May 17, 2016  
 
Highlights from the week of May 16 to 20:  
  • Voting kits and ballots are being prepared to be mailed to Local 15 (CPS) members today 
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner is attending an arbitration on Tuesday and Wednesday
  • staff rep Dale Markling has a pension plan trustee meeting on Wednesday
  • staff rep Lawrence Maier will meet with a GSU member on Thursday
GSU's calendar of events is regularly updated and available on GSU's web page - www.gsu.ca  


Intimate partner violence and its impact in the workplace                                                     

The Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) is working with survivors, advocates, unions and employers to raise awareness of the impact of intimate partner violence (also known as domestic violence) on the workplace. As part of their project they are conducting a survey of Saskatchewan workers to explore their experience of intimate partner violence and it how it impacted them at work.
          
There is mounting evidence that the impact of intimate partner violence on workers and workplaces is significant.
 
In 2009, intimate partner violence (IPV) cost female employees $20,943,599.  The economic impact of IPV against females on the output of employers was estimated at $6,194,356. Further, the total economic impact of IPV against females on employers due to tardiness and distraction is estimated to be $44,858,528 (Zhang, Hoddenbagh, McDonald & Scrim, 2013).
 
The cost of violence against women in Canada - including health care, criminal justice, social services, lost wages and productivity - has been estimated at $4.2-billion annually , according to the Canadian Women's Foundation" (Globe and Mail, January 2013).
 
Specific language on IPV is making its way into Occupational Health and Safety Legislation in some Canadian jurisdictions. Employers have a duty to safeguard their employees. There is an increasing recognition that employers should have a policy against IPV and should address the problem in employment contracts and workplace policies.
 
Saskatchewan has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest per capita rate of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and intimate partner homicide among the Canadian provinces.
 
It's time for a culture shift. Will you be part of the change?
 
PATHS is asking workers in Saskatchewan to take part in their survey. It will take about 15 minutes to complete.
 
 The Survey Link is available here. 
 
If you have questions about the survey or would like to become involved in the PATHS project, contact Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan using the information below: 
 
[email protected]
Phone : 306.522.3515
Fax : 306.522.0830
www.pathssk.org

Source: Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan


GSU is offering five $2,000 scholarships in 2016

GSU is pleased to offer $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community.  GSU members and their immediate families - including spouses - are eligible to apply. 

Applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country.

Visit GSU's web page at  www.gsu.ca for information and scholarship application forms.

Deadline for receipt of applications is June 1, 2016.

  
 

We have a web page dedicated to GSU bargaining. 
Check it out at  www.gsubargaining.ca .

 Bargaining updates and reports are also available on GSU's web page -  www.gsu.ca.

 

Viterra 
 
The ballots cast by GSU members were counted on May 11 and the tentative agreement renewal bargaining settlements reached between Viterra and GSU on April 15, 2016 have been approved by a majority of union members who voted.

Steps will now be taken to amend the two collective agreements based on the terms of the bargaining settlement. As soon as that work is completed GSU will arrange for printing of collective agreement booklets for distribution to union members.

Thank you to all who voted and offered comments about the settlement. Thank you to GSU's bargaining committee and staff for their hard work, and thank you to Viterra management for accommodating the GSU vote in the country operations and maintenance workplaces.  

GSU bargaining committee members are Michelle Hofer (Regina), Kevin Wagner (Regina), Brett North (Moose Jaw), Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Lynn Woods-Nordin (assistant general secretary), and Hugh Wagner (general secretary).
 

Hi-Pro Feeds
 
Members of Local 9 at HiPro feeds in Chilliwack sent a strong message to management that they are not satisfied with the progress made in bargaining for a new collective agreement. The last agreement expired on December 31, 2015 and the two sides have bargained for a total of four days with very little success. While the union side has attempted to get the talks going in the right direction, management has refused to discuss any amendments to the agreement regarding changes to language.
 
"I get the impression that management thinks the old agreement is just fine and will not agree to the changes we feel are necessary," said GSU staff rep and bargaining spokesman Lawrence Maier. "Members disagree. They have made it clear that improvements were required to deal with changes to shift schedules and benefits. Severance, TPHD, and wages are big issues as well, as the Vancouver real estate boom crowds out rental accommodation and increases house prices in Chilliwack."
 
Members at the report meeting authorized the union committee to apply for conciliation and to take a strike vote at the earliest opportunity.
 
Bargaining is set to resume on June 1 and 2. Without significant progress it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached in the near future.   
 
GSU's Local 9 bargaining committee comprises Kelly Saretzky, Kev Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier.
 
  
Agrium/CPS 

GSU's Local 15 members will soon be voting by mail-in ballot on their tentative settlement. Voting packages with detailed instructions and ballots are being mailed directly to members at their homes. The deadline for return of ballots to the GSU office is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016.
 
A summary of the tentative bargaining settlement between GSU and Crop Production Services Canada covering Local 1 5 members was emailed to members on May 6. The bargaining summary report is available on the GSU web page at www.gsu.ca. 

GSU's Local 15 bargaining committee members are Carolyn Illerbrun (Shaunavon), Brian Cowan (Ag R&D Saskatoon/Watrous), Brent Pelechaty (Canora), Lynn Woods-Nordin (GSU assistant general secretary), and  Hugh Wagner (GSU general secretary) .
 
  
Prince Albert Cooperative Association 

The members of the Local 16 (PA Co-op) have voted to accept the tentative settlement.  Some of the main terms of the settlement are as follows:
  • Sick Leave has been changed to limit the amount of sick leave to 60 days of sick leave credits per occurrence.
  • The Pressing Necessity clause has been changed to Family Leave providing up to three days per year to attend to family matters.  The days are charged to your sick leave credits.
  • Bereavement and Serious Illness leave have been combined to Compassionate Leave which provides for up to five paid leave days.
  • Hours of work provides for double-time overtime after four hours worked, after a regular day, or on a day of rest.
  • All rates of pay for the employees and the salary ranges shall increase by 2% in each year of the three-year Agreement. This increase will be retroactive to November 1, 2015.
  • All employees shall receive a $1,200 signing bonus.
  • Additional salary increases over and above the 2% will be made based on performance.
 Steps will now be taken to amend the collective agreement based on the terms of the bargaining settlement and distribute copies of the new agreement to union members.

Thank you to GSU's bargaining committee and staff for all their hard work which brought about the settlement.

GSU's Local 16 bargaining committee members are Kara Kilden, Jennine Couldwell, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling.
 
 
Discovery Co-op

The most recent Local 17 bargaining session occurred April 19. The two sides remain apart on several issues. 

It is anticipated the next round of bargaining will be scheduled sometime in June.
 
GSU's Local 17 bargaining committee members are  Shelbi Prescesky, Glen Morrison, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 
 
  
Lloydminster & District Co-operative Association 

A tentative settlement has been reached. Information and details on a ratification vote will be available to Local 18 members soon.
  
GSU's Local 18 bargaining committee members are Christina Jones, Les Strueby, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling


Prairie Co-op  

GSU's bargaining committee last met with the company's representatives on March 24. Dates for additional bargaining sessions are being determined.  

GSU's Local 19 bargaining committee members are Lindsay Hill (Strasbourg), Debbie Hillier (Cupar), and Steve Torgerson (GSU staff rep). 

Being too humble can hurt your career

You've worked hard, got the job done, and the accolades are pouring in. Are you taking credit for your hard work or are you deflecting the praise?

It's frustrating when someone else lays claim to your accomplishments, but it's equally career limiting when you sabotage yourself by giving away all the credit and praise for your efforts to co-workers and other members of your team.

Learn more here about how you can move from being a quiet contributor to someone who can confidently draw and distribute proper credit for a job well done. 

This article has been printed for entertainment purposes. The views and opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of GSU, its members, officers, or staff.

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