October 16, 2018 

Anything can happen, but here's what we have on our calendars for Oct. 15 to 19:
  • Annual general membership meetings are being scheduled. Talk to your co-workers about your preferred date for a meeting, talk to your GSU staff rep, and watch your email for your meeting notice 
  • The Tuesday Members' Memo is emailed to GSU members weekly on Tuesdays. 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] 
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner is meeting with GSU legal counsel Ronni Nordal on Wednesday to review files
  • GSU staff rep Dale Markling will be temporarily absent from work until December.  Dale underwent successful hip replacement surgery and is in post-operation recovery. Members who would normally contact Dale at the Saskatoon office for assistance can call the GSU office in Regina toll free at 1.866.522.6686 or send an email to [email protected].
Annual General Membership meetings this week:
Local 9 (Trouw - Chilliwack)
Sunday, Oct. 14 - Surestay Hotel, Chilliwack - 4:00 
GSU staff: Steve Torgerson

Sub-Local 1.22 (Viterra - Lloydminster)
Monday, Oct. 15 - Bennigan's Lounge, Lloydminster - 6:30 p.m.
GSU staff: Donna Driediger

Sub-Local 15.19 (Richardson - Nipawin)
Monday, Oct. 15 - Venice House, Nipawin - 6:30 p.m.
GSU staff: Steve Torgerson

Local 19 (Lloydminster Co-op Agro)
Tuesday, Oct. 16
GSU staff: Donna Driediger


Upcoming:

Joint Executive Council Meeting
Regina, SK ~ October 25, 2018 

The autumn semi-annual meeting of GSU's Joint Executive Council will be held in Regina on October 25. JEC representatives will receive an update on administration, finances, and current business of the union.

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Convention 
Regina, SK ~ October 24 to 27
SFL president Larry Hubich will be retiring after 16 years at the helm of the labour movement in Saskatchewan. The convention will elect Brother Hubich's successor and GSU delegates will be there to participate in this historic event.


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

 

GSU has sent three grievances to arbitration.

The first grievance is in relation to Local 9 (Trouw) members who did not receive their work performance evaluations in a timely manner. The members in question are seeking adjustments to their rates of pay. 

The second grievance is on behalf of a Local 1 (Viterra) union member whose employment was suspended without pay for three weeks. The grievance seeks to reverse the suspension. 

The third grievance referred to arbitration alleges discrimination and violation of the human rights of a Local 1 (Viterra) union member whose employment was terminated.


The role of GSU is to help our members.

If you have questions about a workplace issue or if you are experiencing problems in the workplace, call a GSU staff rep toll-free at 1.866.522.6686. We will work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend a course of action to follow, and work with you to find the solutions that are best for you. You are not obligated to file a grievance and we will not contact your employer or act on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.

These services are provided to you as part of your union dues. 


Bargaining set to begin in four GSU locals


Locals 1 and 2 - Viterra
Members of GSU's Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee will meet Viterra management on October 16 in a preliminary meeting to the commencement of agreement renewal bargaining. The purpose of the meeting is to receive and review Viterra's proposals to change the company's salary plan. Details will be released after consultations with management.


Local 8 - Advance 
GSU Local 8 will commence agreement renewal bargaining with Advance Tank Production Ltd./Advance Tank Centres Ltd. on October 22. Local 8's bargaining proposals will be published after the first bargaining meeting with the employer's representatives.


Local 14 - Richardson
Agreement renewal bargaining on behalf of GSU Local 14 with Richardson International Limited is set to begin November 1 and 2. Locals 14's bargaining proposals will be published after the first bargaining meeting with the employer's representatives.  Local 14's bargaining committee is Dennis Piasta (Kindersley), Dylan Pilon (Assiniboia), Justin Shauf (Langenburg) and general secretary Hugh Wagner.



Since 1936, we have bargained hundreds of workplace contracts and agreements. 

We are proud of what we have accomplished and we continue to work hard to improve workplace conditions for our members through effective collective bargaining with employers.

You can help ensure your collective agreement reflects your needs. 
  • Enforce your rights 
    If you are entitled to a benefit or condition of your agreement, make sure to use it. Don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep if you need clarification or assistance.
     
  • Be involved in bargaining
    Participate in developing bargaining proposals to be taken to the bargaining table with your employer. Attend bargaining meetings, vote on settlements, and support your bargaining committee as they work toward changes to secure and strengthen your collective agreement.
     
  • Make sure we have your current contact information
    We do our best to keep GSU members apprised of bargaining progress through out web page, the Tuesday Members' Memo and email updates. Be sure to update us with any changes to your email address. 

Learn more about the bargaining process and how it works

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union has done a great job of explaining bargaining in their Bargaining for Beginners web page and accompanying  infographic. You can check those out here. 



The benefits of a dog-friendly workplace

More and more companies are letting pet owners bring their dogs to work. Assuming you and Fido follow proper office pet etiquette, there are many surprise benefits to having four-legged co-workers.

In addition to occasional comic relief, dogs provide an opportunity for conversation and connection among co-workers. And having dogs in the office has been shown to boost employee morale and the job satisfaction of all employees - not just those who own a dog or bring one to work.

Lean more here: Why more workplaces should be Dog-Friendly

This article has been printed for entertainment purposes. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of GSU, its members, officers, or staff.


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