July 6, 2021
Calendar highlights and upcoming events:
This week's Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) summer contest - gift cards!

GSU Local 2 executive members Howard Wilson, Sheila Tran and Kaylee Kruger are putting a little extra fun into summer with some great contest giveaways, food trucks, and more. This week they have gift cards up for grabs. If you are a Local 2 member, watch your email or check-in with your executive to learn more.
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GSU scholarship committee to announce recipients in mid-July

GSU scholarship committee is making arrangements to meet the week of July 12 to select five $2,000 scholarship recipients based on their essays and community involvement reference letters. It is anticipated the recipients will be announced in our July 20 Tuesday Members' Memo.

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GSU's visitation schedule

If you haven't seen your GSU staff rep yet you can expect to see or hear from them over the summer. And if you are a member of Local 15 (Nutrien), your rep will be providing copies of your newly signed collective agreement in person or by mail.

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We're still accepting expressions of interest from GSU members wanting to become a GSU Defense Fund director

Would you like to be a director on GSU's Defense Fund? Let us know you are interested by July 30, 2021. You can learn more about the requirements and expectations of the position here.

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Too hot to work? Too cold to work? Here's what you need to know about working in extreme conditions in Saskatchewan
GSU members can face many weather-related challenges, whether it's working in a confined space in the heat of the summer months or diving into frigid water in the winter.

If you work anywhere other than a climate controlled office, check out your employer's policy on working in extreme conditions. Your employer may also post relevant workplace policies on an employee information board.

Information links on extreme weather and Saskatchewan workers are linked below. Check it out, but be aware that your employer's extreme temperature policy may go beyond this legislation.

Legal overview of what covers whom

General fact sheets and Info for all workers 

Information on thermal stress Canada Labour Code (Federal)

Hot Conditions - Worksafe SK

Cold Conditions Worksafe SK


As always, don't hesitate to contact a GSU staff rep if you have questions or need assistance.


Enter our draw and you could win a GSU stadium bag
We're just so darn happy that it's summer and very soon we can even out the mask tan on our faces.

With the promise of pandemic restrictions lifting we can imagine returning to a world of concerts, theatres and sports events. Clear bags are becoming a policy at many large events, and we are ready to join the fun with our GSU stadium bags.

Email your answer to the following question and we will enter you in our draw to win a clear bag.

What are you most looking forward to doing when the restrictions are lifted?

Email your answer to gsu@gsu.ca by noon on July 12 to be entered. Contest rules are available here.



We're hearing from GSU members having problems with vacation requests.
Summer is here and it's vacation season for those who love to be out in the heat and sunshine. As is the case every year, GSU is hearing from members who are having problems booking or receiving their requested vacation time.

"Confirmation of your vacation approval is important," said GSU staff representative Steve Torgerson. "Don't just assume your leave is approved. If you haven't heard back from your supervisor, be sure to follow up and seek approval - even if that means sending an email reiterating confirmation of your vacation request or saying unless you hear otherwise you will assume it's okay to take the requested time off."

If you are having problems with your vacation request, contact us toll-free. We'd be happy to help you.

If you need some advice about how to approach management with a problem, don't hesitate to call your GSU staff rep. No problem is too small and sometimes a brief comment, email, or meeting is all that's needed to address a situation. Call us when you think there is a problem to be fixed. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you.

Vacations are important for your well-being
Summer is a great time to take a break from work. Even if you don't leave your own yard, time away from the workplace is a chance to refresh, recharge and relax. Spending some hard-earned vacation time away from work isn't only good for you, it benefits those around you, too.

Learn more here:


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.