Category Archives: Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Questions about the aggregate pay system

When a Local 14 (Richardson) employee had questions about how the aggregate pay system worked for the New Year, staff rep Donna Driediger assisted. Driediger advised that when an employer has an aggregate pay system, the percentage increase that is … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Winter Clothing Policies

A GSU member reached out to staff rep Donna Driediger regarding winter clothing policies and requirements surrounding winter gear on the work site. When a member’s manager advised them that their winter coat was not sufficient, they sought information from … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

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

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

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

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

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Grievance successful, member receives their requested vacation time

  A member made personal commitments that would take place during a busy work season before they requested their vacation leave from the company. When the member requested vacation leave eight months before the leave was desired, the company denied … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Quick action solved a member’s EI problem

A GSU member who had participated in a Service Canada-approved work-sharing program at their place of employment received a notice suggesting they had been overpaid EI benefits and were required to repay a significant amount of money. Needless to say, … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Maternity Leave, demonstrated performance and eligibility for a salary increase

Each year members patiently await their annual performance review in anticipation of their annual pay raise which is purportedly based on demonstrated performance in their job. But what if an employee doesn’t have a demonstrated performance as a result of … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Clarification on travel expenses while attending company training

  GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven assisted a member who needed clarification why travel expenses to and from company-provided training were not expensed. In the end, the member agreed to HR clarification when it was provided. No question or … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

Grievance results in pressing necessity leave awarded and banked time/overtime/vacation restored to members

When a severe winter storm prevented a number of GSU Local 1 members from attending work for all or part of their shifts on Nov. 9, 2020, they were required by their employer to use banked overtime or vacation to … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: GSU member to be paid for notice period

Recently a GSU member gave a month’s notice that he was resigning his employment and would be taking a job with a competitor, albeit in another community. The local management’s response was to inform the employee that he was done … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Grievance secures severance pay for GSU member

A GSU member is relieved after grievance action secured their right to receive severance pay from Viterra after a layoff of more than 12 months. “I don’t think there was ever any doubt about the member’s right to severance pay … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Member to receive pay increase

  A GSU Local 2 (Viterra Head office) member received a position elimination notice on Dec. 2, 2020 with the 120-day notice period expiring on April 1, 2021. When the member inquired whether they would receive the salary increase that was effective … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Access to personal family leave to attend to emergent situation

Bitterly cold weather created unanticipated furnace issues for a GSU member. GSU staff rep Donna Driediger assisted a member who thought they were required to take a vacation day or use banked time off to deal with their furnace when … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved