June 14, 2016  
 
GSU calendar highlights for June 11 to 15: 
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner is in Saskatoon at an arbitration this week
  • staff rep Steve Torgerson is meeting with a member on Wednesday
GSU's calendar of events is regularly updated and available on GSU's web page - www.gsu.ca  

                                                
A GSU member received a notice of position elimination and was having some difficulty getting answers from the employer. The member contacted GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson who was able to provide the required information about top-up and EI.  

The role of GSU is to help its members. We are here to assist you so don't hesitate to call us with your workplace questions or problems. 

Just want advice? GSU can help. If you need advice or ideas about how to handle a workplace situation, call your GSU staff rep. GSU toll-free:  1.866.522.6686 (Regina) or 1.855.384.7314 (Saskatoon). Contacting GSU doesn't mean you are obligated to file a grievance and we won't contact your employer or act on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.

Congratulations to ILWU Canada's newly elected officers, best wishes to outgoing president Mark Gordienko on his retirement

The GSU is affiliated to the Canadian Area of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). Through this alliance we can have greater strength in areas such as labour law reform, improvements to occupational health and safety, education, and strike and picket line support.

ILWU Canada recently held its 2016 convention, and we congratulate the following newly-elected officers:
  • president Rob Ashton
  • 1st vice-president Shawn Nolan
  • 2nd vice-president Steve Nasby
  • 3rd vice president Romeo Bordignon
  • secretary treasurer Bob Dhaliwal.


Enjoy a long and happy retirement, Mark!

At this time we also extend our thanks and well wishes to outgoing president Mark Gordienko who is a friend and supporter of GSU.

We wish him all the best on his retirement. 





(Right) Mark Gordienko at GSU's March 2016 biennial policy convention.

Congratulations to Tim Wolfe (Moose Jaw Seed Plant) and Timothy Kachmarski (Pioneer - Kindersley). They were each winners of two tickets to the Riders' first pre-season game against the BC Lions last Saturday evening in Regina.

Watch upcoming   Tuesday Members' Memos for more chances to win!

Entry in GSU contests and acceptance of prizes constitutes permission to use winner's name, city, province, name of employer, and winning entry for promotional purposes.Please refer to GSU's contest rules and regulations for more information.

Glencore trims debt by selling nearly 10 percent of agricultural business to B.C. pension fund

Glencore is selling assets with a goal of reducing its net debt to between $17 billion and $18 billion this year.

In April 2016 the company sold a 40 percent stake in Glencore Agri to Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Now Glencore has agreed to sell a 9.99 percent stake in its agricultural business to a British Columbia pension fund, leaving Glencore with slightly over a 50 percent stake in the business.

"The recent announcement by Glencore that it has sold another stake in Viterra came as no surprise and it will be business as usual in operations," said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. "In the back and forth in corporate ownership re-structuring the one constant is the protection GSU members have through their collective agreement."

Learn more here:
  
 

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.

 

Hi-Pro Feeds
 
A conciliator has been appointed to assist the parties. Ms. Kathy M. Peters, Regional Director - Pacific Region of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services will contact the union and company soon to arrange dates to meet.
 
As provided for in the legislation, Ms. Peters appointment expires in 60 days unless extended by agreement of both parties. The 60 days expires on August 6, 2016.

GSU's Local 9 bargaining committee comprises Kelly Saretzky, Kev Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier.
 
  
Agrium/CPS 

The ballots in GSU Local 15 members' vote on the tentative agreement renewal bargaining settlement between the union and CPS Canada were counted June 10. The majority of Local 15 members who returned their mail-in ballots voted to approve the tentative settlement.

CPS management has been informed of the result of the GSU ratification vote.  Work will now begin to implement the settlement and finalize a new collective agreement covering unionized employees at Ag retail branches, the Nipawin seed plant and AG research and development operations.

"It's a great exercise in democracy when employees vote on their terms and conditions of employment. This is a right only unionized employees have," said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. "Thanks to the GSU bargaining committee for their hard work and thanks union members for their support and participation in the vote."

Wagner reports that with agreement renewal bargaining resolved, closer attention will be given to addressing the scope of the union's bargaining unit with CPS in Saskatchewan.

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) .
 
 
Discovery Co-op

Scheduled bargaining dates in June have been postponed and the two sides have agreed to meet July 25.

The most recent Local 17 bargaining session occurred April 19. Several outstanding issues remain. 
 
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). 


Western Producer

The local's current collective agreement expires July 31, 2016.

Members met last week to begin preparing bargaining proposals. 
Questions or Concerns? Contact GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 

Can you accept a compliment?

While most everyone appreciates receiving a sincere compliment, many people struggle with graciously accepting the attention and praise.

When you deflect, deny, or ignore praise, you unintentionally contradict the person who extended the compliment. Not only are you missing out on the good feeling that comes from a compliment, you dismiss the good intentions of the giver which can leave them feeling awkward and obligated to offer some sort of reassurance to keep the conversation going.

Good news! It's easy to learn how to graciously acknowledge and accept praise. Here's how.

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.

Please consider the environment before printing this email.

This email and any attachment(s) are confidential and may be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient please notify GSU, delete this email and do not copy, use or disclose it.