Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Convention - Oct. 26-28

GSU officers and staff will be in attendance when the 66th Annual SFL Convention kicks off Oct. 26 in Regina. Learn more about the convention here.

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Joint Executive Council meeting - Oct. 25, Regina

GSU's governing body will meet in Regina today for their semi-annual meeting.

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GSU biennial policy convention - March 30, 31 & April 1, 2023

The Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31. The location of the 2023 policy convention is being finalized.

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Our path to reconciliation includes listening, learning, and creating opportunities for education and participation within GSU. Each month we will share a short piece of information that we hope will inspire you to learn more about the topic and ultimately contribute to a shared future of reconciliation.

By GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven

There was a point in Canada’s history where Residential Schools were active, yet the broad commentary and recognition of their harm were non-existent.

Just down the road from settler communities were institutions designed to separate and segregate indigenous children from their families and cultural heritage.

We are still learning about the past through the work of key individuals like Senator Murray Sinclair. Murray's work is well known, and it would not have been possible without the strength, courage and stories shared by those who survived the residential school system.

The following video was produced by the National Film Board of Canada to recognize Senator Murray Sinclair for his work and contributions to reconciliation. In it he simplifies and speaks to decisions made by governments of the time and how their decisions - their policy - echo today.

There is so much more to learn!

GSU is building a truth and reconciliation lending library. If you have resources you would recommend for our library or are interested in borrowing a book, contact staff rep Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca.

GSU staff rep Brian Lark assisted a member when the employer wanted to extend their probationary period. 

"There are reasonable reasons to extend probation periods but there can also be unreasonable extensions implemented by employers," GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven said. "Probationary employees are dues-paying union members, and they have full access to the assistance of a staff representative. If they are questioning an extension to their probationary period or another workplace issue they should give us a call." 

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you or a limit on the times you can seek advice. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at GSU.ca.

GSU's governing body meets today in Regina

The Joint Executive Council formulates policy and oversees the business of GSU between policy conventions.

The council meets in Regina today at their semi-annual meeting to review business that includes financial and Defense Fund updates, an administration report from the general secretary, constitutional and bylaw issues, a decision on the location of the upcoming March 2023 GSU policy convention and more.

The Joint Executive Council (JEC) of GSU comprises the representatives elected by each of our Locals. Every Local is entitled to at least one representative on the JEC except in the case of Locals 13, 16, 17, 18 and 19 whose delegates caucus at GSU policy conventions to elect one representative and an alternate to represent them. GSU's president and two vice-presidents are also elected to two-year terms at GSU policy conventions.

Watch next week's Tuesday Members' Memo for a detailed meeting update.

Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining dates set

Three sets of dates have been set for bargaining: 

• November 16 & 17, 2022
• November 24 & 25, 2022
• December 14 & 15, 2022.

In preparation for negotiations, your bargaining committees will be meeting on November 8, 2022. Once each set of dates has passed we will send an update to all members.

GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake) and Travis Brewer (Saskatoon); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU bargaining committee spokesperson).

As bargaining proceeds, check out the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page where information on bargaining will be available.



Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining  

The first bargaining session between union and company representatives was held Oct. 4, 5 and 6 in Saskatoon. 

The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia and Donna Driediger (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).

Local 7 (Heartland Livestock Services/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining set to begin next week 

Bargaining will begin Oct. 28 in Regina. Additional dates are scheduled for Nov. 4 and tentatively Nov. 18, if required.

Updates will be issued directly to members after each bargaining session and as new information is available. Contact Mason@gsu.ca if you are not receiving updates and would like to be added to the list.

The bargaining committee comprises  Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), and Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).

Local 16 (Lake Country Co-operative), Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association)

Dates to begin bargaining have not yet been set for either Local.  

Locals 17 (Discovery Co-op)

Local 17’s bargaining proposal package is ready and two sets of bargaining meetings have been confirmed. The committees will meet Dec. 7 and 8 followed by a Dec. 13 and 14 session. 

At the company's request, bargaining will take place through virtual conferencing. Recognizing the value of being together to communicate and discuss proposals as they arise during the bargaining sessions, GSU’s committee plans to gather in person and meet with the company by virtual conferencing. 

Your bargaining committee will share bargaining updates by email and text message, so make sure your contact information is on file so you can stay informed. 

GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Ben Scott, Nathan Rafuse, and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark.  

You are alive and that is reason enough you deserve to be happy! Your pain, suffering, guilt and grief won't help you or anyone else, so do your best to shake it off and live your best life. 

• Inspirational "You deserve to be happy" quotes
• Sanvillo quote
• Reasons why you deserve happiness