New union rep lends more support to schedule monitoring

UFCW 1518 is pleased to welcome Ronda Melbourne as our new union representative assisting with the implementation of the scheduling provisions negotiated in the last round of collective bargaining with Overwaitea/Save On Foods.

These provisions, which create a better opportunity for all members to maximize their hours, will help our members advance along the path to a living wage. One such provision is the introduction of cross classification scheduling, which allows workers to be scheduled across more than one department. UFCW 1518 also implemented daily maximization of hours by seniority for those members who did not already enjoy this benefit. In addition, we negotiated new language on declaration of availability and weekday restrictions.

To ensure a smooth transition to the new scheduling language, UFCW 1518 together with the employer appointed a scheduling committee. Additionally, we hired a union representative to work full time auditing schedules to ensure that the new scheduling language was being followed. When hours were not maximized properly, we filed grievances for hours claims, with many members being paid out for hours that they should have been scheduled but were not.

After one year of conducting schedule audits, UFCW 1518 and Overwaitea jointly trained stewards across the province in schedule auditing. The training concluded last fall and according to our stewards, has been very helpful. Importantly, we reached an agreement with Overwaitea to allow stewards to audit schedules on employer time at the monthly Growing our Future meetings. This will provide further support to stewards as they carry out their work.

As a follow up to the scheduling training, Ronda will be visiting all stores to meet with our stewards. An experienced shop steward from the retail food sector, Ronda will be available to troubleshoot problems and answer questions that have arisen since the implementation of the new scheduling language and our efforts to enforce it.

We are excited to have Ronda on board as we continue our fight for fairness in the workplace!