April 23, 2024

Calendar Highlights & Upcoming Events

Local 1 (Viterra) and Local 14 (Richardson) Board of Delegates meetings

We're convening separate meetings of our Local 1 and Local 14 delegates to identify and address concerns and to ensure that members are feeling adequately represented and able to reach out to GSU officers and union staff for support when needed.

Local 1 - Delegates will meet on April 29 in GSU's Saskatoon office. In addition to examining the recent bargaining process to learn what needs to be done and what we can improve on going forward, officers will also review current issues facing the Local.

Local 14 - May 14 has been set for a virtual meeting of delegates. The current collective agreement remains in effect until the end of 2025, but it's important to use the time between agreements to observe, reflect and prepare for the future and address current issues in the Local.

Are you a Local 1 or Local 14 member who is interested in attending your Local's delegates meeting and representing fellow GSU members in your workplace? Contact your GSU staff rep to learn more.

Prairie School for Union Women - June 9–13, Regina, SK

Earlybird registration deadline is May 3

The Prairie School for Union Women offers trade union women an intensive four days of learning and sharing in a supportive environment. The goals of the school are to develop women’s personal and leadership skills and to build solidarity among women workers.

Whether you are a woman who is a seasoned union advocate or just starting to get involved in your union, this school is open to you. This year, the school will be held in person in Regina from June 9 – 13 at the University of Regina

GSU will send up to two delegates to this popular school. Learn more here, then contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in applying to attend.

visit GSU.ca

Competition Bureau's report outlines concerns over acquisition of Viterra

The Competition Bureau has flagged concerns about Bunge Limited's proposed acquisition of Viterra Limited, citing potential anti-competitive effects in Canadian agricultural markets. Outlined in a report to the Minister of Transport, these concerns will assist Transport Canada's review of the transaction's impact on national transportation.

The Bureau's investigation revealed likely harm to competition in Western Canada's grain purchasing and Eastern Canada's canola oil sales markets. Additionally, the Bureau noted Bunge's potential influence over G3 Global Holdings (G3), a competitor to Viterra, due to Bunge's minority shareholding of G3 and access to sensitive information.

GSU is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of its members. We will continue to monitor events as the review unfolds.

Your grades aren't required to apply! If you've been accepted into a full-time program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute, you're eligible to apply for a scholarship!

Every year, GSU offers $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate a passion for driving positive change in their community. For the first time, if you have already won a GSU scholarship in the past you are encouraged to apply again.

Previously, recipients could only receive one scholarship per lifetime, but GSU's Joint Executive Council members voted to remove that restriction.

The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses, and dependents, regardless of previous scholarship awards. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at any community college, university, trade school, or technical institute.

Learn more, download the forms or complete them online at GSU.ca.

Deadline for receipt of applications is July 1, 2024.

Easy Steps to contact GSU: Just do it!

If you are intimidated or uncertain about contacting your GSU staff rep, don't be. The process is simpler than you might think and the voice on the other end is always a friendly one.

At a recent GSU officer meeting, we heard that some members were

hesitating to contact us because there were confused about the process and what they needed in order to reach out to us with a concern or question. If that sounds like you, here's everything you need to know!

Contacting us is straightforward and hassle-free.

You can pick your preferred communication method: call, email,

text, or even reach out via social media. Plus, we're just a toll-free call

away at 1.866.522.6686 (Regina) or 1.855.306.384.7314.

Don't worry if you're unsure about which GSU staff rep to contact.

We'll help you figure that out when you contact us. Any one of our reps can assist you with your initial call.

There's no extra cost for reaching out for answers or help

Anything we do to assist you is already completely covered by your regular union dues.

You don't need a big problem to reach out.

When you're unsure whether something constitutes a problem or a violation of your rights, it's best to ask. We're here to listen, provide clarification and guidance. No problem is too small! It's often easier to resolve problems when they are small and a simple comment, email or meeting is all that's needed to address a situation.

We respect your privacy and we won't contact your employer or

take action on your behalf without your consent.

Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance. With your permission we can act as your advocate, but only after consultation, direction and approval from you.

If a workplace issue is weighing on your mind, don't hesitate to reach out.

We're here to address the issue and help ease your concerns.

Contact information is available here.

Local 5 (Western Producer) members have a new collective agreement

Members recently voted to accept the terms of a memorandum of settlement. When GSU and company representatives agree upon the final collective agreement wording, the agreement will be signed. After that, GSU will begin preparing collective agreement booklets for Local 5 members.

The bargaining committee comprises Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU general secretary).

Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) members to vote on tentative settlement

The GSU Local 6 bargaining committee is pleased to report that on April 16, 2024 they reached a tentative settlement with employer representatives.

Local 6 members are set to meet on April 25 to review the details of the offer and to vote on acceptance or rejection. GSU's negotiating committee is recommending acceptance.

The bargaining committee comprises Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Kassie Freeland and Donna Driediger (lead negotiator/GSU staff).

Local 8 (Advance/AEA) agreement renewal bargaining underway

The Local bargaining committee met with their employer counterparts on April 19 in Regina. Additional dates are set for April 30 and May 2.

The current agreement expires on April 27, 2024.

The bargaining committee comprises Doug Murray, Doug Kampman, Doug Pederson, Scott Weisenberger and Steve Torgerson (committee spokesperson/GSU general secretary).

Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining continues

There is no available update this week. Please check back next week.

Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Rob Macken, Kelly Swaretzky and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff). Jordan Jefferson is serving as alternate.

Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) committee to meet, strategize for June 4-6 bargaining session

On Feb. 28 and 29, GSU's Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) bargaining committee attended virtual negotiations to renew the collective agreement with their employer counterparts. This marked their second meeting following the initial bargaining session on Feb. 14.

Members of Local 19 are advocating for improved benefits, better pay, and a compensation framework that considers performance, annual adjustments, and progression through pay ranges.

The two sides will meet for their next bargaining session on June 4 through 6.

The current collective agreement expired on Oct. 31, 2023.

Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt, Mackenzie Walter and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).

Use your advantages to help others

Privilege isn't just about having perks and benefits; it's about the absence of obstacles and barriers. Let’s stop to consider the advantages we enjoy, and look for ways to help others and make positive changes in the world.

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.

Disclaimer: Things change rapidly. We strive for accuracy, but for the most up-to-date details, please contact your GSU staff representative with any questions or concerns.