This is a very big step forward for working people. I'm going to be very interested in how the Local 1000a defends its decision to not have this deal ratified. That will be most interesting.
Ben, this is a wonderful example of how one person can make a world of difference. I hope that other members come out and support you in whatever way they can. 
Those of you in Local 1977, don't assume that the outcome of this DFR will apply to you. You're a separate bargaining unit (even if you're all members of one union) and I'm sure that's what Local 1977 and the national office will argue.
If you want to challenge what's happening and you don't want to leave anything to chance, consider filing one of these yourselves. The fact that your Local let you vote on "something", doesn't necessarily make that a ratification vote. In fact I think the famous slide show said it was not a ratification vote that you were having at all.
I'm not pushing you to file anything. I just want to make it clear that you shouldn't assume that Ben's DFR is going to cover off your Local.
Worker challenges secret deal
Worker challenges secret deal
Union acted arbitrarily, in bad faith DFR complaint alleges
A member of UFCW Local 1000a has filed a legal challenge against his union over a secret deal that will mean lower wages, fewer benefits and less job security for potentially thousands of workers to be hired at Loblaw Companies Real Canadian Super Stores.
Ben Blasdell, who works at a Loblaws store north of Toronto, filed a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board last week alleging that the Local 1000a breached its Duty to Fair Representation when it entered into the deal without consulting the members or holding a ratification vote. In what may well be a first, he's also alleging that the deal will be discriminate against women workers who will be disproportionately affected by the reduced wages, benefits and working conditions. Blasdell is asking the OLRB to nullify the deal or, in the least, to ensure that a proper ratification vote is held.
The Toronto Star recently reported that three UFCW locals entered into negotiations, about which their members knew nothing, with officials of Loblaw Companies over a period of several months. As a result of those negotiations, an agreement calling for reduced wages and benefits at a new chain of stores called Royal Canadian Super Store was finalized and included in the existing members collective agreement. UFCW officials claim they went along with the deal to make "the best of a bad situation". They've said the deal was necessary to give the very successful Loblaws empire a competitive advantage against Wal-Mart Stores and that the company had threatened store closures and mass layoffs if it didn't get its way. Local 1000a officials recently held meetings to inform the members of the deal.
A slide presentation used during those meetings states that while the union believed members had a right to ratify the deal, the company insisted that ratification meetings not be held for fear of "legal complications" in the event that it was voted down. Out of the deal, the UFCW will get voluntary recognition for workers hired at the RCS Stores and a payment, over three years, of $450,000.00 for training and communication activities. We're following this story.