Annual general membership meetings are well underway

Watch your email inbox for your meeting notice. Meetings run until early December, so if you haven't received your notice you can expect it to show up soon.

If you are a Local 1 or 2 (Viterra) member, your meeting will include a bargaining report and strike vote. If you are unable to attend your scheduled meeting, contact your staff rep and arrange to attend another meeting.

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Defense Fund Board of Directors - Nov. 2023, (video conference)

These elected directors oversee the administration and investment of the GSU Defense Fund assets and set policy for payment of strike/lockout pay for union members engaged in collective bargaining disputes.

The board meets three or four times a year (or more often, if required) to review the Fund’s financial position, investment strategy and other administrative matters. Most meetings are held via conference call or video technology and paid union leave is arranged for participation in the meetings.

Learn more about the Defense Fund Board of Directors here.

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Attending your union's Annual General Membership Meetings is a right and a responsibility. It ensures that you stay informed, have a voice, and actively participate in the decision-making process. By actively engaging in your union, you contribute to a stronger, more empowered workforce, ultimately benefiting both you and your peers. Throughout November we'll explore the reasons why attending AGMs is really important.

Voting on key issues is a fundamental aspect of belonging to a union.

AGMs are often where significant decisions, such as electing leaders, voting on continuation of Defense Fund dues and the setting of strategic goals take place. By attending, members have a direct say in shaping the direction and priorities of their union. Afterall, YOU are the union!

GSU staff reps are assisting members facing position eliminations

When there is a lull in the market or tough times facing an industry, it’s often workers who are seen as a quick way to cut expenses (even though workers are not the real expense).

Not everyone has been through a position elimination, so knowing what you can and should do aren’t common.

“It’s really important to read your position elimination notice letter carefully and fully understand what is involved,” said GSU staff rep Brian Lark. “Position eliminations aren’t necessarily as cut-and-dried as the company frames them. There are always some grey areas.”

It’s also important to contact your GSU staff rep if you would like help with the interpretation of your notice letter or if you need assistance knowing what to do next. These services are provided to members and paid for by union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting members, and there is no limit on the number of times you can seek assistance.

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. Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance. We are here to assist you in any way that we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you.

Canada’s unions are welcoming Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s introduction of Bill C-58, legislation to ban the use of replacement workers.

This legislation will curtail the use of replacement workers in any federally regulated industry during strikes or lockouts.

Free and fair collective bargaining without the threat of replacement workers taking striking workers’ jobs is the best way to reach good collective agreements and maintain stable workplaces. Eliminating the option of using replacement workers also discourages practices that exploit non-unionized workers who are desperate for employment.

Learn more here:

• Canadian labour unions welcome anti-scab legislation

Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office): Conciliation underway; strike vote being conducted

Your bargaining committees are in conciliation today and tomorrow. A bargaining update will be issued following this session.

A strike authorization vote is being conducted at Annual General Meetings. Be sure to attend yours to hear the bargaining committee's report and participate in the vote.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled meeting, contact your GSU staff rep and arrange to attend another meeting. You can view a list of meetings dates and locations here.

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.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact a bargaining committee member or your GSU staff representative.

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 general secretary and 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: New dates being sought to continue bargaining

As a result of a scheduling conflict, the bargaining session set for Nov. 20 has been cancelled. GSU and WPP are working on setting new bargaining dates.

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) members prepare for bargaining in early 2024

When Local 6 members gathered at their annual general meeting, they also discussed their expiring collective agreement and upcoming bargaining slated for early 2024.

Members in Local 6 work at a fish processing plant in Lucky Lake, SK. This business is a fully-integrated producer controlling all stages of production from egg incubation to finished, boneless fillets ready for the consumer. Members work both inside and outside the facility in roles such as divers and processors.

This group is looking forward to a productive round of bargaining in 2024.

Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining begins Nov. 21 and 22

The Local 9 (Trouw) collective agreement is set to expire at the end of 2023. The first agreement-renewal-bargaining session is scheduled for Nov. 21 and 22 in Chilliwack when GSU Local 9 bargaining committee members will sit across the table from employer representatives to begin negotiating the terms of a new collective agreement. Depending on developments, Nov. 29 has also been set aside as a potential bargaining day.

As a result of recent changes to GSU staff rep responsibilities, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson will accompany staff rep Mason Van Luven to this first round of negotiations to ensure a smooth transition and transfer of responsibility for Local 9 and its members to Van Luven.

GSU’s bargaining committee is comprised of Robert Macken, Kelly Saretzky and GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. Jordan Jefferson has been elected to serve as an alternate when required.

Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) - current collective agreement expires Dec. 31, 2023

GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven will be engaging with Local 19 members to assess their priorities, hear from them, and elect bargaining committee members before meeting with the company in the new year.

The current collective agreement will expire on Dec 31, 2023.

Good things happen when you set your ego aside

When a big personality is checked at the door, it's an invitation for everyone to bring their A-game without feeling overshadowed. It's not just about being humble; it's about creating a space where ideas can flow without the baggage of who's got the biggest brain.

Stepping away from your ego also allows you to take a closer look and consider things that might not have crossed your mind if you were solely preoccupied with your own perspective. That's always a good thing!

Learn more here:

• Check your ego at the door!

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.