take this into account when we are outside your store and possibly impacting your hours. We have had little else to rely on besides leafleting. It has been established as a constitutional right by the Supreme Court. We know this, OFG knows this, and most importantly, UFCW knows that we at the warehouse know this.
We would much prefer to exercise our skills in a more productive and positive way but this has been impossible for some time now.
We are proud of our ability to make a difference despite the UFCW "Econo-Fight" approach. If there is anything instructive for you in our fight, it is the avenues we have taken to demand accountability from the union elite. Your turn to do so is coming up shortly and I remind you that, as a dues paying member, you have a right to do so and expect a response. We have not been very successful in that regard but it is not for lack of trying. The effort will likely fall to you and I hope something positive, if only your education on demanding accountabilty, has come from our efforts.
Ufcw 1518 await BCLRB. Warehouse workers just wait.
quote:
Members Await LRB Ruling
The union and the 250 Local 1518 members employed at the Overwaitea-Loman warehouse are waiting for a ruling from the Labour Relations Board (LRB) on the issue of whether Overwaitea Food Group (OFG) is in fact the "true" employer at Loman Warehouse.
The warehouse members were informed in early April that they would be terminated effective September 28, and the outcome of the LRB ruling is crucial to their future.
The union's legal counsel put forward arguments before the LRB that OFG is in fact the true employer of the warehouse members because OFG effectively controls the activities at the warehouse with respect to supplying Save-On Foods and Overwaitea Foods stores. The union is arguing that at minimum, OFG is a common employer with Loman Warehouse.
The union's final arguments stated that:
Overwaitea has been and is the True Employer of the dry goods warehouse employees pursuant to Section 139 of the Code;
In the alternative, a declaration pursuant to Section 38 of the Code that Overwaitea and Loman Warehouse are a common employer;
The UFCW argued that OFG was a party to the certification and Collective Agreement at the Langley warehouse; and
That the dry goods warehouse employees are covered by the current Collective Agreement between UFCW and Overwaitea.
The LRB Vice-Chair who conducted the hearings informed all parties that he was aware of the importance of having a decision made before September 28, and that he would make the best effort to provide that decision.
They are bulling us again.
one of the Loman guys involved in the leaflet campaIn found a 25 page legal document taped to his door stating OWF is taking him to court because of the leafleting. They are saying it was an ileagl picket line and they want $$ for lost income.
The paper named about 5 -7 Lomans emplyees by name.
Gotta give that screw one more twist eh Chucky/Peter/Jimmy.
What a bunch of dinks.
Really... 2 words...." valve stems". there is No low road , as a matter of fact we are at the END of the road,there is no tommorrow. well actually 1. there is NO possible way to empty the warehouse by saturday, and the word is Tues day Morning they are sending in EV employees to empty it out. I guess brooke will wait till its empty before he does anything about it, then maybe he will put out a letter.
Overwaitea, Lomans & UFCW Hearings
The Retail Wholesale Union would like to take this opportunity to update you on the recent hearings at the B.C. Labour Relations. The United Food and Commercial Workers applied to the Board last year on a variety of matters relating to the closure of Lomans Warehouse and the transfer of the work to EV Logistics. The final hearing day was September 12, 2002 and the Vice-chair indicated his intention to produce a decision as quickly as possible. All parties are now waiting for the decision.
When the actual hearing phase of the process began, the UFCW's applications had been reduced to two questions: who is the true employer of Loman's employees and are Overwaitea and Loman a common employer?
The UFCW, as the applicant, bore the onus of proving their applications. Accordingly there was a significant amount of information passed between the parties in the disclosure process. Next, the parties were required to provide "will say" statements. These statements were required to reduce the amount of hearings days required at the Board. Initially, the RWU, EV, Overwaitea, and Lomans all had representation at the hearings. EV declined to participate once the application alleging Overwaitea and EV were a common employer was dismissed. The RWU continued to participate in order to protect the interests of its members. Shawn Lakusta, Gary Brassart, Mike Molag, and Rick Janzen attended on behalf of the RWU.
The UFCW's strategy was very basic. They called forward some of their members who work at Lomans to give evidence of Overwaitea's daily involvement in the Lomans operation. Not surprisingly, UFCW's witnesses painted a very different picture than those painted by Overwaitea and Lomans' witnesses. UFCW witnesses indicated that there was heavy day-to-day involvement directly with Loman employees. Overwaitea and Loman witnesses minimized Overwaitea's role and suggested that most communication was done by Overwaitea management to Loman management. In response to UFCW, Overwaitea asked why UFCW waited ten years to file a complaint when Loman's employees apparently knew what was happening for years. Although UFCW said that they did nothing because their members continued to be employed, Overwaitea's question is quite problematic for UFCW. How long can you allow something to happen without losing your right to complain? Overwaitea's answer to this question is that UFCW never complained because they knew that their members were working for Lomans and they are only complaining now because Lomans is closing.
What does this mean for RWU members working at EV? There are numerous answers to this question all depending of course on how the Board rules. Obviously if the Board rules against UFCW there will be no further legal ramifications for our members. Should the Board rule that there is some merit to UFCW's applications then they will also fashion what they see as an appropriate remedy, which would most likely involve some type of seniority list merger.
As with all court cases, there is nothing left to be done but wait for the decision. As soon as the decision comes down the RWU will make sure that copies are posted on the Union bulletin boards.
Please rest assured that no matter what happens the RWU will do everything in its power to ensure that your rights are protected to the fullest extent.
T_S where does that info come from?
Here's the Aug 23rd decision which includes RWU too.
quote:
GREAT PACIFIC INDUSTRIES INC., d.b.a. OVERWAITEA FOOD GROUP,
LOMAN WAREHOUSING LTD. – and – EV LOGISTICS INC.
("Overwaitea", "Loman" and "EV", respectively)
-and-
RETAIL WHOLESALE UNION, LOCAL 580
(the "RWU")
-and-
UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 1518
(the "UFCW")
From what I understand the situation for the EV employees is this: In the three tier world of the collective agreement the following will happen. The workforce is allowed only 35% as full time. Many of these workers have come from other facilities and they have the right to go back to those fracilities if UFCW is successful. The collective agreement seems to allow OFG the right to cancel the contract with EV at any time. The displaced will be those who were on the bottom rungs.
Siggy It was sent to me by the RWU. I asked them a question since Andy (UFCW) will never respond. I Posed the question as an EV employee and They leaked me this document that is being posted at EV
So the new warehouse is union...
Most likely the truckers that moved the stuff are union...
Where the hell is the CLC and BC Fed...isn't this a form of raiding...oh wait...they were getting their pictures taken for those glossy union newsletters to justify their existance...
I just visited ufcw 1518 to see if the machine had any updates for the warehouse workers.
There were no updates, there were no words of encouragement, no change. The voice for working Canada is silent. 
Not only is there no update, they pulled funding for all the schedualed Out of town leaflet trips they had approved this morning and told us no more leafleting. (At least untill Wednesday)
They have cut off our funding to continue any kind of fight completley. Last week they say "No problem, anything you need is yours for the asking" Then we are laid off Saturday and monday they say" Sorry, all funding is cancelled untill further notice" This is unbeleiveable and I think Brooke and Ivan both belong in Jail. 
Ivan and Brooke will be hiding behind Shona's skirt again saying this is illegal,that is illegal. Maybe they will be coming to take away your home. Better not do anything.
That OFG is playing these guys is a given. The question is, why is it working so well?
UFCW Hall of Shame:
Invisible Leader
Brooke Sundin
"I've got a job that pays reeeeel good"
Ivan Limpright
Why would there be? they have washed their hands of Us now.
They'll only be able to wash their hands of you if you go away and let them get on with their fine work. You still have "live" issues with these guys. The LRB matter is one and they certainly can't wash their hands of you while that's still on going.
Wasn't there a commitment that your great leaders would fight some of these issues all the way to the Supreme Court? I'd hold them to that one.
In the interim, why don't you ask them to confirm that you are members in good standing pending the outcome of all the litigation, including the stuff that going to the Supreme Court? Go right to the International if you have to. That's what I'd be inclined to do.
They will be less inclined to wash their hands of others if they see that you're not prepared to walk away.
Verbal promises made in front of witnesses are as good as signed contracts. Hold the bastards to their promises.
RV: in regards to union membership. Darryl Gehlen put the question, in writing, to the chief shop steward and distributed copies at the warehouse about 3 weeks ago. I understand he is still waiting for an answer.
The page he circulated (it looked like an e-mail with the addresses whited out) read:
Gord,
I have a very specific question I would like a very specific answer to in writing please. There has been some indications that Loman members will remain members as long as this dispute is ongoing.
The question is this: If this dispute goes to appeal, whether at the LRB or the SupremeCourt, will we remain members in good standing with all rights and priviledges as if we were actively employed in a UFCW represented workplace?
Darryl.
Why won't they answer him? Does anybody know the answer to the question?
Article 4(b) of the International Constitution contains the following:
quote:
at the request of the Executive Board of a Local Union, the International President may extend the active membership of any member in that Local Union during a period of unemployment, if the International President determines that exceptional circumstances warrant such extension, subject to an appeal to the International Executive Committee.
I think these are exceptional circumstances, don't you?
Gord told me he asked Shona that question .(Are we still members after Sept 28.)
He said Shona told him as long as we have matters in front of the court (Like an appeal) we are members.
I asked him if he could get Ivan to put that in writing, he replied "Probably not"
Whats that tell ya?
Oh, but it doesent matter, Shona said "It would fly" (Remember that one?)
I also heard the road trips are back on, but the union told Tom Smith he is definatly prohibited from participating in any way.
The union should remember, as should all members, that it is a constitutional right to information leaflet. With this in mind, Tom or anyone else may do as they see fit, within the confines of the law, without the unions permission.
We have butted heads with the union before as they have put the brakes on our effectiveness. Their condescending paternalistic attitude makes me want to puke. They may believe they are "powerful" and "in control" but that does not mean we have to buy into that. We pay their salaries and perks - they work for us.
Perhaps the reason we can't get an answer or action on the membership question is that they can hardly wait to get rid of "active" members who know their rights. Members that are more easily led by the all-knowing Lords of Layback will impact their careers more positively than those who question.
Lords of Layback is the way they are. They aren't necessarily ignoring you because it's part of some plan that they have. It's how they react whenever something unexpected happens. They don't know how to deal with you so they run away. I'd keep after them: About the LRB issue, the Supreme Court, your continuing as members in good standing, everything.
RV- Thanks for your continued interest and information. It seems like an uphill battle every step of the way. It seems designed to wear us out until we quit. That simple fact has kept many of the guys from doing just that. They won't quit because they know that is, or seems to be, what is desired.
Some good news? Don't have any.
Bad news? It seems the slimy principals of Loman Warehousing Ltd. have decided to renege on the agreement they signed last week at the LRB. We have been told that it looks like our severence checks will not be available tomorrow as per the LRB agreement and as per federal law. Ditto for our "record of employment" papers.
To openly diregard an agreement they signed at the LRB shows what we have been up against in terms of ethics, integrity and honesty. It looks like the union will have to seek an enforcement order from the LRB and have it registered with the Supreme Court. One union steward commented that he did not think they would care even if we did do that. He's probably right.
I guess it wasn't good enough for them to run the operation into the ground for OFG. This last twist of the knife is really disgusting as many are counting on that money to put food on the table.
What enforcement tools are there for an employer found in contempt of the Supreme Court?
Huh? What?
We're not getting our severence money?
If thats true, open the jail cause I'm gonna [legal edit]!
make room on the bench for me! [legal edit]. This shows exactly the kind of slime we have had to deal with. Liars cheats and theives oh my!
Don't wait for your Record of Employment. Apply for EI now--like asap. The waiting period starts at application, not when you finish work.
As for the question about how the Supreme Court would deal with Loman and contempt if a filed LRB order were ignored, the Courts would kick their asses.
What you have to worry about it the buggers runnin' to court to file for bankrupcy. I think the new Employement Standards exempts directors etc. from liability for unpaid wages.
If that happens, will Brooke have the balls to make life uncomfortable for Jimmy Pattison?
If that happens, will Brooke have the balls to make life uncomfortable
for Jimmy Pattison?
Ha ha ha ha hahahahahahah ooooooooooo hahahahahahahahahah. My sides hurt. I cant take the smile off my face..brooke have balls hahahahahahahah has no brains how can he have balls?
quote:
posted by T S:
If that happens, will Brooke have the balls to make life uncomfortable
for Jimmy Pattison?
Ha ha ha ha hahahahahahah ooooooooooo hahahahahahahahahah. My sides hurt. I cant take the smile off my face..brooke have balls hahahahahahahah has no brains how can he have balls?
Tomorrow will be a most interesting day. We will know if the employer is going to honour the agreement or not. I hope all members call Ivan and ask what the union is doing to get our severence. If you can get a hold of him ask him if the Executive Board has sent a request to the International to extend our membership through the period of unemployment we have now begun.(As per RV's post above)
Hint for the "official" UFCW1518.com webmaster. Posting a message that is dated Oct. 2 and saying you do not know if the ruling will come down in time for the Sept. 28 deadline does not inspire confidence and such embarrassment is something you don't need anymore of. I guess the wheels turn slowly but try and get with this information age thing. 
Recent conversation outside a Save-On store.
Leafleter: "Yup, dos guys at Loman are screwing us."
Save-On shopper: "So what do you make an hour?"
Leafleter: "Only 21 bucks an hour."
Save-On shopper: "Any benefits?"
Leafleter: "Most guys get 13 weeks a year off & all the other stuff like drug plan, dental plan, medical insurance. The Loman guys say it costs them 42 bucks an hour including our wages."
Save-On shopper: "Did they offer you a way out of this?"
Leafleter: "Oh they had a 5 year contract extension with Overwaitea, but they wanted us to reduce our vacation & some of our benefits."
Save-On shopper: "So what happened?"
Leafleter: "We told them to F--- off!"
Save-On shopper: "WHY?"
Leafleter: " The brothers told us that we belong to OFG & we would win at the LRB. Jobs Forever!"
Save-On shopper: "So you turned down a chance to keep your jobs because the brothers told you to!?"
Leafleter: "Yup"
Save-On shopper: " So did you win?"
Leafleter: "Don't know yet but we want to screw Jimmy & Overwaitea!!!"
Save-On shopper: "So let me get this straight. You were making $42 an hour including benefits, had a chance at a 5 year extension & said no? Keep your leaflet buddy & good luck.
Why did OFG want concessions? OFG was making money. Is it that they want More, much More? It's okay for OFG to want more, but it's not okay for employees to want to maintain the status quo?
Lifeless, if OFG continually asked you to reduce your take-home and benefits just because they wanted to make more, would you simply say, "oke-doke"? If so, at what point would you say, "enough."
You don't buy a palace makin' $21 bucks an hour. In fact, you would be hard pressed to save a down payment, raise a couple of kids and pay a mortgage makin' that much.
Lifeless, I suspect you are an OFG lackey, and if you are, you are a fine example of the inhumanity that seems to permeate BC's very own food people.
Oh, and BTW, your stupid claim that the Loman guys make 100% of their hourly rate in benefits is just that--stupid.
From an August 19, 2001, letter from Darryl Gehlen to the memberhsip:
"I want to call your attention to an issue that I know is of concern to many of you. More and more I hear concerns regarding how a bankruptcy of Loman Warehousing could affect our situation. In what is obviously Loman's last year of existence, one can reasonably be suspicious of a bankruptcy that would essentially provide an escape route, an exit from the scene that may embarrass our pensions, severence, and limit what questions or evidence LRB would be willing to hear regarding the Loman years."
"Loman Warehousing seems to own very little and, as a limited company, bankruptcy would have little or no effect on the principals."
It goes on for 5 pages and details some history of the Crawford Group which are consistent with "being in the business of going out of business." It cites a Tax Court judgement Docket 98-201-IT-G that details the structure of Crawford.
In the end he asked the warehouse stewards to get some legal advice on bankruptcy and they did so. Morley Shortt, Q.C., sent a 4 page response, dated September 12, 2001. It outlines the various forms of insolvency and was not encouraging as far as what the members could expect if such a thing were to occur.
"In law, an enterprise is considered insolvent when it suspends payments of its debt."
"...wages or other compensation owing to Local 1518 members during the 3 months immediately preceeding the bankruptcy would be payable to the extent of $500.00 per person. This compensation would include benefits payable under the collective agreement. The Loman Warehouse employees would be preferred creditors and the amount owing to them would be payable before most other preferred creditors, however this payment would be made after payments were made to secured creditors of Loman Warehouse."
"There is no assistance to unionized employees whose employment has been terminated by virtue of a bankruptcy under the B.C. Employment Standards Act."
"While the protection given to former employees of a bankrupt enterprise in Canada is regrettably not extensive, there are several procedural stages that would alert Local 1518 before Loman would be declared bankrupt, and it thus is unlikely that wages and benefits owing to Local 1518 members under their collective agreement would fall in arrears."
Members may wish to ask if these "several procedural stages" have in fact alerted 1518 to any such proceedings. Phone the law firm personally if you can't get answers from the union. Getting the E.I. ball rolling and alerting E.I. that severence payments are in question seems very good advice. Your waiting period is in question here.
Where the hell are the shit-for-brains union reps.? If we want to know anything, we damned well have to come to this site. We get advice here that the noticeably absent union reps should be giving us.
The buggers brag about doing house calls when they are trying to get people to join their damned union, but do you think one of the as%$#%* would bother to drive one of their fancy cars out to our humble homes to make sure we're ok? To make sure we aren't about to commit suicide? Do they give a shit that most of us haven't been near a EI office in our lives. That we don't know the unemployment system. That we don't know how to write a resume?
They got good cars and make $40 an hour and benefits on top of that. We all chip in so they can have fancy clothes bought for them. They are living the high life at our expense and they can't even drop by and help us leaflett. They don't have the nuts to drop by and see if we are in need. They don't give a shit about us.
Brothers and Sisters! What a bunch of bull shit. We aren't your brothers. If you think we are, then you must live in a pretty F*&%^$# up family.
Family don't treat family like we've been treated.
What story you get from the warehouse stewards regarding severence seems to depend on who is asking. Some of us have been comparing notes on this and we're just getting more confused. One guy gets told that Loman are likly going to keep them until they get what they feel they are owed from the employees even if this goes against the LRB ruling. Other guys are told it should be no problem and they will phone the member when they can come and get their check. Some guys are told today is the deadline and others that tommorrow is the deadline. What gives here?
As for Lifeless, this is pure dis information. The so-called "deal" mentioned was made to be rejected it was so patheic. It was far more than asking for some changes to vacation and benefits. It asked us to give up everything we have worked for up to that point. It about halved the compensation to members in one way or another.
Still trying to avoid coment on Jimmy and OFG Lifeless or do you just need to get a life? Try some facts next time.
Jimmy could have gotten a fair settlement if he wanted one. He justs prefers to play underhanded back stabbing games. Now he's shy of people wanting to point it out.
ha...Lifeless....your a joke. You've never been leafleting have you, because I have, 40 or 50 times, and I have never had an encounter like you've described.
Its usually
Customer: Jim Pattison? What a prick. Whats he want now, a bigger boat?
or...
Leafleter: I make $20 an hour, and I havent had a raise in 7 years.
Customer: Nothing wrong with $20 an hour, how else is anybody going to support a family and buy a house? If thats the way they treat their employees I'll never shop here again. Jim Pattison, what a prick.
Thats how most conversations go out there, so unless you've actually been out there, crawl back under your rock.
It's really offensive when corporate apologists try to make working people feel guilty about earning a livable wage. $20 an hour is hardly a lot of money and let's not forget that the people who earn it, earn it honestly. That's a lot more than can be said for all the corporate heroes who are drowning in one scandal after another.
Pass the Mustard, then Bite Me, Brooke.
Please do not buy ingredients at Save-On.
quote:
Save-On shopper: "So what do you make an hour?"
Leafleter: "Only 21 bucks an hour."
21 bucks an hour? What planet do you live on...no wage-slave makes that kind of money...
Unlike those CEO's.
Or a military defense contractor:
Bolt (machine) initial estimate $40; actual price $1,887;
Hub (body) - initial estimate $35, actual price $14,529;
Nut (self-locking) – initial estimate $2.69; actual price $2,185; and
Radio (transformer) - initial estimate $683, actual price $11,701.
Good to hear the good rebuttles to Lifeless's useless drivel, that proposed "new deal" made by OFG was designed to be rejected, if accepted ,on top of all the concessions, 1/2 of the full time guys would have been bumped to part time, and all the part timers would have been gone. The guys could have voted only one way, they voted to protect their brothers at the time. So to Lifeless , if you want to paint a black picture of things at least get your facts straight. Some good news, the guys were able to shut down EV warehouse for most of the day on Thursday. Good for you guys, keep it up Jimmy's feeling the heat.
Well Lomans did it , they have stolen employees severance, After 18 years I got a BILL! Peter You weasel!!!!l Julian You are Beyond words! Connie even you cant hide behind law now!! What You have done IS ILLEGAL. This is beyond Contemptable. To actually have done this to long term employees Because YOUR choice of Cut rate Indemnity carriers Is reprehensible. You signed a CONTRACT live UP TO IT! DON WILSON GET OFF YOUR BUTT! Either WCB or WI one or the Other But NOT NONE !!!!!!!!! Ivan ,,,, Ivan I really dont know what to say to You but ,,,, DO SOMETHING NOW!!!! EARN your money , At least instruct Your Lackeys! Brooke Just do the right thing STEP DOWN or STAND UP!
It shows the complete CONTEMPT OFG and Lomans have had for their employee's ( Disposable Slaves). AND the LAW. Ready to make sure YOU stand By it But MORE than ready to Ignore it when it suits their Insidious Purposes!
Good for You Jimmy for demoting or sacking the Morons who began this debacle!!!
KEEP doing the right thing. FOLLOW THIS THRU,,,,, STEP UP TO THE PLATE. DO WHATS RIGHT and proper! GIVE YOUR EMPLOYEES THEIR JOBS!
EDit this AND prove you are a CENSOR !!
[moderator's note: the only edits done on this site are to remove blatently unlawful threats and comments.]
Ben...did they actually deduct from your "severence"? We were told the LRB said they could only deduct from your final cheque and could not touch your severence. After 18 years you should have got about 15k....but you say you got a bill, and no money?
That is criminal.
What was their excuse?
they kept my final check and all my severance. I had a wcb claim wich was later unjustly denied. it would then become an Indemnity claim. when bc life was notified they said it was a WCB claim and Not them so go get your money from them. Lomans has In contract they will pay you UNTIL you have FINISHED your wcb appeal and won or lost. the same with the weekely indemnity appeal procedure. it is either ONE OR THE OTHER. somebody owes me that Money WCB or BC LIFE. I was injured and had 2 surgeries. I have waited 1 1/2 years Now for UFCW to do something. My appeal is still only at stage 2 for WCB. and as far as I can tell they have done NOTHING for my WI appeal even tho I ask constantly. The point is if wcb denies coverage Short term disability is supposed to kick in thats what its there for. lomans kept my cash paid themselves back and gov of canada 6000$ in tax. INSTEAD of going after the lowlife insurance co they hired. Then gave me a bill for more $$$$$. I asked the stewards repeatedly to get my money from BCLIFE to pay the company back. I KNEW lomans would pull some dirty underhanded BULL. IVAN BROOKE DON get off YOUR ASS and do something!!!!! IF someone stuck their dork in your butt for 15000$ You would be a little pissed. lemme tell you am am more than a little pissed, and I wanna break my foot off in someones fat lazy overpaid ASS
What's up with the UFCW? If WCB rejects a claim as not related to the workplace, then the indemnity plan automatically picks up bona-fide illness or injury claims. The carrier usually makes the claimant sign a subrogation agreement (agreeing to pay the carrier back if WCB ultimately accepts responsibility for the claim).
Hey Don and Ivan, what you gonna do 'bout it?
quote:
posted by weiser:
What's up with the UFCW? If WCB rejects a claim as not related to the workplace, then the indemnity plan automatically picks up bona-fide illness or injury claims. The carrier usually makes the claimant sign a subrogation agreement (agreeing to pay the carrier back if WCB ultimately accepts responsibility for the claim).
Hey Don and Ivan, what you gonna do 'bout it?
Meally Mouthed platitudes , vague assurances, smile to your face say they will work hard on it and look into the situation, and thats about it.
WHY hasnt Bc life paid? If WCB has denied coverage, then it is automatically a WI claim. If Surgeons and doctors state the employee cant work, then its a Bona fide claim. Sure if you are appealing wcb they will make you sign a subrogation agreement, thats standard. But to deny it also. Then who should have paid the injured worker? What are we paying the UFCW for if I remeber right I read something on their website bragging about gettin peoples money within 3 days and if you have a problem to contact them as they are administrators of the plan. Hey Don Aren't you the business agent? Isnt this supposed to be what you are paid for? In My opinion the UFCW should pony up the money to You Ben and have you sign a subrogation agreement with them That would be the thing a REAL union would do. Will this effect your EI eligibility? Will you be penalized the 18 weeks pay form EI? as supposedly Lomans paid you?
If they dont fix this fast,, go Picket a store. shut it down with a picket line! Then they will have to send a BA to talk to you.
If I were you (the person whose severance check and final pay are being withheld) I would got to the LRB or whichever branch of the BC gov administers the legislation you're dealing with and file a formal complaint. (BC residents, where should this worker go to file a complaint?)
Then I would march over to the union office and demand representation. Bring a crowd if you have to.
moderator's note: the only edits done on this site are to remove
blatently unlawful threats and comments.]
On whose authority?Is this a democracy or what? IMHO Ivan and Brooke deserve a fair bit of heat on this, if not a good ass kickin. Just venting! This isn't right And if someone here feels like venting on a lurker that lurker should be able to read a persons true feelings. Let the people emotions show thru. Its the only way for change. Do you think HNIC let old Ron maclean have his job back because people asked nicely?
PISSED OFF.
And thinkin some deserve more than an Ass kickin. Buddy, Connie, Peter , heres your OSCAR!. Now step up to the mike so we can All Kick your ass! Or show some guts and post
quote:
On whose authority?
On our authority.
Those are the rules. If you don't like it don't post.
quote:
Is this a democracy or what?
You bet it is, but even in the most liberal of democratic societies, murder or threats of murder or violence is not tolerated--no matter how friggin' mad the utterer is--and no matter whether it is said as a joke or not. Some things are an obvious threat, but physically impossible, so those things are usually left in. There's a huge amount of leniency in applying edits, and that's because Cliff Evans has publicly stated that the UFCW honchos are a tough bunch used to verbal coal rakings on a regular basis. However, when you cross over the line--zip, gone.
Some utterances are patently illegal. If people want to jeopardize themselves by publishing illegal threats or allegations, that's their right, and they should take their right to some other forum. It's not their right to take this site with them and its operator with it.
There are limits to freedom of speech in any society, and there are limits to the freedom of speech on this site as well.
The rule of thumb for publishing in this forum is stick with the issues.
Understandable someone has to be the voice of moderation. Didnt see any reason for the its my ball attitude
On our authority.
Those are the rules. If you don't like it don't post.
If some one is venting Its understandable they will cross the line. Maybe a pop up of the rules on posts when a person is replying. would be an Idea 
And well put weiser . The issue is the theft of an employees severance, and the complete disregard Lomans/OFG has for the law. Or the legally documented promises they make. Plus the lack of UFCW's Job of representing and maintaining those employees rights. Two entities always willing to hide behind lawyers with the threats of we will sue you. Well UFCW its time you step up and do something for the employee's whose severance has been stolen, I hear you aren't the only one Ben. Lomans can go bankrupt in 28 days and all those members will get will be maybe 500$. I think someone should be lightin a fire under your butts, this is something you cant slap on a back burner. Ben Maybe you should call the Cops and have Peter arrested for theft. I am assuming you didnt sign anything saying he could keep your severance. probly cant,, but maybe
Does anybody here know the phone # to the education center in Surrey which is now acting as the Union office for the Lomans guys? I have some questions and have no idea where to get the number ffrom. It's not listed anywhere on the UFCW site that I can find.
Also...is there a time limit on when the LRB has to rule on the common employer issue, or can it go on for ever?
Education Centre phone Number: 604-592-0090
The direct line to the Loman union stewards is 604 592 0279. No the LRB cannot take forever to finish the ruling. They indicated at the outset that they aware that time was an issue and promised to do the best they could. You must remember two things. There was a mountain of evidence submitted. Also "Common Employer" and "True Employer" have hundreds of past rulings that must be taken into account. This is not an easy ruling to write because the arbitrator knows that it will be dissected by tens, if not hundreds, of experts within the labour comminity.
In regard to Loman withholding money, I'll bet they are hiding behind the new Employment Standards Act. If you have a CA, that mentions things like days and hours of work and payment of wages, the Act doesn't apply. The union would have to grieve, and wait months to get an arbitrator.
See here.
You'll notice that "deductions" is one of the areas no longer covered, but the good news is the Parties cannot negotiate anything lower than the provisions of the Act.
Now it's up to how quick and determined Brookie and Ivie-boy are to pick up the ball and run. Maybe Don-boy will do somfin--whada ya bets on dat one?
ufcw 1518 confirms the ofg stores are a mess.
Customers are leaving in droves, have to ... Save-on has no groceries.
ed= Here's a novel idea ofg and Jimmy P:
GIVE THE WAREHOUSE WORKERS BACK THEIR JOBS and GET THE GROCERIES ON THE SHELF BEFORE YOU LOSE ALL YOUR CUSTOMERS.
Now it's up to how quick and determined Brookie and Ivie-boy are to pickup the ball and run. Maybe Don-boy will do somfin--whada ya bets on
dat one?
20 -1 its a fumble
Hello Loman brothers
Don't know about you but I'm looking for a new career, reality hit me at the employment insurance group meeting. A twenty-five year brother asked where he could get a resume done and a representative from E.I. quickly replied at a H.R.D.C. center....
Just out of curiosity has (UFCW1518) guided you or directed you in anyway on how to do a resume, career searches, job interview presentation?
My Union (UFCW1518) handed me a piece of paper that laid out instructions on how to write a resume plus instructed me to go to the UFCW education center for free computer courses....Okay that's a start but what a F___ING joke!
Anyways did some digging on my own and found a program specifically laid out for people looking for a trade, apprenticeships. I set up a meeting and couldn't believe what I saw when I got there! UFCW 2000 and our government are the sponsors and the UFCW FACILITATES THE WHOLE PROGRAM!
Ivan, Brooke you useless pieces of crap you could have saved me a three weeks of bullshit in E.I. Human Resource and development programs by doing something for your members. After all I did pay you 21 years of Union dues...
P.s. if any of my brothers are going into a trade check out this web-site
www.tradesbc.org
Excuse me, but what are these ufcw training centers for? These places, as I understand it, get significant funding from employer contributions and in some cases from the federal government. What are they being used for? It would seem to me that providing information to laid off workers about training and educational opportunities (not to mention providing training and education) would be very consistent with their purpose.
I know we've talked about these training centers in other threads in the forum before: Here's one and here's
another .
The questions we've been asking about these places aren't going away.
Well looks like the we won one down at the LRB. I was just told that OFG failed in it's bid to restrict leafleters at it's stores.
Placards, sandwich boards and Banners were ruled to be perfectly legal in front of the stores as long as they didn't have the word "Strike" on them or imply that it was a "Picket Line". We were also told we couldn't "march" or sing songs like "Solidairity Forever" in front of the stores. ( I'd like to see them enforce that one).
Pretty much anything else is fair game though as long as we don't "intimidate" or block the entrances to the stores.
OWF seems to have had the impression that customers were leaving because they were intimidated but were informed that people were leaving because they don't support a store or person who indulges in such blatently unfair treatment of human beings.
Hopefully this ruling will re-enforce the Lomans Guy's commmitment to a sustained leafleting campaign which can now be stepped up a notch without fear or threat of legal action against individual members.
BTW...RV, I have no idea what they do at the employment center. I just came from one and from what I saw they teach basic computer courses. They may do more but I wasn't made aware of that if they do.
Well that's good news. I think that this will help the workers who are being sued by OFG for leafleting.
I think it's outrageous that the LRB would say that they can't "march" or sing. I'm with you - I'd like to see that hold water at the Supreme Court.
There exists a training and education program that is jointly funded by the government and the ex-employer in cases of mass termination. There are some government criteria for disbursements but a typical expenditure would be on hiring a job search coordinator.
The UFCW Centre For Education And Training is something else entirely. The name implies that any number of interesting things might occur here but that is not the case. It is a computer training facility. If computers are not your thing you will have no interest in this center. Sorry we screwed you out of your job, have a course or two on us and have a nice life.
Threaten every prick In the head office tell them Just how good You are at target shooting, and Your hobbies Include breakin your foot in a fat bastards ass's. and after 2 weeks of leaving messages you will get 2 phone calls from every business agent, your shop steward and the RCMP. After 2 weeks of being Ignored I got their attention. Kinda A fuckin Joke I had to be driven over the edge to even get a Phone call .. Well worth 20 years of Dues Dont Ya think
'skuze me???
The RCMP were called? By whom? The union?
That must have been some rant for your severence!
What did the RCMP say and why did they call?
Did they say they would get your severence for you?
Are they gonna charge Peter Shmitz with theft?
What up?
Got my 1518 Update today in the mail. Brookie decided once again not to invite retail to the battle. Seems like the mag is mostly pasted together stuff I've read before. Thanks for remembering us though Brooke. How about some newspaper ads? One tip on saving expenses- it's pointless to spend the money on publishing all those courses at the Ed Center when they have all started by the time I get the mag.
TS- When are you going to tell us more?
quote:
Got my 1518 Update today in the mail.
Got mine too. The mag is definitely behind in the news. Outdated? .. ufcw 1518 Power Source is used to that, no surprise.
What I did notice was they did seem to have a lot more content then normal. First I thought they were maybe trying to act like a union then I realized the mag was not only thicker but had a whole new size, bigger.
The mag touched on all the warehouse news and events, already available on the official site.
I might be mistaken but I would say the mag took on a rather commemorative feel.