May 7, 2019 

GSU calendar highlights for May 6 to 10:
  • 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]
  • staff rep Steve Torgerson is at the SFL/CLC spring school in Moose Jaw Monday through Friday
  • on Wednesday, general secretary Hugh Wagner meets the auditor to review GSU's 2018 audited financial statements 
  • Questions? Contact a GSU staff rep at either our Regina or Saskatoon office.

GSU Joint Executive Council to meet May 15
 
GSU's Joint Executive Council (JEC) will meet in Regina on May 15. The JEC is the GSU board of directors comprised of elected representatives from the union's Locals.
 
The meeting will focus on union administration, the audited 2018 financial statements, and the annual report to members of the union. In addition, JEC members will consider current events and policy matters affecting GSU.
 
GSU's annual report and audited financial statements will be published for the information of members once adopted by the JEC.



 

The good news is Connor Neu (GSU Local 1 - Viterra) got to see the first RUSH playoff game  

The bad news is the first playoff game for the RUSH was also their last.

Like many of you, Connor correctly answered last week's question and told us the CFL was the Canadian sport league currently in contract negotiations, and it was Connor's name that was drawn for our two RUSH playoff tickets.

Thanks to everyone who played along this season. We'll hope for better times ahead for the RUSH in the 2019/2020 season.


GSU representatives attend WESTAC Spring Forum 
 
The Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) is a tri-partite organization of business, labour and government involved in the transportation sector in Canada's four western provinces. Representatives of WESTAC member organizations meet twice annually to review and debate current issues affecting the supply change responsible the movement of goods out of western Canada to markets worldwide.
 
WESTAC's 2019 Spring Forum was held in Victoria, BC on April 30 and May 1. GSU was represented at the forum by president Jim Brown, staff rep Dale Markling, and general secretary Hugh Wagner.
 
"The Spring Forum focused on the many challenges of late confronting shippers, carriers and workers in the transportation sector," said Hugh Wagner. "WESTAC is a one-of-a-kind entity and it is important for GSU and other unions to be part of an organization that brings together senior industry leaders to discuss issues and potential solutions."
 
GSU has been a member of WESTAC since 1978.

Know your rights t o sick leave
 
GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner assisted a union member who was experiencing a sick leave problem. Specifically, the employee put in for sick leave as a result of a brief illness only to be told that pay for the first day of sick leave might be withheld.
 
Several of GSU's collective agreements provide that pay for the first day of sick leave may be withheld at the employer's discretion. However, the employer's discretion to withhold the first day of pay is intended to apply to situations where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting abuse of sick leave.
 
Suspicion of sick leave abuse wasn't even remotely on the table in this situation and Wagner advised the employee accordingly. Further discussion resolved the misunderstanding and the employee was paid in full for the absence on sick leave.
 
"It always pay to check with your union representatives when interpreting your collective agreement rights," Wagner said. "Paid sick leave is a collectively bargained workplace right, not a gift from employers."

When there are problems in the workplace there are many factors to consider. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.

These services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.


 
Nova Scotia physician wants ban on sick notes for absences under five days

Sitting among other sick people in a doctor's office is a less than desirable proposition, but if your employer wants a sick note, you need to get yourself to your doctor and get one. 

A family physician in Nova Scotia is fighting back against the drastic rise in often invasive requests from employers and insurance companies, and absence-management corporations about the sick leave of employees. Dr. Paul Young is so frustrated with the situation he is even calling on the provincial government to ban the requirement for sick notes for absences under five days.


Are you experiencing problems with sick leave? Contact your GSU staff rep.

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