BOARD MEETINGS: GSU Locals 1, 2 (Viterra); Local 14 (Richardson) - June 22, 23, 24, Regina

The agenda will be full when representatives from Local 1, 2 and 14 will meet in Regina next week.

• Local 14 (Richardson) - June 22/23, 2022 - Ramada Plaza, Regina, SK
• Local 1 / Local 2 (Viterra) - June 23/24, 2022 - Ramada Plaza, Regina, SK

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SFL Summer Camp – August 5-11, Shekinah Retreat Centre

This year's summer camp will be held at the Shekinah Retreat Centre near Waldheim. Young people between the ages of 13-16 who are children of union members are eligible to attend.

GSU will sponsor up to three GSU campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more below and contact your GSU staff rep to learn more.

Brochure: SFL Summer Camp 2022

Learn More/Register Online: SFL Summer Camp

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SFL OH&S Conference – Sept. 14-16, Regina

This popular conference will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Regina. Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in attending.

Brochure: SFL OH&S Conference brochure

Learn More/Register Online: SFL OH&S Conference

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66th Annual SFL Convention - Oct. 26-28, Regina 

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is anticipating an in-person convention at Regina's Queensbury Downs this October. The COVID-19 situation will be monitored prior to convention and attendees will be notified in advance of the convention if any health measures are required in order to attend.

Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in learning more or attending.

Brochure: 2022 SFL Convention Call Guide

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What is included in your EAP/EFAP plan?

Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) are fairly recent addition to members' benefit plans. The included services can vary greatly so it's a good idea to review your plan to make sure you are aware of the options available to you and your dependents.

Your options may include:

• Confidential emotional support
• Legal Guidance
• Financial advice and resources
• Support in dealing with workplace situations
• Training
• Cognitive behaviour therapy
• Crisis prevention
• Marriage issue support
• Grief or loss support
• Retirement assistance
• Counselling.

EAPs can be accessed online or over the phone, so the initial contact is easy and it can be done from home to ensure confidentially. Your EAP is not a golden bullet to fix every problem, but it can provide immediate support and assistance to help you or your family when you need it most. 

Check out your employer-provided benefit booklet for information on the services provided to you. As always, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep if you need assistance.

We're preparing a bargaining survey for Local 1, 2 (Viterra) members

The current Local 1 (Operations/Maintenance) and Local 2 (Head Office) collective agreements with Viterra are set to expire Oct. 31. That means GSU members in these locals can anticipate our requests for input to help prepare for the upcoming negotiating process that determines their pay, rights and working conditions.

The first item Local 1 and 2 members can expect to receive is a bargaining survey. We are finalizing the survey and we will be sending it to members by early summer.

"If you are a GSU member working for Viterra, this is the perfect time to contact us with your preferred email address," said GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. "That way we can be certain everyone has an opportunity to participate in the survey and share their thoughts."

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at gsu.ca.

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) board of delegates to meet June 23 & 24

Bargaining will be on the agenda when the elected delegates of Local 1 and 2 meet in Regina next week. Members will also be receiving a bargaining survey by early summer.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining scheduled for July 20, 21, 22

GSU's bargaining committee members were pleased with a good turnout and productive discussion at their June 13 bargaining update meeting. Now that they have checked in with members, the committee feels prepared for the next round of negotiations in July.

GSU's bargaining committee comprises Brandon Allin, Carter MacKay, Ryan McNabb, Glen Wlasichuk, Brian Lark (GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).

Local 5 (Western Producer) prepares for bargaining

The two sides are currently determining tentative dates to begin bargaining.

Negotiations committee members are Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia and Donna Driediger (GSU staff and bargaining spokesperson).

Do you set aside enough time to do the things you need (or want) to do? Or are you too busy running around worrying about what everyone else wants from you before getting to your own important items?

Blocking off some time for your responsibilities and wants and making them a priority is a good way to ensure your needs are met and that yours is not the last uncompleted task on a long list. When you don't prioritize your own needs you are lining yourself up to feel overwhelmed and resentful, and that isn't productive or helpful to anyone.

• Making yourself a priority boosts your productivity
• Five health benefits of taking time to yourself
• That's your job! When you are asked to take on someone else's work