Calendar highlights and upcoming events: |
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Joint Executive Council meeting – Regina, March 25
The union's governing body will be meeting to review the business of the union and the 2021 audited financial statements. . . . . .
CLC/SFL Spring School – May 2–6, 2022
Registration is now open for this annual labour school. GSU will sponsor up to three attendees on a first come, first served basis. Learn more here and contact your GSU staff rep to reserve your spot or learn more.
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Prairie School for Union Women – June 13-16
This annual school will be held with virtual options and in-person workshops at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon.
GSU will sponsor up to three attendees on a first come, first served basis. Learn more below and contact your GSU staff rep to reserve your spot or learn more.
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SFL Summer Camp – August 5-11
This year's summer camp will be held at the Shekinah Retreat Centre near Waldheim. Young people between the ages of 13-16 who are children of union members are eligible to attend. GSU will sponsor up to three GSU campers on a first come, first served basis. Learn more below and contact your GSU staff rep to learn more.
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Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining set to begin March 22 |
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Bargaining begins as Local 4's bargaining committee meets company representatives to introduce and exchange bargaining proposals on March 22, 23 and 24 in Yorkton.
Members are encouraged to join Local 4's bargaining update group by sending their email or cell number to Steve@gsu.ca.
GSU's bargaining committee comprises Brandon Allin, Carter MacKay, Ryan McNabb, Glen Wlasichuk, Brian Lark (GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).
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Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) prepares for bargaining
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GSU's Local 6 bargaining committee will meet on March 30 to review membership bargaining proposals and prepare a final bargaining package before meeting their management counterparts for bargaining on March 31 and April 1.
The Local 6 agreement with their employer expired at the end of February.
GSU bargaining committee members are Dan Grenier, Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Paul Kennedy (alternate), Steve Torgerson (GSU staff) and Donna Driediger (GSU staff).
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AEA/GSU Local 8 conciliation rescheduled to March 23
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GSU's bargaining committee is preparing to meet employer representatives from Advance on March 23. If a settlement is not reached on March 23 it is likely the conciliator’s term of appointment will run out at the end of March.
After the Minister of Labour and Workplace Safety advises that the conciliator has reported out of the process, the bargaining impasse enters a 14-day cooling off period under the terms of the Saskatchewan Employment Act. If a settlement is not reached by the end of the cooling off period, strike or lockout action becomes legal. Members of Local 8 will meet before the end of the cooling off period to vote on their course of action.
Updates from previous bargaining sessions are available here.
The AEA/Local 8 bargaining committee is comprised of Doug Murray (president), Steve Holliday (vice president), Dion Elliott (OH&S co-chair), Doug Kampman (secretary treasurer), Mason Van Luven (GSU staff rep) and Hugh Wagner, (union spokesperson and GSU general secretary).
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Local 14 (Richardson) members to vote on offer
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On March 9 GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee met with Richardson International representatives to resume agreement renewal collective bargaining.
The meeting did not produce a tentative bargaining settlement. Instead, Richardson management made what they described as their best offer to settle a renewed collective agreement with GSU Local 14.
Although Richardson’s offer does not provide for wage increases that the union bargaining committee was willing to sign off on and recommend, the offer is being taken to the members of Local 14 for a vote.
“It is our sincere belief that union members should have the opportunity to weigh in on the matter and have the final say,” said GSU general secretary and union bargaining committee spokesperson Hugh Wagner
A notice of vote and bargaining report are being prepared and will be sent to Local 14 members by March 16.
Work is also underway to arrange information sessions as well as in-person union meetings where members can cast their ballots.
Further updates will follow.
Additional information on past bargaining sessions 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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David Bergen won tickets to the March 19 Rush game (and you could win tickets for their game on March 26) |
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Last week we asked you to enter our draw by naming your own sports team. Congratulations to our draw winner and GSU Local 1 (Viterra) member Dave Bergen who told us he would name his hockey team the Saskatchewan Slapshots.
Disappointed you didn't win last week? Enter again this week and you could win two tickets the the Rush's March 26 home game against the Calgary Roughnecks.
We're giving away two Rush tickets to another lucky GSU member. Enter our draw by answering the following question:
- At what temperature will you whip out your shorts and let your legs feel the sunshine and fresh air this spring?
Get your answer to us at gsu@gsu.ca by 12:00 noon on March 21 to be entered to win.
Contest rules are available here.
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GSU staff rep Donna Driediger assisted a member who had concerns about their short-term disability. |
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"It's difficult for members who are attempting to navigate the waters of short- and long-term disability while they are unwell," Driediger said. "The process can be daunting."
GSU staff understand the lingo and the players, and we can work with you to clear the confusion of dealing with insurance companies.
"Members often think that if they have been denied short- or long-term disability that it is the end of the road for them, and that's not necessarily the case," said Driediger. "GSU is here to support you and we can provide assistance when you are dealing with extended sick leave programs. We also have access to resources we can provide, including discussing accommodations and returns to the workplace once a member is feeling well enough again."
"Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns," Driediger said.
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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.
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GSU’s executive committee has approved a $5000 donation to the appeal by the Canadian Red Cross for humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
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GSU maintains a solidarity account available to provide financial support to humanitarian causes and labour solidarity.
“As are most Canadians, GSU’s executive committee is appalled by the horrific violence being directed at the people of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin’s invading army,” said general secretary Hugh Wagner. “The donation to the Red Cross relief effort is one small way we can show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”
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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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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.
The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent children who have not previously won.
Deadline for receipt of applications is June 1, 2022.
Information and application forms are available at gsu.ca
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Give yourself permission to say NO |
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It can be really hard to say NO, but there are a lot of good reasons you should allow this tiny but powerful word to cross your lips.
If you aren't accustomed to saying no you may find it hard at first. You might feel anxious and you may even feel guilty.
Ultimately, when you decline an offer or a demand being placed upon you, you'll earn respect, position yourself for increased productivity, and your newly-acquire skill of appropriately setting boundaries will leave you with time and space to prioritize your needs and wants.
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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