GSU Executive Committee meeting - Jan. 27

GSU's executive committee members will meet this Friday by online conference. The purpose of the meeting is preparation for GSU's upcoming policy convention and the transition of the general secretary position.

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GSU Shop Steward/New Officer Training - March 1, 2023

GSU shop stewards and officers recently received an invitation to attend GSU's annual Shop Steward and New Officer training. Training will take place online and the registration deadline is Jan. 31. Contact Steve@gsu.ca for more information.

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GSU Defense Fund board of directors to meet before GSU convention

A meeting of the Defense Fund board is being scheduled to conduct a year-end review in preparation for GSU's upcoming policy convention. Election of a new five-person board will also take place during the convention.

If you are interested in becoming a board member immediately or letting your name stand for election at our policy convention, please send your expression of interest to Hugh@gsu.ca.

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GSU biennial policy convention - March 23, 24 & 25, 2023

The Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31. The location of the 2023 policy convention is the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa.

Learn more here.

Members who are interested in becoming a delegate to GSU’s 2023 convention are asked to follow up by contacting their Local executive committee members, a GSU staff representative or by sending an email to GSUconvention@gsu.ca.

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GSU's biennial policy convention offers members and officers opportunities for change, education

GSU's Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.

The policy convention is the coordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote. Delegates to convention consider the business of GSU, including resolutions submitted by the Locals, members, Joint Executive Council and delegates at convention. Resolutions, policy statements and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU.

"If there are changes you want to see within the union, the policy convention is the place to make them happen," said GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson. "It marks an opportunity to set policy, adjust course, debate, replenish, rebuild and learn. It also offers sufficient time for socializing and networking in a friendly and supportive environment of working people."

GSU’s president, two vice-presidents, and Defense Fund board of directors will be elected at the March 23-25, 2023 policy convention being held at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa in Moose Jaw, SK.

Delegate registration is currently limited to elected officers and shop stewards, but will open to the membership on Feb. 15.

If you have questions about the convention or if you are interested in becoming a delegate at our next convention, please contact your GSU staff rep.

Our toll-free numbers make it easy to talk to your GSU staff representative

If you have questions about a workplace issue or if you are experiencing problems in your workplace, call a GSU staff rep toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 (Regina) or 1.855.384.7314 (Saskatoon).

We will work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and help you to find 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 we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.

GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven has been assisting a member who recently discovered they hadn't been paid for a year's worth of double time.

"Your collective agreement is a contract that describes the terms and conditions of employment for employees in their workplace, the rights of employees, and the obligations of the employer," said Van Luven. "It's important to review and understand it, and to regularly check your payroll records to make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to."

Collective agreements are available online at gsu.ca. If you would like help interpreting your agreement or if you would like a collective agreement booklet sent to you, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) committees return to bargaining table next week

Bargaining is set to resume on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 followed by a session Mar. 7 and 8. The two sides have not met since Dec. 14 and 15.

"We're pleased that the company is finally bringing their financial package to the table. Now we can get down to negotiations," said GSU bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson. "These last few months haven't been as useful as they could have been because Viterra did not come fully prepared to bargain."

You can read previous updates on the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page under the Bargaining menu tab. Contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our bargaining update email list.

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 representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU bargaining committee spokesperson).

Local 5 (Western Producer)

GSU has reached out to the employer to resume bargaining. We will provide an update when it occurs.

The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Hugh Wagner (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).



Local 7 (Heartland Livestock Services/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining - no new dates set

The union bargaining committee consulted with bargaining unit members at a local-wide meeting on Jan. 20.

The Local 7 bargaining committee last met their management counterparts for a third bargaining session on Jan 10. No further dates are currently set to resume bargaining.

The bargaining committee comprises Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson/GSU staff).

Updates will be issued directly to members after each bargaining session and as new information is available. Contact Mason@gsu.ca if you are not receiving updates and would like to be added to the list.



Local 16 (Lake Country Co-operative) to begin Jan. 31

The first bargaining session will take place on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2.

Bargaining will take place through virtual conferencing. Recognizing the value of being together to communicate and discuss proposals as they arise during the bargaining sessions, GSU’s committee plans to gather in person and meet with the company by virtual conferencing. 

Your bargaining committee will share bargaining updates by email and text message, so make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Ward Tolley, Kara Thevenot and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark. 

 

Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association) bargaining scheduled in March

The first bargaining session will take place March 28, 29 and 30. At the company's request, bargaining will take place through virtual conferencing.

GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Christina Jones, Trent Herring and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark. 

Tired? Which type of tired are you?

Pushing yourself hard or beyond your limits can leave you feeling exhausted, but simply declaring that you are tired may not be enough information for those around you. Identifying your type of tired will help you recover and it will help people in your circle contribute to your wellness.

Learn more here:

• I'M TIRED. Five types of tiredness