TMM: OH&S webinars, our sick leave organization booklet, and now's the time to try something new

July 21, 2020

Calendar highlights and upcoming events:

This July we're handing out masks to GSU members

If you don't receive a mask from us by the end of the month, give your staff rep a call and we will arrange to get a mask to you.

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GSU's 2020 scholarship program application deadline is slowly creeping closer.

Don't miss out! Apply now.

If you paid union dues to GSU in 2020 that means you, your dependant children, and your spouse are eligible to apply for a $2,000 GSU scholarship.

Deadline for receipt of 2020 scholarship applications is Sept. 1.

Learn more and download the application forms here .

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A Defense Fund Board of Directors meeting is being scheduled

It's time for an update so we are reaching out to our Board members to find a good time for a video conference meeting. Learn more about your Defense Fund Board of Directors here.

Visit our Website

Are you interested in participating in an OH&S webinar?

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is offering three occupational health and safety webinars for union members in mid-September.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Protecting Our Members: Using OH&S Committees Effectively During COVID-19

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Protecting Workers Mental Health During COVID-19

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Rights and Responsibilities during COVID-19.

Don't miss out! Register now.

These webinars are open to all SFL affiliates and they are expected to fill up quickly.

GSU members interested in learning more or participating in any or all of the webinars are asked to contact general secretary Hugh Wagner by email at Hugh@gsu.ca.

GSU members who sign up and are approved to participate in GSU-sanctioned events will have their time off work, wages, and expenses covered in accordance with GSU's expense policies (child care included). GSU staff will also assist you with arranging the time off with your employer.

Local 15 (Nutrien) bargaining committee seeking bargaining dates

GSU Local 15 bargaining committee spokesperson Dale Markling has been in touch with Nutrien representatives, and the two sides are working to confirm dates to meet.

Local 15 (Nutrien) members will be advised when dates have been confirmed.

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.

Related stories:

Members soundly reject company's final offer [July 3, 2020]
Bargaining history

Sick leave claim administration got you stressed? Keep organized with our Sick Leave Organizer booklet for GSU members

When your sick leave extends to the point where the insurance company gets involved, it's important to constantly track where things are at and keep in contact with the insurance company.

"Things can slide off the rails quickly if you aren't tracking and following-up on your claim," said GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson. "Whether it is keeping a record of correspondence, tracking your appointments or following up with your doctor, it's important to keep good records and stay in touch with your insurance company so you keep your stress to a minimum and don't put your claim in jeopardy."

Our sick leave organizer for members is available here .

Need help or want advice? Sometimes just a brief phone call, email, or meeting is all that is needed to address a situation. Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance and we won't act on your behalf without authorization from you. Contact your GSU staff rep to learn more - gsu.ca .

Change things up and try something new

Summer 2020 has been different than any summer we have experienced. With the threat of Covid hovering nearby, many people are choosing to spend our warmest months hunkered down on staycations at home, and even those who are willing to wander around the community or venture beyond familiar borders are facing difficulties securing camping spaces or finding socially-distanced and safe things to do.

Now is the perfect time to try something new.

What have you always thought you would like to do but have never tried? Raising chickens ? Photography? Music lessons?

What could you bring into your life that would make your time at home more enjoyable? A new gaming system? A fire pit for the yard? A surround sound bar for the family television?

Whether you resolve to take on a 30-day challenge, build a backyard tiki hut , or learn to make Chinese food, 2020 seems to be a good time to entertain and challenge yourself by trying something new.

Check out the following ideas for adding something new and different into your life:

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.