TMM: Local 15 (Nutrien) rejects final offer; we're giving masks to GSU members

July 7, 2020

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Perhaps we’re socially conditioned to look the other way, but increasingly people around the world and in Canada are speaking out against a wide variety of injustices. Anti-racism protests and other public actions are chief among causes that more and more people are joining to lend their voices in support of systemic change.

GSU has always stood against racism at home and abroad, but we can all do more. No one is free from the corrosive effects of racism and while we can’t change the past, we can certainly change the present and the future. So let’s commit as individuals and as unions to do our part to demand real change in our communities, institutions and governments at all levels.

Everyone does better when EVERYONE does better.

Local 15 (Nutrien) members soundly reject company’s final offer

The July 3 at 12:00 noon deadline for receiving ballots had past when GSU Local 15 (Nutrien) bargaining committee members Lynn Shaw and Dale Markling began the process of opening and counting the ballots on Friday afternoon. The count took place in GSU's Regina office and was supervised by GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner and staff representative and fellow bargaining committee member Steve Torgerson.

When the ballots were counted it was clear the members soundly rejected the company’s final offer presented on June 5, 2020.

“Seventy-seven percent of the ballots rejected the company’s final offer,” Shaw said. “The members have clearly told us the company’s proposal to eliminate our guarantees on sick leave, our pension plan, and paid leaves is not acceptable.”

“I will be serving Nutrien notice that their final offer has been rejected and we wish to get back to the bargaining table to try and find a resolution the members can accept,” Markling said. “The members want a settlement, but they are not prepared to give up the guarantees the collective agreement currently provides.”

Notice of the results was served to Nutrien on July 3, and it is GSU’s hope the parties can continue to meet and reach a tentative settlement to take to the members for a vote. Failing a negotiated settlement, either party is able to declare an impasse and request conciliation. If the conciliation fails to produce a settlement after the 60-day conciliation period, the parties would be in a legal strike or lock-out position following a two-week cooling off period.

“We have heard the members and will take direction from them,” Markling added. “We thank the members for their vote of confidence.”

This information was shared with Local 15 (Nutrien) members by email before being posted on GSU's web page on July 3.

Developments will be shared with Local 15 members as they come available.

GSU collective agreements with Nutrien expired Dec. 31, 2019. Your GSU Local 15 bargaining committee members are Brian Cowen, Curtis Cousins, Lynn Shaw, GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson, and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling.

Have you received your GSU mask yet?

Covid-19 effectively wiped out our plans for our regular June membership meetings and member visitations, but GSU reps will be hitting the road in July to check in with members and drop off our new GSU masks.

Whether is it a socially distanced chat in a parking lot or a check-in by video conference or phone, our reps will be in touch throughout July to give GSU members one of our new masks.

Can't wait? Jump the Queue! Give us a call

Don't wait to hear from us. If you would like to talk to us sooner than later and you have a date and time that work for you and your co-workers, give your GSU staff rep a call.

Our contact information is available here.

Mental health support for farmers?

Soon there will be an app for that.

It's frustrating when our plans are ruined by the weather. No one wants to go camping, fishing, or get their yard work done in excessive wind, rain, or extreme heat.

Imagine how stressful it would be in your income relied heavily on Saskatchewan's unstable weather producing heat and moisture in the right form at the right times. With our unpredictable prairie weather, it no wonder calls to the Farm Stress line are increasing and more Saskatchewan farmers are seeking mental health support.

Additional help will be available to farmers soon. Saskatoon-based technology company Bridges Health is working to create a new app that will compile resources and strategies to assist producers who are struggling with their own mental health.

Learn more, here:

App offers mental health support [The Western Producer]

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.