December 7, 2021

Calendar highlights and upcoming events:

GSU annual general membership meetings are winding up We anticipate that all AGMs will be complete by Dec. 15. If your meeting hasn't been scheduled and you intend to hold one, contact your GSU staff representative. . . . . . Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining - Dec. 14, Dec. 20, 21 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. . . . . . GSU Local 8 (Advance) bargaining - Dec. 16 GSU bargaining committee members are Doug Murray, Dion Elliott, Steve Holiday, Doug Kampman, Mason Van Luven (GSU staff), and bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner (GSU staff). . . . . .

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Local 14/Richardson bargaining to begin Dec. 14

Agreement renewal bargaining with Richardson International will begin with an exchange of bargaining proposals on Dec. 14. Bargaining will continue when the two sides meet again on Dec. 20 and 21 in Regina.   “It’s taken awhile to nail down dates, but soon we will begin to work on renewing the collective agreement covering GSU members working for Richardson,” said GSU general secretary and union bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner. “As reported in earlier updates, I anticipate the main focus will be on wage increases that address the rising cost of living.”   The union bargaining proposals assembled by Local 14 delegates will be published in conjunction with their presentation to company management on Dec. 14. Further reports will be released as the bargaining proceeds. GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee comprises Jerid Clark (White City), Curtis Shiels (Melville), Hugh Wagner (GSU staff and union bargaining spokesperson), Donna Driediger (GSU staff), and Mason Van Luven (GSU staff). GSU's Mason Van Luven will be providing GSU bargaining updates to members of Local 14 as bargaining proceeds. Our Tuesday Members’ Memo database is our contact information source, so members who aren’t currently receiving our e-newsletter won’t receive bargaining updates. Please share this information with your co-workers and encourage them to contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our email list.

GSU members donate to BC flood and extreme weather relief appeal

If someone asks you if you have donated to help the people affected by flooding in British Columbia, you can tell them yes, you have - through your union. In response to the widespread hardship resulting from the recent flooding, GSU’s executive committee has approved a $5,000 donation from the union’s solidarity account* to the Red Cross appeal covering the BC floods and extreme weather catastrophe.   "At times like this it is crucial for our society to pull together to help those in need," said GSU president Jim Brown. "The sheer scale and extent of the devastation caused by the flooding and extreme weather in so much of BC is mind boggling. Hopefully GSU’s donation, along with those of many others, will provide direct help and hope for the people who must do the hard work of recovering.”   *GSU maintains a solidarity account to help those in need by allocating 50 cents per member per month out of the regular monthly dues paid by union members. While primarily dedicated to providing assistance to members of unions who are on strike or locked out, GSU’s solidarity account is also available to respond to humanitarian causes.

Local 8 (Advance) bargaining set to resume Dec. 16

Agreement renewal bargaining between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance Tank Production/Tank Centres Ltd. will resume on Dec. 16 as the parties get down to the nuts and bolts of issues. The two sides met most recently on Nov. 30.   “We at the stage of bargaining where a very frank discussion will occur in relation to what is needed to make a settlement,” said GSU general secretary and Local 8 bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner. “I think we’ve had a useful exchange with the management about the range of issues brought to the table by each side and now it is time to move things forward.”   An update will be issued following the Dec. 16 meeting.

If it's important, be sure to get it in writing

One piece of advice frequently offered by GSU staff reps is "get it in writing."   "There are many different situations where members may receive verbal assurances, instructions or directives," said GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson. "Conversations can be interpreted differently, and often having it put to you in writing clears things up. That benefits both parties."   The collective agreement is a great example of having important understandings and commitments in writing, but it doesn't cover every workplace scenario. For example:   Work relationships and understandings vary between workplaces, and what you have done at one location may not necessarily be the practice at another. If you find yourself being directed to do something that makes your spidey-sense tingle, it's best to get those instructions in writing. Verbal or handshake agreements may eventually extend beyond the employment of current out-of-scope managers or supervisors. Without having details and assurances set out in writing, you can only rely on them as far as they take you. If you are instructed to take actions that may go against company policy, you need to protect yourself by receiving direction in written form.   If you aren't comfortable physically asking for something in writing, don't be shy to send an email or your own written letter. It's as simple as saying,   "Things were hectic when we spoke/There was a lot to take in during our conversation/I'm about to get started, so I’d like to make sure I have our conversation straight. As I understand it, [state your understanding of what was asked/agreed upon/directed]. Would you take a moment to reply and confirm whether that’s correct? And, of course, if there’s anything you need to clarify, I would appreciate it."   If you have any questions or require clarification, don't hesitate to reach out to a GSU staff rep. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and their is never an additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at gsu.ca.

Don't throw logs on a fire you want to extinguish

It feels good to share our thoughts. It's fun having something to add to a conversation and it can feel like quite the accomplishment when you land a solid point or astute observation. If you are out for lunch with friends, sitting on the sidelines at a sporting event or participating in a social media group, weighing in with your opinions, experience and expertise will no doubt contribute to keeping the conversation flowing. But is that something you want to do? The next time you are gathered around the kitchen table during the holidays, choosing a side in an argument, or finding yourself pulled into a negative conversation about others, take a moment to consider how the comment you are about to make will land and assess if that's a route you want to take. Learn more here: You don't need to have the last word Resist the urge to have the last word Seven reasons you don't have to be right 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.