Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Staff reps are receiving more discipline-related calls regarding safety

Employers are taking firmer stances on safety in the workplace and GSU staff reps have noticed an uptick in discipline-related calls regarding safety. GSU believes a safe working environment preserves the well-being of our members and fosters a culture of … Continue reading

We're working on it

GSU staff representative coverage areas are expanding and their responsibilities are shifting

Steve Torgerson’s responsibilities have undergone a significant shift since he assumed the role of GSU’s general secretary at the union’s March 2023 biennial policy convention. The general secretary role doesn’t encompass the day-to-day servicing responsibilities of a GSU staff representative … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Questions about benefit coverage during a strike or lock-out

With strike conversations taking place at many sites, staff rep Donna Driediger is fielding strike and lockout-related inquiries from GSU members. One of the common concerns raised is what happens to benefit coverage during a labour dispute. Fortunately, Driediger can … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

Severance pay – one of the most overlooked advantages of a collective agreement

By GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven There is often a misconception that “severance pay” is a condition of employment or labour law when a worker’s position is eliminated, their plant is closed, or the company would otherwise like to … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Should a member who is considering retirement wait around for possible retroactive pay?

Staff representative Donna Driediger assisted a GSU member with a question about the optimal timing for retirement amidst ongoing collective agreement negotiations. The member was contemplating retirement and considering whether or not to wait until bargaining was complete in order … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

We shouldn’t be comfortable with our elected officials skirting the Charter for a political hot button issue

Today at noon in Regina some members and staff of GSU attended a rally at the Legislature challenging the provincial governments recent announcement to use the not withstanding clause to push their pronoun law. First, here’s a quick recap of … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

Local 5 (WPP) bargaining impasse: Nov. 20 bargaining date cancelled, net dates TBD

Dialogue to resolve Local 5’s agreement renewal bargaining is ongoing. We thank Local 5 members for their patience and continued support. As a result of a scheduling conflict, the bargaining session set for Nov. 20 has been cancelled. Nov. 14, … Continue reading

Local 05 - Western Producer

Be Thankful, Be Safe this coming holiday weekend

By GSU staff rep Brian Lark This weekend is the Thanksgiving long weekend in Canada. On Friday, everyone will be rushing out the door to prepare for spending time with family and friends. Whether your holiday takes you away from … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Assisting an employee through a difficult position elimination

We recently assisted a 30-year employee through a difficult position elimination When the employer decides to restructure their work environment, it can have very significant impacts on the work and the employees who do that work. GSU and your negotiated … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

OH&S Conference Attendee Perspective: Stand up, report any and all violence in the workplace

GSU member Mark Lannigan attended the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour’s OH&S conference Sept. 11 – 13 in Regina, and he was happy he had made attending a priority. “It was a great experience. Not just the course, but also on … Continue reading

Education

Congratulations to our five GSU scholarship recipients

GSU is pleased to award $2,000 scholarships to these five deserving students who have demonstrated an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community. Our scholarship competition is open annually to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent … Continue reading

Scholarships

BARGAINING: GSU Locals 1, 2 (Viterra): No resolution reached at Aug. 31 bargaining session

GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Broc Goodwin (Moose Jaw) and Dale Lysitza (Lloydminster); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and … Continue reading

Local 01 - Viterra Ops & Maintenance, Local 02 - Viterra Head Office

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Supporting and assisting a GSU member during their extended sick leave

Aug. 29, 2023 – Tuesday Members’ Memo Recognizing a member’s desire to minimize stress and focus on recovery, GSU staff rep Donna Driediger stepped in to help navigate the return of employer-provided equipment to the employer. By acting as an … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

Local 1 and 2 (Viterra) members fought for – and won – their 2022 Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) bonus

On March 15, 2023, Viterra announced that the annual bonus paid to their employees would be paid to everyone except Local 1 and 2 members. Their excuse? The union wouldn’t agree to the company’s pay system. Let’s not kid ourselves. … Continue reading

Local 01 - Viterra Ops & Maintenance, Local 02 - Viterra Head Office

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Vacation and banked time aren’t the only options when personal circumstance affects the ability of GSU members to report for work

Vacation and banked time aren’t the only leave options available to GSU members. We work with our members to ensure they are aware of the full-slate of leaves in their collective agreements. GSU staff reps Mason Van Luven and Brian … Continue reading

We're working on it