Calendar Highlights & Upcoming Events | |
GSU Executive Committee to meet in February | |
The GSU executive committee will be preparing for the upcoming Joint Executive Council meeting, discussing member education for 2024, and exploring organizing strategies to welcome new workers into the union. | | |
GSU New Officer Training - March 6, Regina | GSU is organizing a one-day virtual training session for its recently elected officers, Local contacts, OH&S representatives, and other union delegates. Attendees will gain insights into their responsibilities as GSU officers, receive guidance on assisting colleagues in need at the workplace, and develop skills that contribute to creating a more resilient and supportive work environment for GSU members. | | |
Joint Executive Council meeting - March 21, Regina | The governing body of GSU will convene for their annual spring meeting in Regina where they will discuss the union's affairs. |
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Canadian Labour Congress/ Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Spring School - April 28 to May 2 | |
Earlybird deadline is February 29! | |
Unions deliver higher wages, better benefits for workers in Saskatchewan | |
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Source: SFL Labour Reporter - Winter 2024
Unions continue to deliver big advantages for workers in Saskatchewan both in terms of higher wages and better benefits, according to a new report.
The Union Advantage, penned by Angele Poirier & Andrew Stevens, compares research on union and non-union wages and benefits in Saskatchewan, as well as Canada-wide.
Canadian union workers make 11% more than non-unionized workers and in Saskatchewan that margin jumps to 18%.
Women in a union have a particularly strong advantage – earning wages 20% and 29% higher than non-union women in Canada and Saskatchewan, respectively.
“We’ve always known that signing a union card affords a worker a better salary and perks than their counterparts,” said SFL president Lori Johb. “In the face of stagnating pay cheques, cost-of-living pressures, and growing inequality, the union advantage is a critical one.”
The study also shows that over one-third (34%) of workers are unionized, slightly higher than the rate nationwide (30%), and that unions in Saskatchewan bring their members nearly $200 per week extra in earnings.
Select graphics from The Union Advantage report (U of R: Poirier & Stevens)
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Questions on vacation accrual, retroactivity, and the Local 1 (Viterra) final offer | |
GSU staff reps are being contacted by members of Local 1 (Viterra) regarding the final offer they recently voted on. They are asking for clarification on vacation accrual and whether it is retroactive. The short answer is no.
"Viterra's final offer notes that unless otherwise stated in the final offer, changes and amendments are effective at the date of ratification," said GSU staff rep Brian Lark. "In the final offer the only note that allowed for retroactivity is the increase in pay. All other changes are not retroactive."
We encourage members to reach out to a GSU staff rep with any concerns and questions they may have about the final offer and how it affects them.
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GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the solutions that work for you. Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance. We are here to assist you in any way that we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you. | |
Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office): Fighting to receive entitlements in the final offer | |
As members of Local 1 and 2 were reviewing their pay stubs, some members noticed that there were problems with the 4.5% increase they were anticipating.
The company has advised that they are taking the 4.5% increase (which they say is not based on performance) and using their pay-for-performance eligibility to decide who gets it. The language in the final offer states everyone is to get the 4.5% increase if they were an active employee as of December 31, 2023.
GSU is committed to fighting for its members to receive the entitlements contained in this final offer. GSU and Local 1 and 2 officers are reviewing their options and how we will fight to get this paid.
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GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Dale Lysitza (Lloydminster) and Broc Goodwin (Moose Jaw); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Yanoshewski with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU general secretary and bargaining committee spokesperson).
| Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining impasse: Expecting a response from Company on Feb. 8 | After a lengthy delay since both sides were at the bargaining table, the Local 5 bargaining committee met with the Western Producer bargaining committee on Jan. 26. Local 5 made a proposal to the company and look forward to a response this Thursday when bargaining resumes. | |
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) bargaining set to begin Feb. 14 | |
Members of GSU Local 6 are gearing up for negotiations with their employer, Wild West Steelhead, in Lucky Lake, SK. As their current agreement reaches its expiration on Feb. 28, 2024, negotiations are scheduled for Feb. 14, 2024.
Members are ready to address key issues and make improvements in their contract. A primary focus for negotiations is securing a fair wage increase that reflects and offsets the impact of inflation rates over the past couple of years. The upcoming discussions present an opportunity for both parties to collaborate on a mutually beneficial agreement.
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The bargaining committee comprises Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Kassie Freeland and Donna Driediger (lead negotiator/GSU staff).
| Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining to resume in Feb. | |
Significant progress was made but a final deal wasn't reached during the first round of bargaining on Nov. 21 and 22. Bargaining is scheduled to resume Feb. 21 and 22.
Among the key issues at the table are how to adapt the current collective agreement to cover the new mill being constructed next to the existing mill. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility with minimal stress and uncertainty for Local 9 members.
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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) - Bargaining set to begin in February | |
GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven has been engaging with Local 19 members who have elected Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, and Jennifer Schmidt to comprise their bargaining committee. Members reconnected on Dec. 14 during an annual meeting to assess their priorities before meeting with the company February 14 and 15, and again on February 28 and 29.
The current collective agreement expired Oct. 31, 2023.
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Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff). | |
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Arguing fairly is crucial for maintaining respectful and constructive conversations.
Instead of attacking the person, focus on the issue at hand. Listen actively and consider the other person's perspective with empathy rather than waiting for your turn to jump in and state your side. When you do speak, present your arguments honestly and with evidence. By engaging in fair and respectful dialogue, we promote understanding and cooperation, fostering a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.
Remember, it's about finding common ground, not winning against each other.
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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. | | | | |
