At Small Potatoes Urban Delivery (SPUD), negotiations have concluded and a ratification vote took place on October 16th, where the revisions to the collective agreement were accepted by 76 % of the membership that voted. This is a three year agreement with increases of 75 cents/hour in the first year and 25 cents/hour in each of the remaining two years. In addition, there is also a 25 cent/hour increase for every year of employment in excess of three years. Other gains include: paramedical practitioners per visit amount increased from $25 to $45 for the term of the agreement, safety boot allowance increased from 75% to 100% paid by the company, and hours free from work has been changed to 48 consecutive hours from the current 32 hours.

   At Maple Leaf Foods, Rav met with the membership to accept proposals. He will now prioritize these proposals and prepare for negotiations. Negotiations were scheduled for the week of November 17th but  Rav has been informed that the company will not be ready to commence negotiations on that date due to a strike at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods Edmonton.

   Trader Corp. has denied the Stage 2 grievance filed by the Union over a member that has held two classifications for a number of years as a Dealer Services Representative and a Delivery Driver. This matter has now been referred for arbitration. Rav also reports that Julie Gant is no longer with Trader Corp, and he would like to thank her for acting as a Shop Steward over the past few years.  Rav is looking for a few more shop stewards - please contact him if you are interested.

   At Sears, a labour/management meeting was held on October 15^th, where a concern was raised over non bargaining unit employees doing bargaining unit work. We have been assured by Sears that this only occurs in emergencies and they will keep it to a minimal. Rav would like thank Dennis Holborn for serving as a shop steward - his experience will be missed. Dennis has moved on to another employer and we wish him well.