October 15, 2019 

Upcoming events:


Saskatchewan Federation of Labour convention - Oct. 23-25 - Saskatoon
GSU is an SFL affiliate and our members are eligible to attend convention. 

GSU's annual membership meetings - autumn 2019
We're starting to line up dates and locations for these meetings. If you have a specific date in mind, contact your GSU staff rep.

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.


Bargaining preparation set to begin for members in Local 7 (Heartland)

If you are a Local 7 member, your current collective agreement is in effect through December 2019, and it's time to start thinking about bargaining a new contract. 

The first opportunity for members to formally discuss bargaining proposals will be at their upcoming annual membership meetings in November. Following that, a conference call of representatives will be arranged to discuss and consolidate proposals from membership meetings into a bargaining package.

"We'll be looking for members who are interested in being on the bargaining committee," said GSU staff representative Donna Driediger. "Previous bargaining experience isn't required. Your hands-on experience and knowledge from working for your employer makes your contribution to the bargaining committee important." 

Driediger encourages GSU members to talk to other members at their location about the improvements and changes they would like to see to the current collective agreement.

"I'll be asking members what is important to them in a new agreement," Driediger said. "If you think you might be interested in being on the bargaining committee - or you would like to know more about what's involved - let me know."

Notice to bargain will be served with Heartland Livestock this month.

You can contact GSU staff rep Donna Driediger at Donna@gsu.ca or toll-free at 1.866.522.6686.

Bargaining updates and information will be shared in future Tuesday Members' Memos and on our web page at gsu.ca.


 
 
Three members recently received significant improvements to their annual salaries as a result of action taken on their behalf by GSU.
 
A member challenged the equity of their rate of pay compared to another employee hired after them into the same job classification at a significantly higher rate of pay. The member raised their objection in early spring 2019 which led to representations by GSU and the eventual upward adjustment of their salary.
 
Two other members were part of a GSU grievance action challenging the salary grade assigned to their job classification after a Company reorganization and transfer of a substantial amount of new work to the employees. The grievance was advanced to arbitration and was well underway when the employer and GSU agreed to resolve the matter, resulting in a substantial upward adjustment of the two members' annual salaries.
 
"These cases prove the value of raising issues with your union and following through with determined action," said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. "Each intervention on behalf of a union member is governed by the facts and collective agreement rights at play. The first step toward successful outcome occurs when union members are willing to assert their rights - either collectively or as individuals - to equitable treatment by employers."


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.  

We'll admit AGMs may not always be the most exciting way to spend an evening, but it's important that members attend their meetings and exercise their rights in order for the union to run smoothly.  

Here's what you can expect.

We're probably going to feed you. 

We try to do whatever is most convenient for the members, and quite often that means a lunch or supper meeting. We have no problem conducting meeting business over a pizza or around the table of your favourite local restaurant.

You get a say in things that directly affect you. 

We'll be asking for your input on local issues and whether GSU members should continue to pay into the GSU Defense Fund. You'll discuss where your Community Connection funding should be allocated and how your Local should spend its annual dues rebate on members. We'll also ask you to select a coworker we can count on to share important information with you and who you know will keep us in the loop about questions or issues you are facing in your workplace. 

Choose delegates to join their peers, union staff, and guests at the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens & Spa.

Spoiler alert - we'll soon be announcing that the 2020 GSU Biennial Policy Convention is being held at the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens & Spa

Conventions are the perfect opportunity to make the changes you want in the union, learn more about your rights as a union member and meet other people who share your interests. You'll hear exciting guest speakers and be entered for prizes at our Mock Casino Night social. All union members are welcome to attend so ask us about becoming a delegate, if you are interested.



Wa tch 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.

Stop coming up with excuses to wait

"I can't because [insert your excuse here]."

Experience, money, weight, time, health ... t here are lots of reasons not to do what it takes to complete tasks and get you closer to achieving goals and living the life you want. If you keep letting excuses stop you, you will never begin.

Make a conscious effort to notice when you are making excuses and start taking steps - even if they are small steps - to reach your goals and improve your life. It's time to stop letting excuses hold you back from financial freedom, writing that book, decluttering your home, or any of your other large and small aspirations and goals. 


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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