Calendar Highlights & Upcoming Events | |
GSU New Officer Training - March 6, Regina | |
GSU has organized 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 resilient and supportive work environment for GSU members. | |
GSU Executive Committee to meet March 8 | |
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. | | |
Joint Executive Council meeting - March 21, Regina | GSU's governing body will convene for their annual spring meeting in Regina where they will review and discuss the union's affairs. |
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Delegate Meetings for Locals 1 (Viterra), 14 (Richardson) and 15 (Nutrien) - coming soon | |
These groups of elected officers will be meeting separately to share information, insights and expertise, enhancing their collective ability to make decisions that represent and serve their members effectively.
If you are an elected delegate on one of these boards, watch your email in the coming weeks for additional information.
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Canadian Labour Congress/ Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Spring School - April 28 to May 2 | |
Earlybird deadline is this Thursday, Feb. 29! | |
Navigating the performance review maze | |
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GSU members are reaching out to us with inquiries regarding pay-for-performance and associated evaluations.
"It's really important for members to be comfortable with their performance assessments and ratings," emphasized Mason Van Luven, a GSU staff representative. "Especially with the new collective agreement that binds portions of wages directly to the reviews of our Local 1 and 2 members."
GSU president Jim Brown offers this hint.
"Talk with your co-workers about filling in your comments and create a discussion in the workplace. Don't be shy about asking them what they did and what they will be writing down," Brown said. "A group discussion may help you recall some of your other contributions and achievements in the past year, and you may find your co-workers can remind you about times you went the extra mile and vice-versa."
Learn more here:
If you disagree with your rating, you may have access to an appeal process or filing a grievance with GSU's assistance. Reach out to your staff representative.
If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff representative.
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Consulting with a GSU representative is a service provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you and there is no limit on the number of times you can seek help. We are committed to offering the support you need, and we will never contact your employer to take action on your behalf without your approval or consent. | |
Crowded classrooms. More split grades. Fewer supports for students. Teachers are taking action to improve schools and they need your support. | |
When collective bargaining has broken down, the picket line serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and advocacy for workers' rights. Recently, the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) found itself at a crossroads, facing the difficult decision of resorting to strike action to address crucial issues affecting Saskatchewan's teachers and, by extension, the quality of education in our province.
No one enters into a strike lightly.
For teachers, their dedication to their profession and their students is unwavering. Unfortunately, there are moments when the stakes are so high, and the issues at hand so significant, that the only recourse is to take a stand.
“As fellow members of the broader labour community, it's our duty to put our support behind the teachers of Saskatchewan,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. “Just as GSU advocates for better conditions in the workplaces of its members, the teachers are advocating for the betterment of education and the well-being of their students. We need to stand by them in their fight for fair working conditions and adequate resources to do their work.”
Showing solidarity with the STF isn't just about supporting teachers—it's about recognizing that similar challenges could impact any union and its members. By rallying behind the STF, we're also affirming our commitment to standing up for workers' rights across all sectors.
Here's how you can support Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation (STF) members in their fight for a new collective agreement.
Joining teachers on the picket line to show your support and solidarity can have a powerful impact.
Your presence demonstrates that you stand with them in their fight for fair working conditions and adequate resources. Additionally, providing food, water, and other supplies to picketers can help sustain their efforts and spirits during prolonged protests.
Use your voice and platform to advocate for the STF's cause.
This can include sharing information about their issues and demands on social media, writing letters to government officials expressing your support for the teachers, and engaging in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness about the importance of their struggle.
Help amplify the voices of Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation members and contribute to their efforts to secure a fair and equitable resolution to their dispute.
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Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office): Executive grievance to be launched over 4.5% payments | |
On Feb. 14, the Local 1 Board of Delegates met and resolved to launch executive grievance proceedings against Viterra, advocating for the payment of the 4.5% to all employees. An executive or policy grievance is one submitted by the union on behalf of all members.
Members who have submitted their information either through our information form, email, text or by talking to their staff representative will receive updates on the progress of the executive grievance. If you haven't shared your information with GSU, you can complete the form (below) or reach out to your staff representative.
2023 Increase and Retro Pay form
Even with the forthcoming executive grievance filing, individuals still have the opportunity to file their own grievances. While the desired outcome remains consistent — securing the 4.5% increase and the retro pay — individual members retain the right to pursue their own grievances if they choose.
If you are considering filng an individual grievance and want to learn more, reach out to your staff representative as soon as possible. There is a time limit on filing grievances, so be certain to talk to your staff representative no later than Feb. 29.
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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: Next bargaining date set for March 13 | |
GSU and WPP reconvened bargaining negotiations on Feb. 22. Progress is being made at the table and the next date set for bargaining is March 13.
GSU believes both sides are interested in finalizing negotiations and are moving in that direction. We remain optimistic and look forward to continued progression toward a new collective agreement for all Local 5 members.
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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 scheduled to resume March 26 | |
GSU's Local 6 negotiating committee met on Feb 13 to complete their bargaining package before they met with the employer on Feb 14. Both sides presented proposals and while progress was made, a tentative settlement was not reached.
The committee is look forwarding to fruitful dialogue when bargaining resumes on March 26.
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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 continues | |
GSU bargaining committee members Jordan Jefferson, Kelly Swaretsky, Robert Macken and Mason Van Luven met with company representatives on Feb. 22 to continue agreement renewal bargaining. After a full day of negotiations, a handful of remaining items need to be put into contract language, hence why the committees have pivoted to bargaining by email.
"With a new mill expected to be commissioned by mid-2024, members are anxious to secure a contract", explained Van Luven. "Our goal is to start the ratification process in the coming weeks so as to provide an opportunity for members to ask questions, and when the time comes, cast a ballot -- the best way to see if the offer is good enough".
The Company agreed to participate in the creation of a "FAQ" where members can submit their questions to Union Officers who will then compile the questions into a list for the Company to answer.
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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 resumes this Wednesday, Thursday | |
The Local 19 bargaining committee met with the Prairie Cooperative bargaining committee for the first round of bargaining dates on Feb. 14 and Feb 15. The Company cancelled the second day of bargaining to review and cost the union's bargaining package.
Bargaining resumes Feb 28 and 29.
Local 19 members are asking for improved benefits, better pay, and a compensation structure that factors in performance, annual increases, and movement through a range. The Company has asked for concessions and have yet to reveal their compensation offer.
The current collective agreement expired Oct. 31, 2023.
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Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt, Mackenzie Walter and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff). | |
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At work, it's important to remember that while being yourself is key, being mindful of how you present yourself can make a big difference. Your "work self" represents your personal brand in the workplace, so putting your best foot forward helps to create a positive impression and opens doors to opportunities.
Key pieces of positive personal branding to help anyone thrive in their workplace are:
Reliable and Consistent: Being someone others can count on by consistently delivering quality work and meeting deadlines.
Friendly and Supportive: Building positive relationships with colleagues by being approachable, helpful, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
Open to Learning: Showing a willingness to learn and grow by seeking out new skills and opportunities for development, which demonstrates adaptability and a proactive attitude.
There are also things that can damage your personal brand at work.
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. | | | | |
