Calendar Highlights & Upcoming Events | |
GSU Executive Committee to meet in February | |
The GSU executive committee will be preparing for the upcoming Joint Executive Council meeting, discussing member education for 2024, and exploring organizing strategies to welcome new workers into the union. | | |
Joint Executive Council meeting - March 21, Regina | The governing body of GSU will convene at their yearly spring meeting to discuss the union's affairs. |
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Recently a GSU member reached out to staff rep Driediger regarding winter clothing policies and requirements surrounding winter gear on the work site.
When a member's manager advised him that his winter coat was not sufficient, he sought information from GSU. When Driediger looked into the matter, there didn't appear to be any policy advising that the member's winter gear was insufficient.
While members need to be dressed safely and appropriately when on the job in order to withstand the elements, there was no requirement to purchase new gear.
"Some people are warmer humans and others run cooler," Driediger says. "Your manager isn't your parent and doesn't get to tell you your coat isn't warm enough."
"But do keep in mind that winter weather isn't our friend."
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GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the 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 that we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you. | |
Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office): Voting on the Company's Jan. 4, 2024 *Final Offer* | |
During their Jan. 5 meeting, elected officers from Local 1 and 2 concluded that there was enough difference between the company’s January 4 final offer and the company’s previous November 2023 final offer that members should have the opportunity to vote on the most recent offer.
Voting concludes Jan. 19 and the ballots will be counted that day.
During the ratification process, members are adhering to work-to-rule guidelines.
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All updates are available under the Bargaining/Viterra Bargaining tab on our web page at GSU.ca.
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), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Dale Lysitza (Lloydminster) and Broc Goodwin (Moose Jaw); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Yanoshewski with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU general secretary and bargaining committee spokesperson).
| Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining impasse: Jan. 25, Feb. 8 set to resume bargaining | |
GSU Local 5 members met on Dec. 7 to hear an update on the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) successorship hearing and future bargaining dates. At that time the SLRB hearing was not complete, but we have since received a decision from the Board approving the majority of our submitted evidence. With this decision on the admissibility of our evidence both sides will reconvene, closing arguments will be made and then it is in the hands of the SLRB to decide.
Negotiations for a new collective agreement hit a snag when the Nov. 20 bargaining date was cancelled. We have two new negotiating sessions scheduled for January 25 and February 8. We are hopeful we will have movement on those dates.
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The bargaining committee comprises Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU general secretary).
| Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) members ready for bargaining in early 2024 | |
On Dec. 5, 2023 GSU staff rep Donna Driediger served notice to bargain with the employer at Wild West Steelhead. While dates have not been set to begin negotiations, we are looking forward to meaningful dialogue between the parties in the early part of 2024. Management has reached out to acknowledge our notice to bargain and we will be looking to set dates shortly.
The bargaining committee comprises Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Kassie Freeland and Donna Driediger (lead negotiator/GSU staff).
| Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining to resume in Feb. | |
Significant progress was made but a final deal wasn't reached during the first round of bargaining on Nov. 21 and 22. Bargaining is scheduled to resume Feb. 21 and 22.
Among the key issues at the table are how to adapt the current collective agreement to cover the new mill being constructed next to the existing mill. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility with minimal stress and uncertainty for Local 9 members.
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Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Rob Macken, Kelly Swaretzky and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff). Jordan Jefferson is serving as alternate.
| Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) - Bargaining set to begin in February | |
GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven has been engaging with Local 19 members who have elected Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, and Jennifer Schmidt to comprise their bargaining committee. Members reconnected on Dec. 14 during an annual meeting to assess their priorities before meeting with the company February 14 and 15, and again on February 28 and 29.
The current collective agreement expired Oct. 31, 2023.
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Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff). | |
Forget waiting for January resolutions. The truth is, any day can be the start of positive change. Take a step forward whenever you're ready, and open yourself up to new possibilities at home and work. Life is full of chances to learn and grow—don't limit them to a single month. So, let's make every day the perfect time to move ahead and create a brighter, more fulfilling future. After all, a friendly nudge toward progress is always welcome. | |
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. | | |
Disclaimer: Things change rapidly. We strive for accuracy, but for the most up-to-date details, please contact your GSU staff representative with any questions or concerns. |
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