Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining meeting, vote – Aug. 17, Yorkton

A tentative settlement has been reached and members will have the opportunity to attend an August 17 meeting to hear the bargaining report and vote on acceptance or rejection.

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

This popular conference will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Regina. Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in attending.

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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GSU staff rep Donna Driediger fielded questions from a member struggling with transition from short-term to long-term disability.

"During a time you should be resting and focusing on your health, the reality of work and the complexities of insurance companies can quickly frustrate and consume your space," Driediger said. "Hopefully, you will never have a need to access either short- or long-term disability, but if you find yourself in that position and have questions as you are working through the process, don't hesitate to call me for assistance."

No question is too small! Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you or a limit on the times you can seek advice. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at gsu.ca.

Our path to reconciliation includes listening, learning, and creating opportunities for education and participation within GSU. Each month we will share a short piece of information that we hope will inspire you to learn more about the topic and ultimately contribute to a shared future of reconciliation.

By GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven

Farmland and Reconciliation

In 1885, the Federal Government of Canada implemented what was known as the “Pass System” - this required indigenous peoples to present a travel document to an Indian Agent who would decide whether or not to sanction them to leave and return to their reserves. This, as explained by Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme, is a part of history we have all inherited, was legislation that reflected and shaped just how the land would be used, and who would get to use it. Chief Delorme went on to explain that prior to the Pass System, Cowessess First Nations was a thriving agricultural enterprise, winning awards for their cattle and wheat. Robbed of their independence, their operations wilted and further displacement of land resulted in the decline of indigenous ownership of land. Consequently, only 2.7% of the 592,975 people in the Canadian “agricultural population” self-identify as Indigenous.

As settlers working in agriculture, this history reverberates today and co-exists with growing concerns about land ownership more broadly. But, it is important to share success stories, too. Cowessess First Nation previously leased all their land. Now they’ve expanded to 5,000 acres. This is not only a celebration for the First Nation, but for all of us in the name of reconciliation, where this serves as an example of a direct effort to promote equitable, representative and self-sustaining agriculture. It is also the start of yet another endeavor to remedy Canada’s colonial past. 

There is so much more to learn!

GSU is building a truth and reconciliation lending library. If you have resources you would recommend for our library or are interested in borrowing a book, contact staff rep Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca.

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) bargaining - Bargaining survey closed

The bargaining survey is now closed and the information is being compiled for the Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee to review. The draw for two winners of FitBit Versas will be made later this week.

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.

As bargaining proceeds, check out the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page where information on bargaining will be available.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) - Memorandum of Settlement reached 

Union and company committees reached a tentative settlement when they met in Yorkton last week. Details of the settlement are being finalized and prepared for distribution to Local 4 members by email, text and printed copies posted on the union bulletin board. 

A membership bargaining update and vote meeting is being scheduled in Yorkton on August 17. Watch your email and text messages for additional information.

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) bargaining 

The GSU Local 5 bargaining team will meet in mid-August to begin a full cost analysis of their bargaining package and to discuss potential strategies when meeting with the company. Updates will be issued as additional information is available. In the meantime, you are welcome to contact anyone on the bargaining team or your staff rep if you have questions or concerns.

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

As we struggle to return to normal, we are still seeing staff shortages, food shortages and policies for the safety and health of the public. It can be frustrating when you aren't getting fast seating or service at your favourite restaurant, a stress-free flight on your vacation, the canned pet food your pet prefers or when being asked to wear a mask to enter a long-term care home.

No matter who you are, it's been a trying few years and our patience can get thin. That's the exact time we need to dig deep and be nice to those who are doing their best to help us while following the guidelines of their employers. When you feel your temper rising, ask yourself how you would feel if a stranger unleashed on someone you care about like you are about to unleash on an employee you don't even know. 

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.