Spring membership visitations will wind down in June

If they haven't done so already, your GSU staff reps will be checking in with you soon. You can expect to receive the Annual Report of GSU's Joint Executive Council, have an opportunity to discuss local and sub-local issues, share your concerns and ask any questions you may have.

Watch your email for updates.

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Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Education Opportunities

SFL Summer Camp

Shekinah Retreat Centre (Near Waldheim, SK)

August 19-25, 2023

GSU will sponsor up to three campers who are dependents of GSU members. Contact your staff rep to learn more.

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GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven and Brian Lark have been working with members to use their full-slate of leaves in their collective agreement.

Members are entitled to more than just "vacation leave or banked time" when a personal circumstance affects their ability to report for work.

Staff Rep Mason Van Luven and Brian Lark have been fielding inquiries from members about which leave they should use for their personal situation, or that management is telling them to use "vacation leave or banked time" when there are more appropriate leaves available.

"I suspect that it is easier and more cost-effective for management to tell a worker "use their vacation leave or banked time" rather than trigger another leave members are entitled to", Van Luven explains. Sometimes the decision made by a particular manager is the result of them not informing themselves of what is written in an employee's collective agreement. "They have an equal and shared obligation to respect and enforce a members' collective agreement just as we do", Van Luven said.

"This is why it is very important that you contact your Staff Rep to go over all the leaves you are entitled to, and what sort of situation may trigger them", Lark shared. GSU collective agreements have a slate of options available to a member, and to review them in advance of a situation means you are prepared for that moment and know your rights.

If you haven't yet, crack your open collective agreement to review all the rights afforded to you, and then contact your Staff Rep to go over the questions you may have.

If you need advice or ideas about how to handle a workplace situation, call your GSU staff rep.

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) committee look forward to meeting with company representatives on June 14 in Regina

Last Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the Local 1 & 2 bargaining committees met with the Viterra to continue bargaining. The full bargaining update is available under the Bargaining tab at www.gsu.ca.

Bargaining is set to continue on June 14, 2023, and it is expected Viterra will respond to our proposals.

Watch your email for updates. Not on the update list? Contact staff rep Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca and ask to be added.

You can read previous updates on the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page under the Bargaining menu tab. Contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our bargaining update email list.

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 Kruger with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU bargaining committee spokesperson). Don't hesitate to contact your bargaining committee with any questions or concerns you may have.

Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining impasse: mediation begins June 6 & 7; continues July 26 & 27

Mediation began this morning, June 6, and will continue tomorrow, June 7.

The Local 5 bargaining committee is hopeful that Mediator Kevin Eckert will assist the parties in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement.

The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).

Local 16 (Lake Country Co-op) - the new collective agreement will soon be ready for distribution to members

GSU staff rep Brian Lark has incorporated amendments made during the recent round of bargaining into the wording of a new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement has been sent to Lake Country Co-op representatives for review. Pending any updates or changes that need to be made, the new collective agreement should be in the hands of members soon. 

Local 17 (Discovery Co-op) - new collective agreement will soon be ready for distribution

The final adjustments are being made to the new collective bargaining agreement. We anticipate that it won't be long until the wording is finalized and ready to share with members of GSU Local 17.

Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association) members vote in favour of memorandum of agreement

On May 25, members of Local 18 voted in favour of accepting the proposed memorandum of agreement. Steps will now be made to incorporate the changes into the collective agreement and distribute copies to members.

Community for the Win

how collective solutions help individual problems

The word “community” is used so often today, it’s reached buzzword status. And when the term is thrown around in countless contexts, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of community—and how to develop communities that add purpose and joy to our lives.

What is community?

So, what exactly is community? In its simplest form, it’s a group of people with something in common. That shared factor could be family, geography, faith, race, or life stage. It could also be an overlapping interest, passion, or profession. 

But for a group of people to form a true community that enriches the lives of its members, the individuals involved must also feel a shared sense of trust, connection, and caring for one another. 

Why are communities so important?

Strong communities are critical because they’re often an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. Participating in a community bonded by attitudes, values, and goals is an essential ingredient to enjoying a fulfilling life.

Learn more here:

• Community for the win — how collective solutions help individual problems