Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Support during a Position Elimination

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We're working on it!

Dealing with job loss can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSU staff rep to help advocate on your behalf. They can help ensure you are getting access to the collective agreement provisions that have been bargained to protect and assist you through difficult employment transitions.

Donna Labelle recently assisted a GSU member who was going through the stressful experience of having their position eliminated. Donna guided the member through each step, ensuring they understood their rights and the supports available.

“A lot of our GSU agreements offer real protection in situations like this — things like notice periods that can be as long as four months, a negotiated salary top-up during your layoff, and a severance package at the end of the process,” Labelle said. “All of that was bargained to give you some stability, some time, and real financial security while you’re navigating a tough transition.”


GSU helps sort things out

When there are problems in the workplace there are many factors to consider. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated. 

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you and there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice.

GSU urges key updates to Saskatchewan’s labour laws in provincial review

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The Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety invited GSU and other stakeholders to provide input on a review of the labour relations provisions of The Saskatchewan Employment Act (SEA). The province says the review is part of its commitment to ensuring employment laws remain fair, balanced, and reflective of modern workplaces.

Submissions were due December 4, 2025.

GSU General Secretary Steve Torgerson has responded on behalf of the union, outlining several important updates that would strengthen workers’ rights and bring Saskatchewan in line with best practices across Canada. 

What GSU is calling for

1. Return to card-check certification
GSU is urging the province to adopt automatic or “card-check” certification, where a union is certified once a simple majority (50% + 1) of workers sign membership cards. Torgerson notes that the current mandatory vote process allows employers time to launch anti-union campaigns, undermining workers’ rights to freely choose union representation.

2. A ban on replacement workers
GSU recommends prohibiting employers from using replacement workers during legal strikes or lockouts—an approach recently adopted in Manitoba and under federal law. Torgerson argues that allowing replacement workers removes the economic pressure needed to reach fair settlements and weakens the constitutionally protected right to strike.

3. Ten days of paid sick leave
Saskatchewan currently has no minimum requirement for paid sick leave. GSU is urging the province to implement a standard similar to the federal model—10 paid days per year—to reduce illness transmission, support public health, and create more equitable workplaces, especially for low-income and precarious workers.

4. A narrower, clearer definition of essential services
The submission calls on the province to align its definition with international standards so that only services necessary to prevent danger to life, health, or safety are deemed essential. Overly broad definitions, GSU argues, significantly restrict the right to strike and tilt the balance of power toward employers.

Building a stronger, fairer system

“None of these recommendations are radical,” Torgerson notes. “They reflect approaches already working well in other Canadian jurisdictions and would modernize Saskatchewan labour law while ensuring collective bargaining remains fair, meaningful, and effective.”

GSU looks forward to continued dialogue with the government as this review moves forward.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: We’ll help you resolve issues after you leave your employment

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A newly former GSU member gave notice to quit her job, but her employer told her she didn’t need to work her notice period. During that time, she discovered that her benefits had been cut off, even though she was still paying for them. GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson is assisting her, advocating on her behalf to ensure the matter is resolved.

GSU support doesn’t end when your employment does. Our staff reps are here to help members navigate lingering issues with pay, benefits, and other workplace matters—even after they’ve moved on.

GSU helps sort things out

When there are problems in the workplace there are many factors to consider. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you and there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice.

LOCAL 15 MEMBERS – ACT NOW! Vacation Credit deadline is Dec. 5

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This is a reminder to apply for the Vacation Credit Program by December 5 (this Friday). Retroactive payments will be administered with the December 5 pay-date.

If you are on leave—medical or otherwise—and were not present at work to apply, please let us know. We are taking the position with the employer that members not in the workplace during the application period should still be eligible. If any issues arise after the application period closes, contact us so we can advise on next steps. (This program applies to permanent full-time and part-time members.)

Retroactive pay applies to those who were active employees as of the date of ratification. When you receive your retro-payments, please review them to ensure accuracy.

In the coming days, GSU staff will begin printing and binding a copy of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for each member. Once we confirm there are no errors or omissions, the CBA will also be made available on our website so you can access your personal copy anytime, online.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven.

Helping members work through the bumps of implementing a new collective agreement

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We're working on it!

After members ratify a new collective agreement and it moves into the implementation stage, it’s normal to experience a few hiccups along the way—especially when changes to pay systems or processes are involved.

The people responsible for putting the new terms into practice aren’t usually the ones who were at the bargaining table, and sometimes the intent behind a clause can be missed or interpreted incorrectly.

If you have questions about how a change has been applied, or if something doesn’t look quite right, reach out to your GSU staff representative. We’re here to help ensure the agreement you voted on is implemented fairly, accurately, and as intended.


GSU helps sort things out

When there are problems in the workplace there are many factors to consider. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you and there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) members have ratified a new collective agreement

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GSU Local 4 members voted on Nov. 13 and 14, with 72% voting in favour of accepting the company’s Final Offer presented on October 24, 2025.

With ratification confirmed, implementation of the new collective agreement will begin immediately. Based on past practice, members can expect retro pay to appear on their paycheques within the month. GSU will share the exact payment date as soon as the company confirms it.

Work will now begin to incorporate the terms of the Final Offer into the renewed collective agreement and provide booklets to all Local 4 members. In the meantime, the bargaining committee encourages members to review the Final Offer to understand the changes and how they may affect them.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in the bargaining process, the Final Offer ratification meeting and the vote,” said GSU general secretary and bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson. “As always is the case, member feedback and engagement helped GSU’s bargaining committee carry out its mandate.”

Members of Local 15 (Nutrien) have voted to accept the terms of the tentative agreement

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(L-r) Bargaining committee members Lynn Shaw and Mason Van Luven met in GSU’s Regina boardroom on Dec. 7 to count the ballots submitted by Local 15 members. GSU staff rep Jordan Cousins assisted. 

Local 15 members recently voted 59.7% in favour of a tentative agreement with their employer. The bargaining committee will now finalize the renewed collective agreement, which includes retroactive wages and other agreed-upon items.

A digital version of the updated agreement will be shared once complete, followed by printed copies for members.

Thank you to the Local 15 bargaining committee—Lynn Shaw (Craik), Amanda Filipchuk (Canora), and Matthew Hawreschuk (Melfort)—for their dedication and hard work. Negotiating an agreement requires many hours of preparation and discussion, and their efforts directly benefit all members of the local.

If you have questions about the bargaining process or settlement, contact GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca.

We’re at the Labour Law Review Conference, keeping our skills sharp for members

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GSU staff representatives Donna Labelle and Mason Van Luven attended the 31st Annual Saskatchewan Labour Law Review in Saskatoon on October 22–23, 2025. This two-day event, hosted by the Centre for Labour-Management Development, dove into the year’s biggest labour law developments, including remote work rights, balancing seniority with accommodation duties, and grieving work-related injuries.

Keeping up with these developments allows Donna and Mason to bring up-to-date expertise to their work, helping GSU make informed decisions and provide the guidance and support our members rely on.

Whether it’s understanding the latest arbitration awards or navigating complex work-related challenges, when our staff know the latest, you get stronger representation.

Welcome GSU’s newest staff representative – Jordan Cousins

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We’re excited to welcome Jordan Cousins to GSU as our new staff representative.

After interviews on October 9 and 10, the hiring committee recommended Jordan to the Joint Executive Council, which approved his hiring.

Thanks to everyone who applied or took part in the process.

Jordan will start part-time while wrapping up other commitments and will be full-time in the Regina office before the end of the year. You may see him at meetings or spot his name popping up here and there as he settles in.

Join us in giving Jordan a warm welcome to GSU.

GSU’s governing body – the Joint Executive Council – met in Regina

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On October 17, the Joint Executive Council (JEC) met in Regina, SK, bringing together elected representatives from each Local to review union business and ensure members’ voices remain central in all decisions. Meeting twice each year, the Council plays a key role in guiding GSU’s direction and maintaining transparency across the organization.

During this meeting, Council members reviewed financial statements and approved the General Secretary’s report for distribution to members, including a motion to continue contributing additional dues to the GSU Defense Fund in 2026. This motion will be voted on by members attending the current GSU membership meetings taking place this autumn. They also reviewed the hiring committee’s recommendation and appointed Jordan Cousins to fill GSU’s staff representative vacancy.

Council members received updates on actions taken on resolutions from the 2025 GSU biennial convention, the impending implementation of GSU’s new Union365 customer relations management (CRM) system, changes to the scholarship policy to provide additional access for GSU members, and Local and organizing reports. Additional updates on union initiatives and other matters affecting members were also discussed.

Council meetings provide an important opportunity for council members to share insights from their Locals, coordinate on union priorities, and ensure the collective interests of GSU members continue to be represented effectively.

Local 10 (Trouw Westlock) members vote, accept first collective agreement

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GSU Local 10 members at Trouw Nutrition in Westlock, Alberta, voted on September 29 and 30 to accept their newly negotiated— and first—collective agreement.

Work is now underway to finalize the terms of the settlement into the formal document, which will be signed by union and company representatives. Once completed, GSU will prepare collective agreement booklets for members.

Thank you to Local 10’s bargaining committee members Andrew Kipling, Steve Lantz, and Michelle Monk for their hard work and dedication throughout the process. Congratulations to all Local 10 members on reaching this important milestone in their journey as a new local.

Local 15 (Nutrien) members: Get ready for a ratification vote—town halls coming soon

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On September 26, Local 15’s bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement with the Company. The agreement now requires a membership ratification vote, which will be completed by Friday, November 7, 2025.

We emailed an update, including the tentative agreement, to Local 15 members on October 3, 2025. In addition to in-person ratification meetings, virtual town halls will be available for members who cannot attend in-person meetings, and e-ballots can be requested after attending a town hall or speaking with union staff.

If you are a Local 15 member, watch your email for updates. You can also learn more about the agreement and the ratification process here.

For questions, contact your Staff Rep or email Mason@gsu.ca.

Tentative settlement for members of Local 15 (Nutrien)

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Negotiations last Friday between GSU’s Local 15 bargaining committee and company representatives has resulted in a tentative tentative agreement.

When a tentative agreement is reached, it must be voted on by the Local’s members to determine acceptance or rejection. In this instance, the Local 15 Board of Delegates will meet on Oct. 2 to review the agreement and determine the voting process. After that meeting, the voting procedures will be shared with members, and arrangements will be made to schedule Sub-Local ratification meetings.

Local 15 members should monitor their email for an official meeting notice, and contact their elected representative or GSU staff representative with any questions or concerns.

Background information is available here.

Sept. 30 is a day to Reflect, Learn and Honour

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September 30 is a time to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honour Survivors, their families, and communities. We encourage everyone to pause in the spirit of truth and reconciliation—seek out events in your community, attend a gathering, or take part in learning opportunities. Wearing an orange shirt is a simple way to show support and solidarity.

Every action helps us move toward understanding and healing.
Check out these events

  • SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon – Sept. 28-30 
    The Saskatoon Tribal Council is hosting the annual Every Child Matters Powwow at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon Sept. 28-30. Free admission.
    👉 Event details

  • Wanuskewin Heritage Park (near Saskatoon) – Sept. 30
    A full day of gathering and learning, including ceremonies, storytelling, beading, bannock baking, teachings, and performances. 9:30AM to 5:00 PM.
    👉 Event details

  • MacKenzie Art Gallery, Regina – Sept. 30
    Special programming, including tours of Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969 and hands-on art activities. 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM.  Free admission.
    👉 Event details

  • P.A Historical Museum, Prince Albert – Sept. 30
    Wear orange to show support. 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Prince Albert Historical Museum, 10 River Street East. Free admission.
    👉 Event Details

  • Temple Gardens Centre, Moose Jaw –  Sept. 30
    Moose Jaw Co-op National Day for Truth & Reconciliation — Indigenous presenters, teachings, community vendors.9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Temple Gardens Centre.
    👉 Event Details

 

BARGAINING: Looking beyond the hourly wage

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Monetary considerations are a priority when GSU locals are entering or actively involved in bargaining, but our bargaining committee members are focused on more than just wage increases. They’re working to protect the full value of collective agreements—including benefits, pensions, and shift differentials—that also make a real difference in your wallet and your workplace.

“We have to look at the full picture. Focusing only on your hourly rate or comparing your pay to casual workers or competitors can make you miss other parts of your contract that have real monetary value,” says staff representative Mason Van Luven. “Those workers often don’t have sick leave, overtime, or health and dental coverage, so their pay cheques don’t go as far when they have to cover those costs themselves.”