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. | | |
GSU New Officer Training - March 6, Regina | GSU has organized 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. |
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Canadian Labour Congress/ Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Spring School - April 28 to May 2 | |
Earlybird deadline is February 29! | |
GSU backs Grain Archers in Family Day basketball tournament | |
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Over the weekend, Moose Jaw's Filipino community gathered for a Family Day basketball tournament. Among the teams was the Grain Archers, who were comprised of members from GSU Local 1 (Viterra) in Belle Plaine, SK.
When the team reached out to GSU with a request for support, we were able to provide warm-up shirts and sponsorship of their registration fees.
“We were glad to help,” said GSU’s general secretary Steve Torgerson. “This collaboration not only supported the team from Belle Plaine; it also supported GSU’s commitment to family and raising the awareness of union members living and working in our communities.”
If you have a sponsorship opportunity that aligns with these values, you can submit it to GSU for consideration.
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Safety in the workplace: Workers training Workers | |
Among the member inquiries received by GSU staff members are questions about how to handle requests to provide training in the workplace.
Employers bear the primary responsibility for providing comprehensive training to their workers, as mandated by legislation in the The Saskatchewan Employment Act and Canada Labour Code.
"As a worker who is also providing safety training to another worker, you need to ensure you are properly trained and accredited, you are providing the proper material and information to the trainee, and that you are supposed to provide this training," said GSU staff rep Brian Lark. "Your ability and skills to provide safety training have to be up-to-date and effective so you can ensure the trainee is receiving the proper training. It can mean the difference between their safety and the safety of everyone in the workplace."
If you are asked to provide training in the workplace and you are hesitant or uncomfortable doing so, don't hesitate to reach out to your GSU staff rep.
Additional information is available on our web page at GSU.ca
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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. 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): Executive grievance to be launched over 4.5% payments | |
On Feb. 14, the Local 1 Board of Delegates met and resolved to launch executive grievance proceedings against Viterra, advocating for the payment of the 4.5% to all employees. An executive or policy grievance is one submitted by the union on behalf of all members.
Members who have submitted their information either through our information form, email, text or by talking to their staff representative will receive updates on the progress of the executive grievance. If you haven't shared your information with GSU, you can complete the form (below) or reach out to your staff representative.
2023 Increase and Retro Pay form
Even with the forthcoming executive grievance filing, individuals still have the opportunity to file their own grievances. While the desired outcome remains consistent — securing the 4.5% increase and the retro pay — individual members retain the right to pursue their own grievances if they choose.
If you are considering filng an individual grievance and want to learn more, reach out to your staff representative as soon as possible. There is a time limit on filing grievances, so be certain to talk to your staff representative no later than Feb. 29.
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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.
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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) bargaining to resume March 14 | GSU's Local 6 negotiating committee met on Feb 13 to complete their bargaining package before they met with the employer on Feb 14. Both sides presented proposals and progress was made. While a tentative settlement was not reached, March 14, 2024 has been set to continue negotiations. We look forward to fruitful dialogue. | |
The bargaining committee comprises Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Kassie Freeland and Donna Driediger (lead negotiator/GSU staff).
| Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining resumes this week | |
Bargaining is scheduled to resume on Feb. 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.
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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 gets underway | |
The Local 19 bargaining committee, comprised of Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, and Mason Van Luven, were scheduled to meet with the Prairie Cooperative bargaining committee on Feb. 14 and Feb 15. The Company cancelled the second day of bargaining to review and cost the union's bargaining package. Feb 28 and 29 have been tentatively set as dates to resume bargaining.
"On first impressions, there is a frustrating contrast between what our members need and what the company wants," explained union bargaining spokesperson Mason Van Luven. "We came in asking to improve the contract, to make it more fair and consistent, so that members could plan a life around their career with their employer."
The pandemic economy benefited ag-retail suppliers with high prices, which they used to record improved or record-breaking profit. "Rather than invest those gains into their workers, they used that capital to improve efficiency, which has resulted in position eliminations across this industry and almost all others," Van Luven continued.
Local 19 members are asking for improved benefits, better pay, and a compensation structure that factors in performance, annual increases, and movement through a range. The Company has asked for concessions and have yet to reveal their compensation offer.
The current collective agreement expired Oct. 31, 2023.
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Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt, Mackenzie Walter and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff). | |
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Have you ever noticed a knot in your stomach when faced with a tough decision, or experienced brain fog that just won't go away? These responses are your body and mind trying to communicate with you.
Whether it's physical (a tight muscle, chronic heartburn or lingering pain) or emotional (lack of enthusiasm, butterflies in your stomach or other floods of emotion), these signals are providing you information and feedback, and they should be acknowledged and considered.
Take a moment to pause and reflect upon what might be causing these reactions. Is it a challenging relationship, a physical change, overextending yourself ... or something else? By examining these responses, you can gain valuable insights into your well-being and make positive changes where needed.
Remember, your body and mind are speaking to you for a reason – it's up to you to listen.
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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. | | | | |
