April 24, 2018 
 
Anything can happen around here, but this is what we have scheduled for the week:

  • staff rep Donna Driediger and the Local 7 (Heartland) bargaining committee met with the employer for bargaining on Monday

  • general secretary Hugh Wagner attended a conference call meeting to discuss an arbitration on Tuesday

  • 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]

  • staff rep Steve Torgerson will be on the road for member visitations on Wednesday

  • Hugh Wagner will meet with a member on Wednesday

  • Hugh Wagner has meetings with GSU members and their employer on Friday and Saturday

 

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

 

GSU is offering five $2,000 scholarships to GSU members, spouses, and dependants in 2018
GSU is pleased to offer $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community.

The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent children who have not previously won.

Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country. 

Learn more about the scholarship program and download your scholarship forms and guidelines here:  GSU scholarship program

Deadline for receipt of applications is June 15, 2018.


As a GSU member, you have the right to union representation at discipline and dismissal meetings. 

Meetings with your employer can be stressful. GSU reps are ready to assist you and help ensure you are being treated fairly under the terms of your collective agreement.
 
Make sure that you request union representation before the meeting occurs. If the employer insists on going ahead without providing you with the opportunity to have a union rep present, it could lead to overturning the discipline.
 
"It's easy to arrange for help. All you have to do is call," said GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson. "It's actually a good idea to call us and get some direction and advice before you head into a meeting, even if you ultimately decide you don't need representation."
 
If you would like someone with you during other meetings with management, it doesn't hurt to ask. And you can always contact your staff rep for direction and to ensure that you are being treated fairly. 
 
These services are provided to you as part of your union dues, and there is no additional charge for assisting you.
 
Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

 
Local 2 looks to spend cash on member appreciation activities

Years ago, GSU members who worked at Saskatchewan Wheat Pool's head office had their own club house and they ran a coffee shop in the SWP head office. Profits from their endeavours went directly into the Local's bank account for the use of the Local and its membership. Modest spending and some minimal interest over the years left GSU Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) with a healthy balance in their bank account.
 
Local 2 executive members Kevin Wagner, Howard Wilson, and Sheila Tran are planning several member engagement activities and they are talking to their members about how money would best be spent. A membership meeting is tentatively being scheduled for mid-May.
 
"The executive want to talk to members before making any final decisions," said Steve Torgerson, GSU staff rep responsible for serving the local. "They have some really interesting ideas - like buying a couple season tickets to the Riders, holiday parties, retirement gifts, and perhaps even some catered food-truck lunches during the summer months."

Are you a Local 2 member with an idea about what might be a good way for members to get together and enjoy spending a little money? 

Talk to Kevin, Howard, or Sheila and make sure to attend the upcoming membership meeting.

 
How to be unhappy in 5 easy steps

Are you unhappy? Have you considered how you may be contributing to your current state of mind?

Check out these five behaviours that may be holding you back from happiness: Want to stay unhappy? Keep doing these 5 things

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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