January 18, 2022
Calendar highlights and upcoming events:

Local 14 (Richardson) member consultations - Jan. 2022

GSU staff representatives are reaching out to Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) members to provide an update and answer questions about agreement renewal negotiations. These updates will take place after hours or during members' scheduled break(s).

If you would like to speak to a GSU staff representative when they visit, contact your sub-local union representative or your GSU staff rep to confirm the day and time of your scheduled visit. If you aren’t available or have questions that arise after your rep's visit, don’t hesitate to contact us by email, text or phone. 

GSU bargaining committee members are Jerid Clark, Curtis Shiels, GSU staff members Donna Driediger and Mason Van Luven, and GSU staff/union bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner.

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GSU Defense Fund board of directors meeting - Jan. 21

The directors and GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner will meet by video conference to review strike lockout benefits.

Are you interested in becoming a GSU Defense Fund director?

We have a vacancy on the board. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the position, contact Hugh Wagner at Hugh@gsu.ca.
Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining: committees to review, reflect on differences before touching base again
Your GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) bargaining committee met with Richardson International Limited representatives in Regina on Jan. 11 and 12 to resume agreement renewal negotiations.

While considerable progress was made, a difference in perspective remains on the question of wage increases.

When bargaining adjourned Jan. 12, both sides agreed to review and reflect on the differences standing in the way of a tentative settlement and touch base in the near future. During this time, GSU’s bargaining committee will be consulting union delegates and members about bargaining to date and member support for the union bargaining position.

Bargaining updates are regularly sent to Local 14 members. Contact staff rep Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca 306.522.6692 to be added to the update contact list.

GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee is comprised of Jerid Clark (White City), Curtis Shiels (Melville), Mason Van Luven (GSU staff rep), Donna Driediger (GSU staff rep), and general secretary Hugh Wagner.


Work safely during Saskatchewan winters
Working outdoors during Saskatchewan winters will challenge your body. There are a number of things you can do to prevent strains, pains, and injuries.

Don't forget to stretch

Prior to performing any physical task, remember to stretch. You don't need a 60-minute yoga session to reap the benefits. Simply doing some basic stretches before starting the task will help warm up your muscles and prevent strain and injury.

When working outside, remember to take warm-up breaks regularly. These breaks also offer an opportunity to stretch again. Repetitive tasks - like shoveling snow - use the same muscle groups repeatedly, and stretching helps to reduce aches and strains. 

Stay hydrated

Our bodies need water to work efficiently, and your best source is water - not coffee or soft drinks. Caffeine is a mild diuretic that can increase dehydration and urination frequency.

Dress accordingly

Be aware of temperature and wind chill values so you can dress accordingly when you are working outside.

Dress in layers. As you start to work, your core temperature will increase and it is better to remove a layer of clothing than start to sweat. Sweating while working outside can lead to chills and drop in body temperature when you and your clothing are wet. If you have a lot to do, trade between tasks or ask for help to get the task completed in less time so you can minimize exposure to the elements.

Wear proper footwear and budget the time you need to travel safely

It's important to allow yourself time to get to and from work.

Road and cleaning crews are not always able to keep up when the snow is flying, and black ice is always a risk when the temperature dips below freezing. Whether you are walking or driving, it's easy to slip and slide on hidden ice under the snow. Watch for water pooling on tile inside the office as it can also create slipping hazards.

When walking outside, to and from your vehicle, or into the office, take your time. Take small steps so your center of mass stays over your feet (think of the penguin's shuffle). Slips often occur when we try to take big steps or walk too briskly. Slow down and take your time. 

Questions or concerns?

Don't hesitate to call your GSU staff rep. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues, and there is never a charge for assisting you.
Bargaining grinds to a halt, Local 8 (Advance) bargaining committee serves Notice of Impasse
Agreement renewal bargaining between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance Tank Production Ltd. /Advance Tank Centre Ltd. is headed to conciliation as the union has served notice of a bargaining impasse.

The notice of impasse was sent on behalf of AEA/GSU Local 8 to Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety on Jan. 14. It is anticipated the Minister will appoint a conciliation officer who will have 60 days to meet with the union and company bargaining committees in an effort to settle the bargaining impasse.

If the 60-day conciliation process doesn’t produce a settlement, and the conciliator reports out of the process, the parties enter a further seven- to 14-day cooling-off period following which strike or lockout action can legally occur.

Updates will be shared as they are available.

GSU bargaining committee members are Doug Murray, Dion Elliott, Steve Holliday, Doug Kampman, Mason Van Luven (GSU staff), and bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner (GSU staff).
There are benefits to thinking like an optimist
It can be difficult to keep a smile on your face when Christmas credit card bills are pouring in, winter storms are brewing, and talk of COVID lurks around every corner.

Do yourself a favour by heeding the sage advice, "Don't say whoa in a bad spot." Keep moving forward and looking for the positives and the promise the future has to offer.

Learning to seek out the positive has countless benefits to your physical health and mental wellbeing. 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.