May 12, 2020  
 
 If you have concerns or problems as you deal with your employer's responses to Covid-19, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.


Calendar highlights and upcoming events:

GSU 2020 scholarship program application deadline - June 1

Learn more and download the application forms here.

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.


GSU Local 7 (Heartland) members to vote on tentative settlement

After several in-person bargaining sessions, GSU's bargaining committee of Heather McKay, Tyler Sherwood and Donna Driediger negotiated a settlement with Heartland Livestock representative Stewart Stone.  Members of GSU Lo cal 7 (Heartland) will be voting on the tentative settlement on May 15.  

"With a few changes to current language and a wage increase equal to 2% of payroll in each year of a three-year contract, the committee agreed it was best for members to vote," said GSU bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff representative Donna Driediger. 

Results of the vote will be released on May 19.


Local 7 bargaining committee members Heather Mackay and Tyler Sherwood.


Without getting into details, we've just resolved another grievance before it went to arbitration. This isn't unusual.  Sometimes a brief comment, email, or meeting is all that's needed to address a situation before a grievance is even filed.

Contacting GSU doesn't mean you are obligated to file a grievance. We are here to assist you but we won't contact your employer or act on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.

Contact us if you have questions or when you think there is a problem to be fixed.

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



AEA/GSU Local 8 members begin work sharing
 
Members of AEA/GSU Local 8 working for Advance Tank Production Ltd. in Regina began participating in a work sharing program on May 11. The program affects 58 members and was precipitated by the turmoil in the energy industry as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Work sharing programs operate in conjunction with EI and must be approved by a majority vote of the workers affected. Under the particular program affecting the 58 AEA/GSU Local 8 members, employees will work rotating shifts of two days per week and collect EI benefits for three days per week.
 
A big thank you goes to Mark Crawford of the Unemployed Workers Help Centre in Regina who was especially helpful in providing sound advice and answers to questions about navigating the EI system in this difficult situation.






Have you been accepted into university or tech school? 
Are you a GSU member, spouse or dependant of a GSU member? 

If your answer is YES, you are eligible to apply for a GSU scholarship.

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.

Learn more and download the forms  here.

Deadline for receipt of applications is June 1, 2020.



Are you immune to  the Quarantine 15?
 
You may be familiar with the Freshman 15 (or the First Year Fatties if you are from Australia). COVID-19 has brought us the Quarantine 15.

Social and physical isolation have made some significant changes to the way we live our lives. Gyms are closed, team sports aren't options, and ducking and dodging people on your evening walk may burn a few extra calories but it can be a bit of a fun-sucker. With restaurants limited to take-out dining options and few entertainment options outside the home, many people have turned to making comfort food, baking, and snacking to self-soothe and pass the time.

Moving Less + Eating More = A New Size of Pants. 

How are you doing in the fight to avoid the Quarantine 15? Learn more and take the test.
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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