May 3, 2016  
 
Here's what is keeping us busy May 2 to 6:  
  • staff reps and officers are on the road throughout Saskatchewan this week for Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) ratification meetings. Check the meeting schedule and learn more here. Bargaining reports, tentative settlement details, and draft collective agreements are available here
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner met with a GSU member on Monday
  • Hugh Wagner will meet with a member on Tuesday
GSU's calendar of events is regularly updated and available on GSU's web page - www.gsu.ca  


A member was having ongoing issues with a co-worker. With advice from staff rep Steve Torgerson, the member had been addressing the problem directly and keeping written notes about the problems that had occurred and how the problem had been dealt with. The member also continued to check in with GSU to relay events and document problems and progress with Steve.

It's important to document problems you have in the workplace.

"Your memory gets fuzzy so it never hurts to keep track of things in writing or by documenting an incident in an email or phone call with your staff rep," Torgerson advises. "Your notes or your staff rep's notes may even be called as evidence to back up your story, and notes are given much stronger consideration than someone's memory."

If you want to discuss a workplace situation or learn more about how and when you should keep notes, contact your GSU staff rep. 

Don't hesitate to call or email your staff rep when you have questions or you are having problems in the workplace. GSU services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you. Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance and we will not contact your employer or act on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.
  
 

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 settlement ratification vote by members of GSU Local 1 (Operations & Maintenance) is underway. Members working at the Moose Jaw terminal elevator and special crops plant cast their ballots on May 2. Voting on the tentative collective bargaining settlement between GSU and Viterra will continue at the remaining 32 locations over the next ten days. The final ballots will be cast at the Saskatoon terminal elevator on May 11 following which all of the ballots cast will be counted.
 
Local 2 members (Regina Office) will vote on May 10. 

The results of both votes will be reported to GSU members and Viterra.

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
 
A second bargaining session took place on April 21 and 22.  As a result, the union's bargaining committee reported back to Local 9 members on May 1. 
 
GSU's Local 9 bargaining committee comprises Kelly Saretzky, Kev Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier.
 
  
Agrium/CPS 

Documentation of the terms of the tentative collective bargaining settlement between GSU Local 15 and CPS is underway. It is hoped the process will be completed in time for the settlement details to be reported to union members by the end of this week. Planning is also underway to organize a vote by union members on accepting or rejecting the proposed terms for amending and renewing the collective agreements between GSU and CPS.
 
In order to facilitate participation by Local 15 members at this hectic time of year, GSU has proposed workplace balloting to CPS management. Once the details are ironed out the process will be reported to Local 15 members.

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 

Local 16 has reached a tentative settlement with Prince Albert Cooperative Association Limited.  
 
A ratification meeting will be held in the coming weeks.

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, Robbie Reed, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 
 
  
Lloydminster & District Co-operative Association 

Union and company representatives were tentatively scheduled to meet April 28. Additional dates have not been announced. 
 
 
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). 


Are you sabotaging your career? 

Whether you are looking to move up the ladder or you simply want to be respected in the position you currently hold, there are many ways you draw wanted or unwanted attention to yourself. Some are obvious like chipping in to help out during a crisis or being the co-worker who got a little too tipsy and vocal at the staff barbeque. 

There are also subtle ways you are getting the attention of your company's decision makers, and you may not even realize they are occurring. 


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