January 23, 2024

Annual Financial Audit

MWC Chartered Professional Accountants LLP will be in GSU's Regina office during the week of Feb. 5 to conduct our annual audit.

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.

Joint Executive Council meeting - March 21, Regina

The governing body of GSU will convene at their yearly spring meeting to discuss the union's affairs.

Canadian Labour Congress/ Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Spring School - April 28 to May 2

GSU will send up to three delegates to this popular school. Learn more here, then contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in applying to attend.

Bargaining process nears completion as Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) members vote, approve company's final offer

Most GSU members have likely heard that last week Local 1 (Viterra Country Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Regina Head Office) members ratified a new collective agreement.

Locals 1 and 2 members cast their votes on the company's Jan. 4, 2024 final offer, and when the ballots were counted on Jan. 19, Local 1 members voted 63 percent in favour of accepting the offer while Local 2 members voted 68 percent in favor of the offer.

It is important to note that even with the gains made during this round of negotiations, this offer just crossed the line of acceptable for many members.

Some key gains were made in bargaining, such as:

• January 1, 2023 – 4.5% guaranteed wage increase for all eligible members [When retroactive pay details are finalized we will share that information with Local 1 and 2 members.]
• January 1, 2024 – company payroll will increase 3.75% - with 2.5% guaranteed to members who rate solid or better
• January 1, 2025 – company payroll will increase 2.5% - with 1.25% guaranteed to members who rate solid or better
• January 1, 2026 – company payroll will increase 2.5% - with 1.25% guaranteed to members who rate solid or better
• Sick Leave improvements
• Use Personal Family Leave for weather-related road closures
• 4 weeks of vacation after 6 years of service and 5 weeks of vacation after 14 years of service
• Restrictions on excessive standby.

With the acceptance of the final offer, we are on the verge of concluding our bargaining process. The next steps involve both parties finalizing language and signing the new collective agreements. Our focus now turns to implementing the new agreement and ensuring proper adherence.

Building on the foundation of strength, solidarity, and representation in Local 1 and 2, we must stand firm in our advocacy for the well-being of our members. While we celebrate the gains achieved during this round of bargaining, we understand that our collective journey doesn't end here. Even though the majority of voting members thought the final offer was good enough, it is evident that more work lies ahead to meet the continuing needs and expectations of our members.

It is important to dispel the myth that bargaining only happens every few years.

Bargaining is a daily commitment. It continues by enforcing our collective agreements, addressing working conditions, and ongoing communication. In doing so, we strengthen our agreements, Locals and our union every day.

Hats off to the members and officers of Local 1 and 2 who fought hard and made real gains. Your Locals are stronger now and ready to continue the fight. That is worth celebrating as an expression of our right to belong to a union and collective bargaining in action. 

Thank you to our bargaining committee members for their dedicated service on the union's committee. As Viterra employees on the front lines, their invaluable input has been pivotal in navigating the negotiations process. Their commitment to representing the interests of their fellow members and the time and effort they devoted to securing the best possible outcome for all is been greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions about the new Local 1 and 2 collective agreements, don't hesitate to reach out to your GSU staff rep.

When a Local 14 (Richardson) employee had questions about how the aggregate pay system worked for the New Year, staff rep Donna Driediger assisted.

Driediger advised that when an employer has an aggregate pay system, the percentage increase that is listed in the contract does not necessarily mean that is what the individual employee will receive.

 "Aggregate pay systems mean the total company payroll will be increased by a defined percentage. Employees are only able to concretely rely on the guaranteed minimum if they meet the goals set out for them in the performance review. These guaranteed minimums are NOT the aggregate salary increase," Driediger said. "This means that some employees who are solid performers who meet their goals will only receive the minimum while others may get a five percent wage increase. Essentially, the company is able to pay a minimum to some and then take the extra and disperse it however they choose."

Aggregate pay systems are designed to keep employer control and to divide employees by having them compete with their fellow co-workers for their wages. 

GSU believes all solid performers who meet their goals should be treated equally. 

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): Members vote to accept company's final offer

On Jan. 19, ballots cast by GSU Local 1 (Operations & Maintenance) and 2 (Viterra Head Office) members over two weeks in early January were counted by elected local officers. It was determined that Local 1 and Local 2 members independently voted to accept the company’s Jan. 4, 2024, Final Offer.

Following signatures by union and company officials on the appropriate documentation in the upcoming weeks, this round of bargaining will be concluded. 

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: Jan. 25, Feb. 8 set to resume bargaining

The GSU Local 5 bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with employer representatives this Thursday and again on Feb. 8 to continue bargaining on behalf of the membership. Members have been without an agreement since July 31, 2022.

A call was held on Jan.19, 2024 regarding rescheduling the Supplemental Employment Benefits arbitration. Due to scheduling issues, new dates are being set for April 15, 16 and 17, 2024.

The bargaining committee is hopeful for positive dialogue moving forward and solidifying a new collective agreement for all members of Local 5. 

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 committee awaiting confirmation of February bargaining dates

GSU staff rep Donna Driediger and bargaining committee members Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell and Kassie Freeland are awaiting confirmation on dates in February 2024 to begin negotiations with the employer. We look forward to sitting down and working through the issues these members face day-to-day in their workplace and negotiate terms and conditions to improve their work life balance.   



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.

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.

Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).

Never underestimate the profound impact you might have on others, even in ways you may never fully realize.

Every interaction, no matter how fleeting, has the potential to make a difference in someone's life. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or a moment of genuine connection can leave a lasting impression, shaping the way people perceive you and influencing their own attitudes and experiences.

Consider that you hold the power to positively impact someone's day or even change the trajectory of their life. You may never be aware of the ripples your actions create, but that doesn't diminish their significance. Embrace the idea that you matter, and your presence is meaningful. Never doubt the value you bring to the world, as the smallest acts of kindness and authenticity can resonate deeply, making you an integral part of the lives of those around you.

Learn more here:

• QUORA: Have you every changes someone's life in a moment? (you'll need to dig a bit for the stories, but they are worth it)
• 15 ways you make a difference in the lives of others
• 5 ways to make a big difference in someone's day

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.