March 9, 2021

Calendar highlights and upcoming events:
GSU Convention - Regina, SK - March 18 & 19, 2021

Registered convention delegates can expect to receive an email update on Friday and a second package of convention information by mail next week.

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CLC/SFL Spring School - May 17 - 20, 2021
 
As is the case with many education opportunities, the CLC/SFL Spring School is going to be held virtually. GSU will sponsor up to three union members to attend. If you are interested or want to learn more, check out the school brochure and contact your GSU staff rep.

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Would you like to be a director on the Defense Fund Board?
 
Delegates to GSU's upcoming convention will elect five directors to sit on the Defense Fund Board and oversee the union's $5.2 million defense fund.

Learn more about the position and how to apply here.

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Resolutions debated and adopted by vote at the March 18/19 GSU policy convention will become GSU policy.

Is there something about GSU you want to change? Or an action you recommend? Submit a resolution to GSU's upcoming policy convention. Resolutions can address any topic and they are a way for members of GSU to contribute ideas on the direction and focus of GSU.

All GSU members who choose to do so may submit resolutions to be voted on at the 2021 GSU biennial policy convention on March 18 and 19, 2021. Delegates attending GSU’s biennial policy convention will discuss and vote on proposed resolutions.

Resolutions at convention must receive the support of at least 50% + 1 of the votes cast in order to pass with the exception of constitutional amendments and changes to GSU membership dues which require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.

If you have a resolution for convention, contact your elected GSU officers or a GSU staff member.


GSU is awarding $2,000 scholarships to five GSU members, their spouses and children
Have you, your spouse or dependant child been accepted
into university or tech school?

If your answer is YES, you are eligible to apply for a GSU scholarship.
We don't need transcripts or marks, but we do require confirmation the scholarship applicant is 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. We also need the applicant to complete our application form, send us their two-page essay on the provided essay topic, and include a letter of recommendation from someone in their community. That's it.

It's easy to apply.

Scholarship forms and additional information are available here.

Deadline for receipt of applications is June 1, 2021.


An inquiry from a member of Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) led GSU to dig into the issue of paid sick leave benefits for employees who are age 65 or older.
 
“Our position is that anyone who continues working under a GSU collective agreement that provides for paid sick leave benefits should have access to the benefits regardless of age," said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “In this instance there is some old language about sick leave payments not continuing past normal retirement age, but there isn’t a normal retirement age any longer and there hasn’t been one for years.”

GSU has raised this matter with the employer and will be pursuing grievance action if the matter cannot be resolved through discussion. GSU is also reviewing other employers’ policies to determine whether the same issue is present elsewhere.

Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone. Contact GSU when you think there is a problem to be fixed.
Why you should let go and forgive
If you have ever been wronged - really wronged - you understand the hurt and anger that accompanies the action.

While forgiving the wrongdoer may make them feel better, forgiving is ultimately for you. It takes a lot of energy and mind space to continue to be hurt by something that was caused by others. Forgiving doesn't mean the action was okay or that you need to keep the one who hurt you in your life. It just means that you are at a place where you have made your own peace, you are able to move past the situation, and that will no longer dwell on the pain.

Learn more here:


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.