October 29,  2019 

Upcoming events:

GSU's annual membership meetings - autumn 2019
Meetings are underway. Watch your email for updates and contact your GSU staff rep if you need more information.

GSU biennial policy convention - March 19-21
Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa - Moose Jaw
We are counting on GSU members - like you - to come to convention*, share your thoughts and experiences, and let us know what you think your union should be doing for its members. Registration will be open, soon. Visit gsu.ca or contact your GSU staff rep for more information.

Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in attending or learning more about an event.

*GSU members who sign up and are approved to participate in GSU-sanctioned events will have their time off work, wages, and expenses covered in accordance with GSU's expense policies (child care included). GSU staff will also assist you with arranging the time off with your employer.


A new Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) campaign is reminding everyone that union members make the decisions in their unions.

GSU members and union members across Saskatchewan participated in last week's SFL convention and learned first-hand about the SFL's new I AM THE SFL campaign.

"This is a really important campaign to make sure our working members feel part of their federation of labour," said SFL president Lori Johb. "Sometimes people get stuck into thinking that I, as president, am the SFL, or maybe the small staff contingent at the federation is the SFL. But that's not the case. The SFL is a broad collective of our affiliated unions and the working members."

The same thought process behind the SFL campaign applies to your union. 

As a GSU member, YOU are the GSU.

"GSU members run their union," said general secretary Hugh Wagner. "The union staff takes direction from elected officers and union members at their meetings and the biennial policy convention. They give us valuable insight about what is happening in their workplaces and the changes they want to see in their collective agreements."

"The direction from GSU members is considered in everything we do," Wagner said. 

Let your voice be heard.

Attend your union meetings and watch for more information on becoming a delegate to GSU's March 2020 Biennial Policy Convention.


Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone, and sometimes a brief comment, email, or meeting is all that's needed to address a situation. Call your GSU staff rep when you have questions or think there is a problem to be fixed. 


Leading the way at the SFL Convention

GSU members, officers and staff attended the 64th annual Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) convention in Saskatoon Oct. 23,  24 and 25.

The SFL represents nearly 100,000 unionized workers across Saskatchewan in nearly every sector imaginable, and convention is an opportunity for members from many unions to gather and hear inspiring speakers; debate resolutions; participate in campaigns, marches, and reconciliation exercises; and even squeeze in time for socializing and fundraising.

In addition to resolutions and the usual business of convention, the year's agenda included the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, Winning Pharmacare in a Minority Government, Minister of Labour Hon. Don Morgan's address, Panel on Precarious Work, and more. 
 


(Top L-r) GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner, ILWU secretary treasurer Bob Dhaliwal, RWDSU chief shop steward Devinder Bains, GSU president Jim Brown, and GSU vice president/SFL vice president Brett North.
(Bottom) Members of GSU's delegation seated at GSU's table on the convention floor.

Annual membership meetings are underway  

It's that time of year . If you haven't received your annual general meeting notice yet, you will be receiving it soon. Learn more here about what to expect at your meeting. 



Watch your email for your notice. 

If there is a meeting date  and time that works well for you and your co-workers, let your rep know. And i f you have something specific you would like addressed at your meeting, tell your staff rep.

Contact your GSU staff rep for more information.









When you attend your meeting, you will vote on this resolution to continue or cease additional dues paid into the GSU Defense Fund:

"Be it resolved that the additional dues being paid into the GSU Defense Fund by members/employees represented by GSU shall continue until Dec. 31, 2020, subject to review by the members of the union at the 2020 annual Local and Sub-Local meetings."




Should I stay home if I am sick?

Calling in sick when you are sick seems like a no-brainer, but in a survey of 500 Canadian workers, 89% admitted they had gone to work when they were having flu and cold symptoms. And 27% said they always went to work - even if they were feeling under the weather. 

Have you struggled with the difficult decision whether to drag your sick self to the office to meet your deadlines and commitments or stay home to fight off your illness before you infect the entire staff?  Check out this link to help you decide if you should stay home or head in to work:  5 ways to help you decide if you should call in sick

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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