Applications for our 2022 scholarship program are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who applied. We anticipate our scholarship committee will award this year's scholarships by mid-July and notify applicants of their status at that time.

Detailed information on our scholarship program is available at gsu.ca.

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GSU Locals 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining update meeting - June 13, Yorkton

Bargaining is coming down to the nitty gritty, so GSU's bargaining committee has scheduled this meeting to update members on where bargaining stands and receive their feedback.

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BOARD MEETINGS: GSU Locals 1, 2 (Viterra); Local 14 (Richardson) - June 22, 23, 24, Regina

There's never a perfect time to schedule board meetings, so we're making it work in June.

Meeting notices have been sent to elected delegates and requests for leave have been sent to their employers. 

• Local 14 (Richardson) - June 22/23, 2022 - Ramada Plaza, Regina, SK
• Local 1 / Local 2 (Viterra) - June 23/24, 2022 - Ramada Plaza, Regina, SK

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SFL Summer Camp – August 5-11, Shekinah Retreat Centre

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.

Brochure: SFL Summer Camp 2022

Learn More/Register Online: SFL Summer Camp

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SFL OH&S Conference – Sept. 14-16, Regina

This popular conference will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Regina.

If you are interested in attending, contact your GSU staff rep.

Brochure: SFL OH&S Conference brochure

Learn More/Register Online: SFL OH&S Conference

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66th Annual SFL Convention - Oct. 26-28, Regina 

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is anticipating an in-person convention at Regina's Queensbury Downs this October. The COVID-19 situation will be monitored prior to convention and attendees will be notified in advance of the convention if any health measures are required in order to attend.

Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in learning more or attending.

Brochure: 2022 SFL Convention Call Guide

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Annual report is available for members to review, print

The Joint Executive Council's Annual Report to members contains important information for GSU members about the business of your union, including the 2021 audited financial statements. GSU prides itself on practicing democracy and transparent administration on behalf of the union’s members.

The annual report is available to be read and downloaded here and on GSU's web page at gsu.ca

Copies of the report were recently distributed to members during our spring visitations, but members wanting an additional hard copy of the report can call 1.866.522.6686 or send an email request to gsu@gsu.ca.

If you have questions, comments or concerns about this report, don’t hesitate to contact a Joint Executive Council member or your GSU staff representative.

The rising price of fuel was a hot topic during member visitations

GSU staff reps spent the past month touring job sites to check-in, meet new hires, answer questions and distribute GSU’s 2021/2022 Annual Report. Perhaps most importantly, we heard from members about their top-of-mind issues faced in the workplace and community. Of all issues identified, one stood far above the rest: rising fuel prices. 

Driving to work is inevitable. It's a cost we bear to get to work and collect a paycheque. And now, as many members expressed, every mile driven cuts deeply into paycheques; particularly so for workers in the countryside who are expected to shuttle between work locations to attend training and keep staffing levels in check.

“I hope members recognize they have an opportunity to organize and band together with others in similar situations to affect change rather than accept it as is,” said GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. “GSU staff reps are examining how to best address this issue and I hope to see it raised at GSU’s upcoming local executive and bargaining meetings.”

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at gsu.ca.

Minimize the risks of fire at home and in the workplace

By GSU staff rep Brian Lark

Fire is a risk in all workplaces. The source of ignition may change depending on the type of work that is performed at the workplace, but the risk of fire is always present.

Here are some basic tips to minimize the risk of fire and injury due to fire.

Keep all flammable materials properly stored

This means all flammable liquids are stored in a fire-resistant cabinet. Fuel sources such as gasoline, diesel and propane should never be stored indoors as they pose a high risk for fire. They should be kept outside the home or workplace in a locked well-ventilated cabinet.

Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and not blocked

Do not store anything in front of the locations where extinguishers are located. The area should be kept clean and unobstructed.

Know how to use a fire extinguisher

If you are expected to use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire, ask your manager for training on how to use the equipment. Injury or sustainable damage to property is a result of not knowing how to use an extinguisher properly. If a fire breaks out and you don’t know how to use the extinguisher, leave the area.

Maintain exits and keep them clear of debris and materials

This will ensure a safe evacuation route in case of fire. A rear entrance of the building that doesn’t get used is a common place for storage. These exits often don’t get the same attention for snow removal as the main exits, but it is important to keep them clear.

We all need to do our part to make sure that safety is a priority in the workplaces. If you see something that is unsafe, stop it (if possible) and always report to your supervisor or manager. As always, don't hesitate to call your your GSU staff rep if you have questions or need assistance.  

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) board of delegates to meet June 23 & 24

Bargaining will be on the agenda when the elected delegates of Local 1 and 2 meet in Regina in late June.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining scheduled for July 20, 21, 22

Movement toward a tentative settlement continued when the two sides met in Yorkton on May 24, 25 and 26. As a result, GSU's bargaining committee has scheduled a meeting on June 13 to give Local 4 members an opportunity to receive an in-person bargaining update and ask any questions they have before bargaining resumes in July.

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).

Local 5 (Western Producer) prepares for bargaining

Local 5 members met on May 18 to prepare for upcoming negotiations and begin the process of putting their proposals together with assistance from their negotiating committee and GSU staff rep Donna Driediger. Front of mind for all members are wage rates, job security, the rapid changes in the world and drastic increases to inflation rates. 

Notice to bargain was served to the employer on May 5.  The union committee is anticipating the bargaining process will begin over the summer.

Negotiations committee members are Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia and Donna Driediger (GSU staff and bargaining spokesperson).

There is lot of talk about self-care and the need to take care and take charge of your physical, mental and emotional health. Social self-care is an important part of the equation, but it can be overlooked.

Humans crave connection. We need to feel needed and included. If you find yourself in a situation that is no longer serving you (or that is mentally hurting you), it's time to move on. Check out some strategies, below:

• Strategies for social self-care
• 5 steps to removing toxic relationships from your life
• 8 steps for dealing with toxic people you can't avoid
• 5 care practices for every area of your life