Calendar highlights and upcoming events: | |
Slips, Trips and Falls in Spring | |
By GSU staff rep Brian Lark | |
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Spring is a wonderful time of year as winter slips away and we await the rebirth of summer. However, with the end of winter comes the risk of slips, trips and falls due to melting ice. Freezing rain and last-minute snow falls are great opportunities for ice to form. As the warm sun during the day causes the snow to melt, the cooler temperature at night causes the water to freeze, and water freezes in unusual places and shapes. Side walks, driveways and roadways are susceptible to freezing temperatures and cause extreme slip hazards.
In order to prevent injury and incidents, be sure to keep areas clear of snow and ice as much as possible.
Spread ice melt or sand in walking areas to assist with traction when walking. If there is a risk of ice, taking smaller steps will help keep your center of gravity over your feet.
If you feel unstable, wear ice grippers or even walking poles to aid with balance and traction while walking.
Until the temperatures are consistently above freezing, don’t race to swap out your winter tires. They are designed to give better traction on slippery surfaces below 7 degrees Celsius.
If there is freezing rain or a late snowfall, give yourself more time for travel to arrive at your destinations. Spring and Fall present the same dangers when driving and often we forget to take our time in precarious conditions.
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Looking into options to have STIP paid out | |
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In the last 10 days, Viterra has announced the Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for 2022 would be paid to eligible members of Local 1 and 2 members and, a few days later, changed their mind and said that they wouldn't pay the STIP until bargaining has been resolved.
Members of Local 1 and 2 are not happy with this decision, and GSU agrees with them.
The 2022 STIP has no bearing on the current bargaining taking place to negotiate new collective agreements. GSU and Local 1 and 2 members are looking into all options to have the STIP paid out, including legal and direct action.
Members are also speaking up and signing a petition asking Viterra to honour their commitment to pay the STIP and not to try to use this as a tool to influence bargaining.
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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 - three new bargaining sessions scheduled | |
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Upcoming bargaining dates have been confirmed for:
- April 4 & 5,
- April 26 & 27, and
- May 9, 10 & 11.
When your GSU Local 1 and 2 bargaining committees last met with company representatives on March 7 and 8, both sides presented offers to bring the sides closer together. Unfortunately, we're not there yet.
Your committee stood strong and reiterated that even though the company may not like certain union proposals, they came from the members and were the product of frustrations and anger about the current state of affairs.
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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) update | |
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The Western Producer management negotiating committee has responded to GSU and has agreed to the mediation and conciliation process. At this time, both sides are awaiting the appointment of a mediator from the Minister of Labour and Workplace Safety.
GSU is committed to the process and is looking forward to working with the members and the employer to negotiate a settlement that is workable for all.
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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 | |
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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.
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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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We have heard of mindfulness, but do you know what it actually means?
The definition of mindfulness is a mental state reached by focusing awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Denying feelings can actually make them more intense, and mindfulness can serve as a way to acknowledge, address and release your emotions.
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. | | | | |
