June 2 , 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:

Local 15 (Nutrien) bargaining - June 2 & 5
The Union and the Company have set June 2 and June 5 for resuming bargaining. The two sides will be meeting by video conference

GSU 2020 scholarship program application extended deadline - Sept. 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.


Bargaining with Nutrien underway June 2 by video conference

On May 29, GSU bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling sent an email to Local 15 (Nutrien) members advising that the union and company had set June 2 and June 5 for resuming bargaining. The two sides are meeting by video conference.  If you know a co-worker who didn't receive this email and would like to receive future updates, have them send an email to  gsu@gsu.ca  to add their current email address to our database.

GSU collective agreements  with Nutrien expired Dec. 31, 2019. Your GSU Local 15 bargaining committee members are Brian Cowen, Curtis Cousins, Lynn Shaw, GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson, and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling.

Background information and a refresher on where things stand on bargaining is available here. 



  
Thanks for sharing how COVID changed your workplace  
Congratulations to our $100 gift card winners

Last week we asked GSU members which measures and restrictions they thought should become temporary and permanent parts of the workplace routines as governments and employers re-open and navigate our new normal.

As promised, we conducted a draw from the replies we received, and the following five GSU members have each won a $100 gift card of their choice.
  • Raelee Kearns (Local 2 - Viterra)
  • Kaylee Kruger (Local 2 - Viterra)
  • Mark Pankratz   (Local 1 - Viterra)
  • Tasha Seitz  (Local 2 - Viterra)
  • Jill Topham (Local 1 - Viterra).
We received a lot of valuable feedback and insight from GSU members. That helps us understand the issues you are facing so we can tailor our representation services. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns as your workplace adjusts to COVID-19 regulations and restrictions, please feel welcome to reach back out to your GSU staff representative and they will be happy to assist you.

In early May, the Broadbent Institute commissioned Abacus Data to conduct a national public opinion survey to explore the kind of recovery Canadians want after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey found that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread anxiety and concern for Canadians across the country. As they look ahead to the economic recovery, most are looking for a bold and ambitious recovery.
  • Canadians, by a 2 to 1 margin, want governments to spend whatever is necessary rather than control the deficit.
  • Canadians think the long-term, health system, and employment structure needs a lot of improvement.
     
  • Canadians want an economic recovery that is fair, makes the country more self-sufficient, and invests in the public health care system.
     
  • 3 in 4 Canadians support a wealth tax on Canada's wealthiest people to help pay for the recovery.
     
  • 77% Support governments providing financial assistance and debt relief to municipalities to help with budget shortfalls.
     
  • 8 in 10 Canadians want government to ensure public funds to assist corporations are not used to enrich executives or existing shareholders.
The survey was conducted online with 2,280 Canadians aged 18 and over from May 1 to 6, 2020.

View the survey and complete results here: Abacus Data: What Kind of Recovery?
  



Getting ready for bargaining in Local 5 (Western Producer)   
The Union and Company are trying to set up some dates to resume negotiations and work out the logistics of how the negotiations are conducted in our new COVID-19 reality. 

Members will be advised once dates are set.

Bargaining committee members representing GSU Local 5 are Sharlene Tetrault, Michelle Houlden, and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling.



The application deadline has been extended to Sept. 1

In light of the uncertainty surrounding post-secondary institutions during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 scholarship application deadline has been extended to Sept. 1, 2020. 

Scholarship recipients will be chosen and announced by Oct. 15, 2020.





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 September 1, 2020.


Expiration versus Best Before dates:
What's the difference and should you care?  

In Canada, a best before date must appear on almost all prepackaged foods that will stay fresh for 90 days or less. When you open the product or the best before date passes, the best before date no longer applies and the promise of high quality and proper nutrition for the product no longer stands. 

Food that are critical to nutrition (think baby formula, meal replacements) carry longer shelf lives, and they must carry expiration dates. When that date has passed, the item should not be consumed. 

Should you be using that stuff you found in the back corner of the fridge? Learn more using the links below:

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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