March 26, 2024

Burger Night Fundraiser - Support Mason Van Luven and the ILWU Canada Young Workers' Committee - April 9, Regina, SK

Join us for a Burger Night Fundraiser hosted by GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven on April 9. The proceeds from this event will help Mason and the ILWU Canada Young Workers' Committee attend the 2024 Labor Notes Conference in Chicago.

The Date: April 9 - 6:00 p.m. start

Location: Tap Brewhouse, Regina

Tickets: $30

Enjoy delicious burgers and a beverage, participate in a silent auction, and check out fundraising items for sale (go-cups, an engraved ILWU cutting board, keychains, and personalized go-cups with laser engraving).

Contact Mason Van Luven at GSU's Regina office for tickets, to make a donation, or to learn more about the event. 

Prairie School for Union Women - June 9–13, Regina, SK

Earlybird registration deadline is May 3

The Prairie School for Union Women offers trade union women an intensive four days of learning and sharing in a supportive environment. The goals of the school are to develop women’s personal and leadership skills and to build solidarity among women workers.

Whether you are a woman who is a seasoned union advocate or just starting to get involved in your union, this school is open to you. This year, the school will be held in person in Regina from June 9 – 13 at the University of Regina

GSU will send up to two delegates to this popular school. Learn more here, then contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in applying to attend.

Every day, GSU staff reps field calls and inquiries from members about a wide range of issues.

From workplace disputes to questions about benefits, from contract negotiations to understanding your rights, we are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way, no matter how big or small the issue.

You don't need to be facing a big problem to contact us. In fact, reaching out early can often make problem-solving much easier. Whether it's resolving a small issue before it escalates or getting clarification on a matter to avoid misunderstandings, we're here to help you navigate the complexities of your workplace.

Your union dues cover the cost of these services, so there's never an additional charge for seeking assistance. And there's no limit on the number of times you can reach out—we're here when you need us.

So, if you have a question, concern, or issue that you need assistance with, don't hesitate to give us a call. You can reach us toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 in Regina or 1.855.384.7314 in Saskatoon. We’re here to help.

GSU representatives are committed to offering the support you need, and we will never contact your employer to take action on your behalf without your approval or consent.

We are awarding five $2,000 scholarships

Have you been accepted into university or tech school?

Are you a GSU member, spouse or dependent of a GSU member? 

If your answer is YES, you are eligible to apply for a GSU scholarship.

GSU is pleased to offer $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community.

The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses and dependents (even if they have previously been awarded a GSU scholarship).

Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country.

Learn more, download the forms or complete them online at GSU.ca.

Deadline for receipt of applications is July 1, 2024.

GSU's Joint Executive Council meets in Regina

GSU's governing body, the Joint Executive Council (JEC), held its meeting on March 21, 2024, focusing on the union's governance and future plans.

The meeting addressed financial updates, including the presentation of audited financial statements, a draft budget for the year, and a report on the status of the GSU Defense Fund. Additionally, the council approved their annual report, which will be combined with the audited financial statements and shared with union members soon, providing insights into GSU's activities and achievements over the past year.

The council also discussed member education, planning for a steward education course scheduled for the fall, and they reviewed social media strategy and organizing framework

A decision was made during the meeting to set March 20-22, 2025 as the dates for GSU's upcoming biennial policy convention, to be held in Regina. The convention is a forum for members to come together, discuss policy matters, and shape the union's future direction.

If you have any questions about the Joint Executive Council or if you would like to learn more about what took place at the meeting, attending an education course or the GSU policy convention, reach out to your elected representative or your GSU staff rep.

Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) - new collective agreements signed, agreement in effect

Clockwise, left to right: General Secretary and bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson; Jim Brown, Local 1; Dave Barrett, Local 1; Mason Van Luven, GSU staff; Kaylee Kruger, Local 2; and Howard Wilson, Local 2 signed the agreements on March 22.

Collective Agreements

On March 22, members of the Local 1 Board of Delegates and the Local 2 Executive Committee met at GSU's Regina office to sign their respective collective agreements. The signed agreements were then delivered to Viterra for signature by company officials and the new agreements and all the entitlements they contain are fully effective.

You can view the agreements on GSU's web page at gsu.ca.

We will be printing booklets for members. As soon as they are available we will work with our elected delegates to get copies into members' hands.

Executive Grievances on 4.5% increase and retro pay 

The Step 2 hearing in the executive grievances process is scheduled for March 27. The executive grievances were filed with Viterra on Feb. 26. Copies of the grievances and background information are available here.

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). 



Local 5 (Western Producer): a tentative settlement has been reached

On March 13, GSU Local 5’s bargaining committee reached a tentative settlement with their employer counterparts. 

The necessary documents are being finalized and distributed to Local 5 members for review prior to holding a ratification meeting on April 3. 

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) bargaining scheduled to resume April 16

GSU's Local 6 negotiating committee met on Feb 13 to complete their bargaining package before they met with the employer on Feb 14. Both sides presented proposals and while progress was made, a tentative settlement was not reached.

The committee is look forwarding to fruitful dialogue when bargaining resumes on April 16. 

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



Local 9 (Trouw) agreement renewal bargaining continues by email

GSU bargaining committee members Jordan Jefferson, Kelly Swaretsky, Robert Macken and Mason Van Luven met with company representatives on Feb. 22 to continue agreement renewal bargaining. After a full day of negotiations, a handful of remaining items need to be put into contract language, and the committees have pivoted to bargaining by email. 

"With a new mill expected to be commissioned by mid-2024, members are anxious to secure a contract", explained Van Luven. "Our goal is to start the ratification process in the coming weeks so as to provide an opportunity for members to ask questions, and when the time comes, cast a ballot—the best way to see if the offer is good enough".

The Company agreed to participate in the creation of a "FAQ" where members can submit their questions to Union Officers who will then compile the questions into a list for the Company to answer. 

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



Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) committee to meet, strategize for June 4-6 bargaining session

On Feb. 28 and 29, GSU's Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) bargaining committee attended virtual negotiations to renew the collective agreement with their employer counterparts. This marked their second meeting following the initial bargaining session on Feb. 14.

Members of Local 19 are advocating for improved benefits, better pay, and a compensation framework that considers performance, annual adjustments, and progression through pay ranges.

The two sides will meet for their next bargaining session on June 4 through 6.

The current collective agreement expired on Oct. 31, 2023.

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

In life, we face a choice: support others as pillars or hinder them as obstacles. Being a pillar means offering strength and encouragement, while being an obstacle involves selfishness and hindrance. Choosing to be a pillar is particularly important if you are at an advantaged position, and you have the opportunity to allow others to reach and attain their goals with your assistance (like the swan in the YouTube video, above).

In a chaotic world, being a pillar brings hope. It means kindness and understanding, standing up for what's right and helping others.

Let's choose to be pillars of support and strength. Together, we can build a world where everyone thrives.

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.