Calendar highlights and upcoming events: |
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GSU is seeking a part-time Accounting & Payroll Administrator for our Regina office. |
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AEA/GSU Local 8 conciliation - March 3
This is the first conciliation session between the parties. The conciliation officer has 60 days to meet with the parties in an effort to settle the bargaining impasse between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance Tank Production Ltd. /Advance Tank Centres Ltd.
A bargaining recap is available here.
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Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining resumes Feb. 16
An update will be issued to members by email following this bargaining session.
A bargaining recap is available here.
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 Shop Steward Training (online) - Feb. 24, 2022
This is our first education opportunity of the year.
Contact GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson if you are interested in learning more about upcoming education opportunities.
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Joint Executive Council meeting tentatively set for March 25
The union's governing body will be meeting to review the business of the union and the 2021 audited financial statements.
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We just sent a survey to every GSU member |
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We have come through a tumultuous couple of years which have shone light directly on what works well and what hasn’t worked at all. The value of personal interactions and connections has been confirmed, and we have learned that there are a number of different ways to accomplish the same thing.
As we squeeze out of COVID’s grip, we don’t want to slip back into doing what we have always done simply because it’s familiar. Instead, we are throwing the door wide open, listening closely to what members say is best for them, and preparing to act on it.
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This is where you come in. |
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We have sent a general survey to every GSU member in our database contact list. (If you didn’t receive it, or if you have misplaced it, you can access it here.)
This survey is the beginning of a post-COVID refresh aimed to reflect, review, and improve how we serve you and your fellow GSU members post-COVID. We’re asking you about a wide range of topics including education, member engagement, and communication, and your reply is strictly confidential – meaning none of your information will be shared with your employer.
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Your input is important. Tell us what you are thinking, and don’t hold back. |
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Good or bad, we want to hear from you.
The survey will be open until noon on March 4, so make sure you respond at your convenience and urge your fellow GSU members to respond, too.
As a thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, you have the option of entering our draw to win one of three prizes. To enter the draw, we will need you to provide the necessary contact information at the end of the survey after selecting which of the prizes you would like to enter to win. The lucky winner of our random draw will be contacted after the survey closes. If you don’t want to enter the draw – or you would prefer your thoughts remain completely anonymous – simply leave the contact information section blank.
Any questions or complications with completing the survey can be directed to staff rep Mason Van Luven by phone or by email (306.552.7987 or Mason@gsu.ca) |
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GSU members are asking about pensions and retirement
Perhaps it was brought about by the last round of unseasonably cold weather and everyone's wish to be at home, but GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson has had a rush of pension and retirement inquiries cross his desk in the past few weeks.
Torgerson can answer your questions, such as who needs to contacted when a member is considering retirement, what options are available to retiring members, and where to begin when everything seems overwhelming.
If you are considering retirement or simply planning for the future, don't hesitate to contact Steve and ask for his retirement guidebook. It's free, and it will lead you through the process and help you keep everything straight.
No question is too big or small. GSU staff reps are here to assist you.
It's easiest to solve problems in the beginning when they are small, so don't hesitate to contact us when you see something that might need to be addressed. We will answer your questions and assist you in any way we can, and we won't contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.
Contact information for GSU staff is available on GSU's web page at gsu.ca.
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Is there such a thing as Stress Leave?
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By GSU staff representative Donna Driediger
GSU fields many calls regarding members who are over-worked, burnt out and stressed. We often hear people refer to stress leave as a way to recharge and get ourselves back into the groove.
Did you know stress leave isn’t actually a thing?
When a co-worker, family member or friend is off work due to stress, it's likely their doctor has taken them off work for a bona fide medical diagnosis, such as anxiety or depression to name two examples.
Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. Humans are designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges - whether they are happy stressors, i.e. getting married, or negative stressors, i.e. divorce - your body produces physical and mental responses. That's stress. Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. When we come to a point in our lives where we are unable to handle our stressors, we may develop a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.
When talking to your doctor about your life and work stressors, be clear about your ability to handle those situations and how that impacts your mental health. Anxiety, depression and many other mental health conditions can affect the way you are able to work, the conditions you may work under and the people you work with. It is important for you to communicate to your doctor all of your symptoms of the stressors in your life so they are able to discern if what you are experiencing is normal life stress or alternatively if you should be treated for a mental health issue.
We all work through our varied life stressors differently. It is not a weakness to plug into your feelings and be sure you are caring for yourself first. If you feel you are at a point where you are unable to function in your regular routines due to work /life stress, it may be time to see your physician and have the chat about how you can get help and relief.
If you or someone you know needs GSU’s assistance in a workplace accommodation, please contact me at Donna@gsu.ca
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Is it time to find a new job? |
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Whether you are new to a company or a long-term employee, sometimes a job just isn't a good fit.
When you find yourself spending too much away from work with headaches, nights of tossing and turning in bed, or dominating conversations with tales about your workplace struggles, it may be time to consider a shift in employment.
Leaving it too late can damage family relationships, friendships, and leave you vulnerable to outbursts and other behaviours that are detrimental to your continued employment, reputation, and health.
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.
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