November 9, 2021
GSU offices will be closed on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11.
Calendar highlights and upcoming events:
GSU membership meetings are underway

We are using Zoom for a majority of our membership meetings this year. If you have a preferred date and time for your meeting, let us know.

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Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining meeting postponed

Agreement renewal bargaining between GSU Local 14 and Richardson International was set to kick off with an exchange of bargaining proposals on Nov. 10. The meeting has been postponed at the request of the employer in order for them to address some internal administrative processes. GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee of Jerid Clark (White City), Curtis Shiels (Melville), Mason Van Luven (GSU staff) and Hugh Wagner (GSU staff) are using the opportunity to meet on Nov. 10 to review the union’s proposals and prepare for the first bargaining meeting.
 
“Bargaining with Richardson is about to begin as Canadians are experiencing significant rises in the cost of living, “ said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “I have no doubt that wage increases and related matters will be front and center when we meet with the employer’s representatives.”
 
Local 14’s bargaining proposals will be posted on GSU’s web site following their being presented to Richardson’s representatives.

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GSU Local 8 (Advance) proposes Nov. 17 or 18 bargaining dates

Agreement renewal bargaining between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance resumed on Nov. 5.
 
“We are now digging into the substance of the bargaining proposals presented by both sides and looking forward to focusing the dialogue on priorities when we get back to the table in a week or so,” said AEA/Local 8 president Doug Murray.
 
The union committee has proposed meeting again on Nov. 17 or 18 and is waiting for confirmation from the employer.

GSU bargaining committee members are Doug Murray, Dion Elliott, Steve Holiday, Doug Kampman, Mason Van Luven (GSU staff), and bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner (GSU staff).

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Are you ready for your year-end performance review?
There are a number of ways GSU members can prepare and make the most of their year-end performance evaluations,


It is up to you to make sure that your performance review is being completed correctly, fairly, and with your input. 

Words matter. If you don't like the way something is worded, ask that it be recorded differently. If it's not accurate, don't sign off and let it be submitted.


What is used and written on your performance review needs to be factual.

You need to make sure that the comments and feedback are accurate. Make sure you are giving your employer all the necessary information they should have from you.


Take the time to fill out the comments section of your self evaluation.

This is your opportunity to present your case and provide a basis for what is discussed during your review. Don’t be shy! List the things you have done, what you have accomplished, and how you have gone above and beyond for your employer.

Be specific.

For example, if you work in a grain elevator,

  • Identify any special roles you hold (track inspections, OH&S, trainer, etc.)
  • List personal accomplishments and achievements (new skills, completing training, working with your shift to ready the terminal/department for year end or audit )
  • Did you pitch in and help get the project done on time?
  • How many weekends or other days of rest did you work?
  • Was there a customer who you made incredibly happy?

Write it down in your comments, and keep extra examples with you when you sit down for your review.


Don't wait until the last minute to decide what to put in your Comments section.

GSU president Jim Brown offers this hint.

“Talk with your co-workers about filling in your comments and create a discussion in the workplace. Don’t be shy about asking them what they did and what they will be writing down,” Brown said. “A group discussion may help you recall some of your other contributions and achievements in the past year, and you may find your co-workers can remind you about times you went the extra mile and vice-versa.”
And finally - check out this video for an example of exactly how quickly things can be misinterpreted when important information is missing and things are worded poorly.
If you have questions or concerns about your review, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep. Their services are provided to you as part of your union dues.

Straightening out sick leave benefits claim for medical leave
An employee was off work as a result of a medical procedure. When they realized they weren't fully aware of the employer’s process for claiming sick benefits before beginning their leave from work, they called general secretary Hugh Wagner at the GSU office.

Wagner contacted the employer and rectified the situation with a couple of phone calls.

"The experience is a reminder that greater emphasis should be given by employers to making administrative processes simple, transparent and seamless,” Wagner said. “Transparency in benefit plans is something employers generally don’t devote enough time or resources to as they tend to shuffle things off to third party providers.”


GSU works to eliminate bureaucratic frustration and the stresses it can cause.


If you are experiencing difficulty with processes or paperwork regarding sick leave benefits or other issues, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff representative. No question is too small to ask, and our services are provided to you as part of your union dues.

Contact information for GSU staff is available on our web page at gsu.ca.
Stop adding stress to yourself with self-imposed rules
Are you unintentionally adding more stress to your life by holding yourself up to a set of rules that exist only in your mind? If it is causing you anxiety and stress, ask yourself if you can do things differently.

For example:

  • run the dishwasher twice instead of pre-rinsing
  • shake off the pressure to keep your house tidy like your parents did
  • you don't have to pretend you like sports, politics, or wine.

As long as you aren't breaking the law or hurting others, it's okay to step outside the box and do things in a way that works for you.


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.