January 16, 2018  

A nything can happen, but here is what we have scheduled for the week:
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner dealt with an executive grievance and attended an unrelated conference call meeting on Monday 
  • the Tuesday Members' Memo is emailed to GSU members weekly on Tuesday. If you know a co-worker who doesn't receive the TMM and would like to, have them call GSU toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 or send an email to [email protected] 
  • Hugh Wagner is attending an arbitration in Yorkton on Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Hugh Wagner and staff rep Dale Markling will be attending a labour review conference in Regina on Thursday

Women's Day March
 
There is still work to do to protect and advance the rights of women and all vulnerable citizens in our province, country, and worldwide.

Join with women and human rights groups from across the world by marching to show that the progress made in 2017 was not enough.

Information on the Regina and Saskatoon marches is available  here .

GSU's calendar of events is regularly updated and available on GSU's web page -  gsu.ca.    


GSU's Defense Fund directors approve recommendations to re-balance equity

GSU's Defense Fund directors and GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner met with RBC investment advisors Keith Pavo and Derrick Ng to review Defense Fund investment returns for 2017. Pavo and Ng provided a portfolio review with a focus on fixed income returns and re-balancing the equity component between Canada and US stocks before reporting on the Federated Investment US equities component of the Fund. Their report also included a recommendation to invest $250,000 with RP Investment Advisors.
 
After an opportunity to ask questions, board directors deliberated and voted to approve the RBC recommendations to re-balance the equity portion of the Fund investments to provide a 50/50 Canada/US ratio/exposure and to invest $250,000 with RP Investment Advisors.
 
The Board also undertook to review and update of the Fund investment policies and guidelines. RBC will be providing copies of the current policy and suggested wording changes.
 
The current Defense Fund directors are Ron Gerlock (Local 8 - Advance), Sharlene Tetrault (Local 5 - Western Producer), Brian Lark (Local 1 - Viterra), Wilfred Harris (Local 1 - Viterra), Dennis Piasta (Local 14 - Richardson).
 

Delegates are elected for a two-year term. The next elections for Defense Fund director positions will be held at the upcoming GSU Biennial Policy Convention March 22 to 24, 2018 in Humboldt, SK.
 
If you are interested in becoming a Defense Fund director or learning more about the position, contact Hugh Wagner at GSU's Regina office. 

PHOTO: (L-r) GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner, Sharlene Tetrault, Wilfred Harris, Ron Gerlock, Dennis Piasta, Brian Lark, Keith Pavo, Derrick Ng.

Did you receive your invitation to attend GSU's policy convention?

GSU members, officers and staff will be gathering in Humboldt March 22 to 24 for GSU's biennial policy convention.

This gathering is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote. If you have suggestions for the union or changes you would like to see made, this is the place to do it.

A general convention call was sent out by email on January 15. If you did not receive a convention call and you are interested in learning more or attending convention,  contact your GSU staff representative .



GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson was contacted by a member who wasn't certain he was being paid the correct rate of pay. Steve helped the member get in touch with the appropriate company representatives and the member is expecting a reply to his questions soon.   

No problem is too small.  

Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone. It's easier to solve problems when they are small, and sometimes a brief comment, email, or meeting is all that's needed to address a situation. Call us when you think there is a problem to be fixed. 

Your GSU staff rep will help find answers to your questions but we won't act on your behalf without your direction and approval. 

Contact information for GSU staff is available here .



Small gestures can make a big difference
 
It's surprising how the little things in life can make a big difference. Whether the person ahead of you in line pays for your coffee, your supervisor pops in to thank you for doing a great job, or someone waits to hold the door open for you when your arms were full, simple gestures can go a long way.

Challenge yourself to extend three small gestures each day and make someone else's day a little bit brighter. You may find it brightens your day, too.

Learn more here:  8 small gestures that can mean a lot

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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