February 13, 2024

Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) Board of Delegates meeting - Feb. 13

GSU Local 1's elected representatives will meet to assess the current status and efforts towards implementing the 4.5% increase and retroactive pay included in the recently negotiated collective agreement.

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.

GSU New Officer Training - March 6, Regina

GSU is organizing a one-day virtual training session for its recently elected officers, Local contacts, OH&S representatives, and other union delegates. Attendees will gain insights into their responsibilities as GSU officers, receive guidance on assisting colleagues in need at the workplace, and develop skills that contribute to creating a resilient and supportive work environment for GSU members.

Joint Executive Council meeting - March 21, Regina

GSU's governing body will convene for their annual spring meeting in Regina where they will review and discuss the union's affairs.

Canadian Labour Congress/ Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Spring School - April 28 to May 2

Earlybird deadline is February 29!

GSU will send up to three delegates to this popular school. Learn more here, then contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in applying to attend.

Labour's role in Super Bowl 58

While NFL fans are aware of Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl 58 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, many may not realize the significant role union labour played in making the event spectacular.

Two unionized million-dollar quarterbacks played in Super Bowl 58 thanks to 31 separate unions and their members in one of the highest-grossing venues in North America working to make the event possible.

The two QBs in question, though competitors, are members of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) which joined America’s national house of labour - the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) - in 2019. (The AFL-CIO is equivalent to Canada’s Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) of which GSU is a member.) In fact, players on the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers and most NFL teams are typically members of the NFLPA, allowing them to have representation in negotiations regarding their contracts, working conditions, and other matters concerning their careers in the NFL.

Super Bowl 58 took place in the midst of an organizing drive on Allegiant Stadium grounds. Last week, the NFLPA teamed up with a few other unions to assist the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in an organizing drive to get the almost 1500 non-union workers of Allegiant Stadium signed up.

From the referees, security personnel, hospitality workers, logistics and transportation staff to the camera operators responsible for recording Usher and the OT winning play, union workers contributed to ensuring the success of Super Bowl 58. Let's continue to support fair labour practices and acknowledge the teamwork of the union members who make such events possible.



Don't wait to contact your GSU staff rep if you think there is a problem to be solved

GSU staff representative Brian Lark emphasizes the importance of reaching out to your GSU staff rep right away if you suspect a problem or situation needs attention.

"Collective agreements often have a timeline for taking action on a problem when that problem is apparent or should have been apparent," says Lark. "You don't want to wait too long and find out nothing can be done because it took too long to raise, address or grieve the issue."

Lark encourages members not to hesitate in reaching out. "It's easier to solve problems when they are small, so don't hesitate to check in with your staff rep if you have any doubts, concerns or questions about a situation. Early intervention can often prevent issues from escalating and lead to smoother and quicker resolutions."

Contacting GSU doesn't obligate you to file a grievance. GSU staff reps are here to assist you in any way they can, but they won't contact your employer or take action on your behalf without your consultation, direction, and approval.

Reach out to your GSU staff rep if you have concerns. They're here to help.

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. These services are provided and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you and there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice.

Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office): Advocating for the 4.5% Increase and Retro Pay

It's become apparent that Viterra isn't budging on their stance regarding the final offer wording. They have told the media that they're sticking to a process consistent with past collective agreements to apply the 4.5% increase. The question Local 1 and 2 members are asking is why they aren’t using the process outlined in the new final offer, which states it's to be paid to all employees effective January 1, 2023, and to active members as of December 31, 2023.

GSU is committed to taking every available step to enforce the 4.5% increase. We are currently gathering information from affected members regarding what they received (or didn't receive) and the specific details of each case.

Members who haven't received the full 4.5% increase or full 4.5% retroactive payments are asked to complete an information form to help determine the scope of the issue as we fight for the increase and retro pay for all members.

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: Next bargaining date set for Feb. 22

The Local 5 bargaining committee met with the employer on Feb. 8 to continue bargaining. It seems like after this long pause in bargaining, some progress is beginning to be made. Both sides have agreed to meet again Feb. 22 to continue negotiations.

On Feb. 6, GSU and WPP provided their closing arguments in front of the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board. This hearing was to update the certification order for Western Producer. Once GSU receives the decision from the Board, we will notify Local 5 members.

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) bargaining set to begin Feb. 14

Bargaining gets underway this week as GSU Local 6's bargaining committee members are scheduled to meet with their employer, Wild West Steelhead, in Lucky Lake, SK on Feb. 14.

Their current agreement reaches its expiration on Feb. 28, 2024.

Members are ready to address key issues and make improvements in their contract. A primary focus for negotiations is securing a fair wage increase that reflects and offsets the impact of inflation rates over the past couple of years. The upcoming discussions present an opportunity for both parties to collaborate on a mutually beneficial agreement. 

The bargaining committee comprises Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Kassie Freeland and Donna Driediger (lead negotiator/GSU staff).



Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining set to resume next week

Bargaining is scheduled to resume Feb. 21 and 22. Significant progress was made but no deal was reached during the first bargaining session held in November.

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.

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 begins tomorrow

Members of GSU's Local 19 bargaining committee will be in GSU's Regina office on Feb. 14 and 15 to begin bargaining with their employer. The two sides will be meeting virtually. Additional bargaining dates are scheduled for February 28 and 29. 

The current collective agreement expired Oct. 31, 2023.

Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).



SGEU faces contract impasse with Saskatchewan government

Negotiations between the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) and the Public Service/Government Employment (PS/GE) bargaining unit have hit a roadblock. Despite over a year of talks, the parties have failed to reach an agreement since the previous contract expired on September 30, 2022.

Representing over 11,000 members, including firefighters, correctional officers, and conservation officers, the PS/GE unit seeks fair enhancements in the new contract. Priorities include catch-up wage increases, improved mental health support, and better provisions for essential workers during crises like the pandemic.

Lori Bossaer, Chair of SGEU’s PS/GE Negotiating Committee, voiced disappointment over the government's stance, citing challenges faced by frontline workers, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires. These workers, providing crucial services to Saskatchewan residents, deserve recognition and support.

SGEU emphasizes the need for a contract addressing member retention and recruitment concerns to sustain public services. To move forward, they've requested mediation assistance from the Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, underscoring their commitment to finding a resolution beneficial to both parties.

Learn more here.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, a perfect opportunity to show appreciation to those around us. While flowers and chocolates are classic choices, why not make someone's day in a unique way?

Take a moment to let a co-worker know what you appreciate about them. A note or a simple acknowledgment of their hard work can go a long way in making someone feel valued and appreciated. After all, who doesn't enjoy hearing something nice about themselves?

Let's make Valentine's Day special by spreading kindness and gratitude in the workplace.

Learn more here:

• 30 ways to compliment a co-worker
• Giving compliments makes you and others happier

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.