June 28, 2016  
 
GSU calendar highlights for June 27 to 30: 
  • staff rep Steve Torgerson met with a member to discuss a grievance on Monday
  • staff rep Lawrence Maier met with a member on Monday to prepare for a WCB appeal hearing on Tuesday
  • staff rep Dale Markling is in Prince Albert to meet with Local 16 (Prince Albert Co-op) on Tuesday
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner met with Saskatchewan Federation of Labour president Larry Hubich on Tuesday
  • Hugh Wagner will meet with GSU members on Wednesday
  • Dale Markling has a grievance hearing on Thursday
  • GSU's executive committee is meeting to review scholarship applications on Thursday. The announcement of our 2016 scholarship recipients is expected to be made during the first week of July
  • GSU offices will be closed on July 1 for Canada Day.
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. As he reviewed his severance payout, he noticed his service with the company hadn't been properly credited.
 
With permission from the member, Lawrence has contacted company representatives to confirm that all service for the member is being included in severance pay calculations.

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.











(Top) Local 4 member Ian Greer settles in and prepares his shot at the Local 4 golf tournament.


Local 4 golfers hit the links in Yorkton

Local 4 (Grain Millers) members took advantage of two sunny Saturdays in June to work in a few rounds of golf, and they invited family members, GSU president Jim Brown, and staff rep Steve Torgerson to join in the fun.
 
Water wasn't the only hazard on the course as Terry Schultz, Terri Schultz, Ken Kendall and Steve Torgerson took on the Cherrydale Golf Course for the Yorkton and District Labour Council golf tournament on June 4. A tent caterpillar outbreak in the area added an unusual visual twist to the game.
 
The caterpillar hazard was just a fuzzy memory by June 18 when the local hosted its third annual golf tournament at Yorkton's Cherrydale golf course. Members and their guests spent a day of golf before gathering together with non-golfing attendees for a barbeque supper. The long day accommodated several members who were able to drop by between work shifts to enjoy good company and good food. 
 
Thank you to local president Terry Schultz for taking the lead and coordinating these events.


(Top l-r) Kathleen Greer and GSU president Jim Brown wait for their turn on the green June 18.

(Middle l-r) Ken Kendall, Terry Schultz, Terri Schultz, and Steve Torgerson pause for a team-selfie at the Yorkton and District Labour Council tournament.

(Bottom) Golfers prepare to negotiate the caterpillar hole June 4.





  
 

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 on hold until August 10 and 11, and again August 18 and 19 in the presence of Conciliator Kathy Peters from Labour Canada. 

The Conciliator's appointment runs out August 6, and we still have no word from the Company if they agree to extend the Conciliator's appointment at least until the two bargaining sessions are over. If no extension is agreed to, there is a cooling-off period of 21 days after August 6. Both management and the union have the right to initiate job action after the 21 days ends.

GSU's Local 9 bargaining committee comprises Kelly Saretzky, Kev Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier.
 
  
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. Dale Markling is working to arrange a ratification vote with union members.
  
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. There has been a change in employer counsel and 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.  

Questions or Concerns? Contact GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 

Congratulations to our latest ticket winners Adam Krieser (Sub-Local 15.15 - CPS - Rosetown) and Michelle Houlden (Local 5 - Western Producer).

Michelle and Adam each won two tickets for the Riders' June 30 season opener against the Argonauts.

The next Rider home game is July 16. 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.

Here's why you should use your vacation

The benefits of taking vacation are clear, yet it seems many Canadians are not inclined to use their paid vacation days. 

Time away from the workplace is good for your mental health. Whether you leave town for some time away with the family, or you have a staycation in your home town, a break from the rigors of your job offers you time to reconnect with friends and family, or to steal away some time on your own to do a few things you enjoy.

If you do it right, time away from work should allow you to return to your job refreshed and ready to take on the world until your next vacation.
Interested in seeing how Canada's vacation entitlements stack-up against the rest of the world? Check out country vacation comparisons here.

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.