May 31, 2016  
 
Calendar highlights for May 30 to June 1: 
  • staff rep Dale Markling is meeting with several GSU members this week
  • bargaining resumes in Chilliwack on Wednesday and Thursday for Local 9 (Hi-Pro Feeds) bargaining committee members Kelly Saretzky, Kevin Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner has an arbitration-related conference call with an arbitrator on Friday
  • Local 15 (CPS) members are voting on their tentative settlement. Deadline for receipt of mail-in ballots at GSU's Regina office is June 10. Learn more here.
GSU's calendar of events is regularly updated and available on GSU's web page - www.gsu.ca  

                                                
A member contacted the GSU office with several questions about fatigue and the right to refuse work when overtired. 

Staff rep Steve Torgerson reviewed the members' company policy with the member and suggested that the member speak directly to their supervisor to learn more about how the fatigue policy works in their workplace specifically. Steve also encouraged the member to do a closer review and familiarize himself with the company's policy and make the information available to fellow workers so everyone was reminded how to stay safe and help to ensure no one worker is overwhelmed and overburdened.  

Do you know your company's policy on fatigue? 

There is no one answer for how a worker should deal with fatigue as each employer has their own policies and procedures. Make sure you are familiar with your employer's policies and procedures for fatigue.

Spring is a busy season for many GSU members. If you are feeling overtired and unsafe, take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others immediately. 
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.


 
GSU' s scholarship application deadline is tomorrow

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.

 

Hi-Pro Feeds
 
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.

The last agreement expired on December 31, 2015 and the two sides have bargained with very little success.  Members at a May 1 report meeting authorized the union committee to apply for conciliation and to take a strike vote at the earliest opportunity.

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

On May 17 GSU mailed voting packages with detailed instructions and ballots 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.

Contact the GSU office in Regina toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 if you are a member of this Local and you haven't received your voting package.
 
A summary of the tentative bargaining settlement between GSU and Crop Production Services Canada covering Local 1 5 members was previously 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) .
 
 
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). 

Avoid these 8 common communication faux pas 

What is your favourite communication method? Do you prefer to speak to someone in person? Are you most comfortable in a voice-to-voice conversation? Or would you rather write all the details down in an email or memo?

Good communication is essential in all aspects of life. Check out these eight bad communication habits you need to break immediately.

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