General secretary Hugh Wagner is preparing for the arbitration of a Local 7 member's grievance challenging their employer's calculation of severance pay in the aftermath of eliminating their job.
The member in question was notified in mid-May that their job was to be eliminated effective at the end of the month along with the closure of the employer's Regina head office. When GSU followed up on the job elimination notice it soon became clear that the employer intended to pay substantially less severance pay to the affected member than called for basis the union's
interpretation of the collective agreement. Subsequent communication with the employer did not resolve the disagreement and grievance action was commenced on behalf of the affected employee. The grievance action also did not resolve the disagreement over the amount of severance pay owing to the employee. Accordingly, the grievance was referred to arbitration which is scheduled to be held on Sept. 29 and 30. Hugh Wagner will serve as counsel for GSU at the arbitration hearing.
The ability to take a workplace issue or dispute to a formal grievance process, including union representation for the employee(s) affected, is unique to workplaces where employees are unionized. GSU has processed thousands of grievances on behalf of union members over the years and has recovered millions of dollars in monies owing to workers as well as upholding members' rights at work.
"This is vital work on behalf of union members that is paid for by their union dues,” Wagner said. “There are no additional costs to members who avail themselves of the grievance procedure provided by their collective agreements."
The results of the arbitration of this dispute will be reported once the arbitrator has issued a decision.
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