Calendar highlights and upcoming events: | |
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Our tech is working on the problem, but in the meantime requests to access GSU links may be met with an error message. If you need assistance and can't get it from our web page, don't hesitate to reach out to your GSU staff rep.
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(Left to right) Hugh Wagner, general secretary; Wilfred Harris; incoming GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson; Rebecca Forness; Doug Kampman. Missing from photo: Lynn Shaw who participated by conference call. | |
GSU Defense Fund board meets, reviews financial statements in preparation for GSU convention | |
The GSU Defense Fund board of directors met on March 9 to receive the union’s draft audited financial statements for 2022 and review the year end investment portfolio report from RBC Dominion Securities. | |
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GSU’s 2022 audited financial statements will be presented to delegates attending the union’s policy convention from March 23 to 25.
Board directors received and adopted reports from GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner on Defense Fund assets and policies. Incoming general secretary Steve Torgerson and accounts payable/payroll administrator Rebecca Forness participated in the directors meeting as part of GSU’s administrative transition process.
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The Defense Fund is an important component of union members’ resources. The primary purposes of the GSU Defense Fund is to ensure and provide for the continued operation of GSU and to provide strike/lockout pay to members of GSU in the event they strike or are locked out. | |
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Current board members Wilfred Harris (Local 1 - Viterra), Lynn Shaw (Local 15 - Nutrien) and Doug Kampman (Local 8 - Advance) have all indicated they will let their names stand for re-election. There are currently two vacancies on the five-person board. Delegates to GSU’s policy convention will elect five directors to two-year terms of office.
Learn more about GSU's Defense Fund here.
GSU members who wish to be candidates for election to the Defense Fund board are asked to submit their names to the union office at gsu@gsu.ca prior to March 23. Candidates do not have to be delegates to the convention to run for a Board position.
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Take a moment to confirm that Box 44 is filled out on your T4 and don't forget to enter it on line 21200 of your tax return. | |
Commuted value and pension plan clarification | |
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Some GSU members receive pension statements annually, and we can help them between statements by providing them with an updated commuted value and plan clarification between statements.
Staff rep Mason Van Luven is assisting a GSU member as they sort through a lot of historical pension plan information. In addition to providing the member with an updated commuted value, Van Luven is providing clarity and explanation on how their pension plan has evolved over the years and the various factors applied.
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With GSU you have access to specialized services that could be difficult to obtain on your own. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.
These services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.
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It takes a combination of hard work and educational funding for most students to achieve their goals. GSU is pleased to offer $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community. | |
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The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent children who have not previously won.
Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country.
Deadline for receipt of applications is June 1, 2023.
Learn more here.
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Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining update for March 7, 8 and 9 | |
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When bargaining resumed March 7, 8 and 9, the company presented their response to the union’s Feb. 1 counter-proposals.
“During these three days, your committee made proposals and offers that we think are reasonable and productive” said GSU Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson. “Your bargaining committee wants all members to know we are standing strong on the items and issues members have identified as priorities, and we are committed to do everything we can to negotiate the best collective agreement possible.”
Dates to continue bargaining are being arranged. In the meantime, the GSU committee is asking members to continue staying in touch, asking questions of their committee and the company, and insisting that workers not get left behind.
An email update will be sent to members later this week.
Background information is available here:
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You can read previous updates on the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page under the Bargaining menu tab. Contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our bargaining update email list. | |
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). | |
Local 5 (Western Producer) - dialogue ongoing | |
Dialogue to resolve Local 5’s agreement renewal bargaining is ongoing. For the time being, details won’t be released until there are substantive developments. We thank Local 5 members for their patience and continued support. | |
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The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Hugh Wagner (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).
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Local 7 (Heartland Livestock Services/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining - dialogue continues | |
Dialogue to resolve Local 7’s agreement renewal bargaining is ongoing. For the time being, details won’t be released until there are substantive developments. We thank members for their patience and continued support. | |
The bargaining committee comprises Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson/GSU staff).
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.
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Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association) bargaining to begin in late March | |
The first bargaining session is set for March 28, 29 and 30. At the company's request, bargaining will take place through virtual conferencing. | |
GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Christina Jones, Trent Herring and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark. | |
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Do you have a hobby? If not, you should find one.
In addition to being something you enjoy, hobbies are good for your mind and they make you more interesting. You can share what you created or mastered, how you made it or reached a goal, or even share a laugh about your epic hobby fail.
If your hobbies require scheduling with others, it ensures you have to leave work tasks behind to make room for socializing and using your leisure time in an active way. Being involved in a hobby not only keeps your mind active, but it has healthy side effects such as lowering your stress and blood pressure while decreasing the likelihood of depression.
Learn more here:
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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. | | | | |
