October 18, 2022

Calendar highlights and upcoming events:

Defense Fund Board of Directors

We're still searching for a mutually available date to hold a meeting of Fund directors.


We're also seeking a new Fund director to fill a vacant seat on the board. If you are interested or want to learn more, contact Hugh@gsu.ca.


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Joint Executive Council meeting - Oct. 25, Regina

GSU's governing body will meet in Regina on Oct. 25 for their semi-annual meeting.


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GSU biennial policy convention - March 30, 31 & April 1, 2023

The Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31. The location of the 2023 policy convention is being finalized.


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Local 15 (Nutrien) members

What are your thoughts about your 2023 Stats being observed on different dates?

Nutrien Ag Solutions has advised they plan to adjust the observation dates of statutory holidays provided to you in your collective agreement – specifically those which land on a Saturday or Sunday. Some dates will be observed on the Monday following the holiday while others will be observed on the Friday before the holiday. Either way, Local 15 members will receive the same number of holidays as bargained in the collective agreement, even though the dates observed will be different.


GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner replied to Nutrien indicating the union would discuss the planned changes with Local 15 delegates and reply with any information, acceptance or rejection.


You can find the proposed changes here:


If you have any questions or comments, please share them with us by Oct. 25

Send your thoughts to us at GSU@GSU.ca

Don't leave your employment without talking to your GSU staff rep

GSU staff rep Brian Lark has been assisting members who have decided to pursue other employment. 


“Whether you are retiring, starting a new job or just want to get out, it's important that you depart rationally and not emotionally," Lark said. “There are certainly things to consider, like knowing what is paid out when you leave or asking that your last pay stub be mailed to you. Your GSU staff rep can help you make sure you are leaving in the best way possible.”

Don't hesitate to contact a GSU staff rep if you are considering a departure from your employment. 

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you or a limit on the times you can seek advice. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at GSU.ca.

People don't fake depression. They fake being okay

By staff representative Donna Driediger

Depression can squirrel into your soul and hang on for far too long. In today's society people can be harsh and quick to judge if someone isn't acting the way they had in the past. Sadly, if you don't fake that you are okay, you will lose people. Not everyone can handle an Eeyore in their group.


I am not saying those who leave were people in your life you needed, but you may lose some of those people, too. Some folks just can't (or won't) understand that you can't just "shake it off", "cheer up" or "let it go". Doctors want to put you on medication to numb the feelings of despair, but feeling numb doesn't make you feel like anything has been fixed. Rather, numbness only delays the feelings until your body adjusts to the medications or you attempt a life without them and BAM! The reality is back in your face. 

If you know someone who has depression or if you are struggling, know that you are not alone.

The world needs kindness and acceptance. If someone tells you they are depressed, don't be quick to judge or assume you know what they should do or act like. You don't know. You have no idea what their struggles are. People fake happy far more often than they allow themselves to be vulnerable and say how they are really feeling. If you don't understand depression -- be glad -- don't judge, and be kind.  

Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining dates set

Three sets of dates have been set for bargaining: 


  • November 16 & 17, 2022
  • November 24 & 25, 2022
  • December 14 & 15, 2022.


In preparation for negotiations, your bargaining committees will be meeting on November 8, 2022. Once each set of dates has passed we will send an update to all members.

GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake) and Travis Brewer (Saskatoon); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU bargaining committee spokesperson).


As bargaining proceeds, check out the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page where information on bargaining will be available.



Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining  

The first bargaining session between union and company representatives was held Oct. 4, 5 and 6 in Saskatoon. 

The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia and Donna Driediger (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).


Local 7 (Heartland Livestock Services/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining set to begin next week 

Bargaining will begin Oct. 28 in Regina. Additional dates are scheduled for Nov. 4 and tentatively Nov. 18, if required.


Updates will be issued directly to members after each bargaining session and as new information is available. Contact Mason@gsu.ca if you are not receiving updates and would like to be added to the list.

The bargaining committee comprises  Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), and Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).


Local 16 (Lake Country Co-operative), Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association)

Dates to begin bargaining have not yet been set for either Local.  


Locals 17 (Discovery Co-op)

Local 17’s bargaining proposal package is ready and two sets of bargaining meetings have been confirmed. The committees will meet Dec. 7 and 8 followed by a Dec. 13 and 14 session. 


At the company's request, bargaining will take place through virtual conferencing. Recognizing the value of being together to communicate and discuss proposals as they arise during the bargaining sessions, GSU’s committee plans to gather in person and meet with the company by virtual conferencing. 


Your bargaining committee will share bargaining updates by email and text message, so make sure your contact information is on file so you can stay informed. 

GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Ben Scott, Nathan Rafuse, and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark.  

Can't find a co-pilot? Go alone!

Do you enjoy your own company? Are you comfortable sitting alone in a restaurant or in a movie theatre? If not, it's something you should work on.


Start small by going to grab ice cream, go skating or take a class. Work your way up to attending a sporting event or seeing your favourite comedian solo. Next - how about a weekend away for one?


Once you learn to fly solo, you won't hesitate to venture out of your city or country to vacation, see your favourite band or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event.


How many incredible experiences are you prepared to miss out on because you don't have a wingman? Don't miss out on life because you don't have someone to accompany you.

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.