December 3,  2019 

Upcoming events:


The last meetings have been scheduled. Check your email for more information or contact your GSU staff rep. Learn more about annual meetings  here.


Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) hearing - Dec. 5 & 6

The Board will hear the GSU Local 15 and Nutrien dispute over the status of the Ag retail outlets at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay.  Learn more here.


GSU Defense Fund Board of Directors Meeting - Regina, Dec. 11

GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner and the board directors will be reviewing the Defense Fund's investment portfolio with representatives from RBC Dominion Securities.


GSU biennial convention - Temple Gardens, Moose Jaw, March 19-21, 2020

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 open, soon.  All members of GSU are eligible to attend, but space is limited. Contact your staff rep to learn more.

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.



Thirty years ago on Dec. 6, the lives of  14 women were cut short when they were murdered at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal, simply because they were women.

On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women we remember lives lost, honour those who have experienced gender-based violence, and reflect on the fact that violence is a daily reality for many women, girls and LGBTQ2 individuals across Canada. 



Labour movement wins paid leave for survivors 

BY: KENT PETERSON, SFL Labour Reporter

On May 13, 2019, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) helped win paid leave from work for survivors of domestic violence. 

"Paid leave from work for survivors of domestic violence will save lives, as it's one additional tool survivors can use when they flee an abuser," said SFL President Lori Johb, "the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, our affiliated unions, and the Saskatchewan New Democrats have been advocating for this for years - I'm glad the provincial government has finally agreed with us and passed this legislation," she added. 

National and provincial studies have shown that domestic violence follows survivors to the workplace. One of the many ways domestic violence impacts work is survivors may delay or abandon plans to flee their abuser if it could result in losing their job or losing needed wages. Until now, survivors in Saskatchewan had to choose between protecting themselves and their children, and keeping their livelihood. Paid leave from work means survivors will not be financially punished for such things as: getting to safety, seeking medical attention, obtaining support services, seeing a lawyer, making a police report, and finding emergency childcare. 

Saskatchewan has the highest rates of domestic violence by intimate partners amongst all Canadian provinces. 

"While I am thrilled that survivors now have access to paid leave, the work of combating domestic and sexual violence in Saskatchewan is far from over," said Johb, "I encourage the provincial government to increase funding to violence prevention programs and to organizations that provide support services. We also need to see the provincial government drastically increase resources and staff in the Status of Women office to better inform the province's policy-making, legislation, and program development. Tackling poverty and working with leaders from marginalized communities will also go a long way in reducing Saskatchewan's rates of domestic violence," she added.



The Saskatchewan Rush are ready for action with their first home game against the New England Blackwolves on  Dec. 14. 

We have two tickets to the game and we are giving them away to one lucky GSU member. You can enter our ticket draw by sending us your answer to the following question:

The season of fantastic food is upon us. What is your favourite holiday food?

Optional: What is your least favourite holiday food?

Get your answer to us by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 and you will be entered in our draw.

Good luck! 

GSU contest rules are available here.


Vacation shaming

Are we becoming a no-vacation nation? Studies suggest work pressure from management and peers is stopping many workers from using their vacation entitlements. In fact, one study reports that 50 percent of Canadians feel discouraged from having a holiday and only 66 percent of Canadians are taking the vacation time they are entitled to.

Vacation time and other time away from the workplace is an opportunity to disconnect, relax, and recharge. It's not a stretch to imagine why not using vacation can lead to burnout, resentment, and retention issues in the workplace. That's not ideal for employees or management.

" Taking time to care for your well-being makes a better employee. You aren't a hero when you don't take your vacation leave, you are putting yourself at risk of burn out," said GSU staff rep Donna Driediger. "If someone is giving you the side-eye for taking your earned time off, let them know you are making a better work environment for all." 

Learn more here about vacation shaming here: Vacation shaming a rising workplace trend: study


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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