GSU offices will be closed on Dec. 25, 26, and Jan. 1.

Some staff members may be sporadically available by email Dec. 27, 28 and 29 as they utilize their remaining vacation entitlements.

We appreciate your understanding and wish you a joyful holiday season.

The Tuesday Members Memo will return the week of Jan. 15

As we come together to celebrate this holiday season, it's a perfect time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments we've achieved as a union. The past year has been a testament to the power of working people standing together, and it's a reminder of the vital role each one of you plays in shaping the future of our workplaces.

Celebrating our successes

Our collective efforts have not been in vain. Through tireless negotiations and united action, we are continuing to fight and stand firm at the bargaining table so our collective agreements directly improve the lives of every member. From fair wages to work-family balance, these achievements underscore the strength of our solidarity.

Unity in Action

The strength of our union comes from the strength of its members. In times of challenge, we have seen you stand side by side, supporting each other with unwavering commitment. This includes supporting members when they are faced with life-altering events and our continued commitment to our communities with over $8,000 donated from our Locals and Sub-Locals to charities and causes in the communities we live in. This unity has been the driving force behind our successes, proving that when working people unite, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Working Together to Improve Our Workplaces

As we celebrate our achievements this year, we recognize that our work is far from over. The struggle for better workplace conditions and the rights of every worker continues. It is through our collective commitment to this ongoing struggle that we will pave the way for a future where every workplace is fair, just, and respectful of the contributions of its workers, unionized or not. Working people and their families deserve to be treated with respect and fairness.

As we recollect what took place this past year during this festive season, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and accomplishment into the new year. Our collective dedication to improving our workplaces remains the cornerstone of our success. Together, we have the power to influence positive change and create work that reflects the values we hold dear.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with hope, inspiration and the knowledge that together we are a force to be reckoned with.

In solidarity,

Steve Torgerson

General Secretary

Grain and General Services Union

GSU members vote to continue paying dues into their Defense Fund

Since the inception of the GSU Defense Fund back in 2001, members of GSU have voted on the continuation of paying dues into the Fund. This Fall a majority of 92 percent of members voting at GSU annual meetings have voted to approve a motion to continue the additional dues being paid into the Defense Fund for another year.

Votes on the additional dues were conducted in conjunction with annual union Local and Sub-local meetings held this Fall.

This autumn's result of over 90 percent deserves examination. In the three years previous, we have seen the percentage of members supporting and paying dues for another year into the Defense Fund steadily rise from 63 percent in 2020, to 72 percent in 2021, to 85 percent in 2022, to our current 92 percent of members who voted approving to continue to pay into the Defense Fund.

"I think this decision reflects rising economic hardships being felt by working people across the province and with the rising tide of working people demanding their fair share. GSU members recognize the purpose of the Defense Fund and the value it provides when they are engaging in collective bargaining with their employers," said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. "We all have financial commitments, and the GSU Defense Fund allows members to bargain free of the worry of paying bills and not being paid while on strike. Without carrying these worries, members can freely bargain with the express goal of improving their contracts."

Each employee working in a GSU bargaining unit pays additional dues of one percent of regular pay to a maximum of $10 per month into the GSU Defense Fund. The additional union dues are accumulated in the GSU Defense Fund where they are invested and held in reserve to pay strike/lockout pay, benefits continuation and strike/lockout administrative expenses in the event GSU members are engaged in a strike or lockout stemming from a collective bargaining dispute.

Strike or lockout pay from the GSU Defense Fund is currently set at 75 percent of a member’s regular pay provided they are active participants in strike or lockout actions sanctioned by GSU.

The Defense Fund currently has assets of $5.4 million (market value) and is administered by a board of directors elected by delegates to GSU biennial policy conventions. The current directors of the GSU Defenses Fund are:

• Wilfred Harris (Local 1 – Viterra)
• Doug Kampman (Local 8 – Advance)
• Craig Reiman Local 14 (Richardson)
• Lynn Shaw (Local 15 – Nutrien)
• Barry Zimmer (Local 1 – Viterra)

The membership vote conducted this fall marks the 27th consecutive year that a majority of GSU members attending annual union meetings have voted to approve the additional dues being paid into the Defense Fund.

If you have questions or concerns about the GSU Defense Fund, contact your staff representative.

Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office): Local 1 board set to meet, assess progress on Jan. 2

The Local 1 Board of Delegates met on Dec. 15 to discuss the results of the ratification vote (see bargaining committee Update #35), express their thoughts on the outcome and their satisfaction with the high voter turnout.

Bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson has reached out to Viterra representatives, urging them to resume negotiations. GSU's Local 1 Board members plan to convene a meeting on January 2, 2023 to assess progress. If deemed necessary, they are prepared to initiate strike action.

In the meantime, Board members are actively engaging with Local 1 members, advising against excessive work hours, and focusing on exerting pressure to prompt company engagement.

A media release about the rejection of the company's final offer has been issued.

Local 1 and 2 members who have not already done so are being encouraged to sign up for GSU's bargaining committee updates by contacting their GSU staff rep.

The collective goal remains staying united and working toward a resolution.

All updates are available under the Bargaining/Viterra Bargaining tab on our web page at GSU.ca.

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 Yanoshewski 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: Dates scheduled to continue bargaining

GSU Local 5 members met on Dec. 7 to hear an update on the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) successorship hearing and future bargaining dates. At that time the SLRB hearing was not complete, but this week, we received a decision from the Board approving the majority of our submitted evidence. With this decision on the admissibility of our evidence both sides will reconvene, closing arguments will be made and then it is in the hands of the SLRB to decide. 

Negotiations for a new collective agreement hit a snag when the Nov. 20 bargaining date was cancelled. We have two new negotiating sessions scheduled for January 25 and February 8. We are hopeful we will have movement on those 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 ready for bargaining in early 2024

On Dec. 5, 2023 GSU staff rep Donna Driediger served notice to bargain with the employer at Wild West Steelhead. While dates have not been set to begin negotiations, we are looking forward to meaningful dialogue between the parties in the early part of 2024. Management has reached out to acknowledge our notice to bargain and we will be looking to set dates shortly. 

The bargaining committee comprises Connor Hartley, Logan Farwell, Kassie Freeland and Donna Driediger (lead negotiator/GSU staff).

Significant progress made in Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining

Significant progress was made but a final deal wasn't reached during the first round of bargaining on Nov. 21 and 22. Both sides are looking at their schedules for available dates to meet. The goal is to meet as soon as possible in the New Year. 

Among the key issues at the table are how to adapt the current collective agreement to cover the new mill being constructed next to the existing mill. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility with minimal stress and uncertainty for Local 9 members.

The Local 9 (Trouw) collective agreement expires at the end of this month.

Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Rob Macken, Kelly Swaretzky and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).Jordan Jefferson will serve as alternate.

Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) - Bargaining set to begin in February

GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven has been engaging with Local 19 members who have elected Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, and Jennifer Schmidt to comprise their bargaining committee. Members reconnected on Dec. 14 during an annual meeting to assess their priorities before meeting with the company February 14 and 15, and again on February 28 and 29. 

The current collective agreement expired Oct. 31, 2023.

Your GSU bargaining committee comprises Devin Lipinski, Colter Spence, Lindsay Hill, Jennifer Schmidt and Mason Van Luven (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).

Give the gift of kindness

In a world filled with uncertainties, the act of making someone smile becomes a precious gift, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Amidst the festivities, it's essential to recognize those who may be feeling lost or lonely.

A genuine smile, a kind word, or a small act of kindness holds the power to brighten someone's day and offer solace during challenging times. As we celebrate togetherness, let's remember the impact our actions can have on those who may be struggling.

Being the reason someone smiles today is a simple yet profound way to spread joy and create a sense of community. In a season dedicated to goodwill, let's embrace the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life through acts of kindness and connection.

Learn more here:

• 14 ways to be the reason someone smiles today
• 10 powerful ways to make a difference in someone's life
• Undeniable traits that make someone a nice person

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.

Disclaimer: Things change rapidly. We strive for accuracy, but for the most up-to-date details, please contact your GSU staff representative with any questions or concerns.