Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union
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
Car loading, hours of work issues raised at WESTAC roundtable
GSU general secretary Wagner attended a virtual roundtable with Saskatchewan’s Ministers of Highways and Agriculture on March 31. The roundtable meeting was hosted by the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) and provided an opportunity for transportation industry players to present … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Bad weather has been leading to time loss isssues
Weather-related work interruptions on March 29 have resulted in confusion for GSU members working in Viterra grain handling facilities as their employer has told affected employees to use banked time or vacation to cover missed work. Employees who have contacted … Continue reading
April 7, 2021 is the day the average Canadian female worker’s earnings since Jan. 1, 2020 match their male co-worker’s earnings for the 2020 calendar year
It’s finally here. April 7 is Equal Pay Day in Canada April 7, 2021 is the day the average Canadian female worker’s earnings since Jan. 1, 2020 match their male co-worker’s earnings for the 2020 calendar year. You read that … Continue reading
GSU’s Joint Executive Council has released its 2020/2021 report to members
The 2020/2021 Annual Report to GSU members by the union’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors) is available to be read and downloaded. 2020/2021 Annual Report of GSU’s Joint Executive Council The Annual Report contains important information for GSU members … Continue reading
Understanding aggregate salary increases at Viterra and Nutrien
By GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner Around this time each year, GSU receives numerous contacts from union members working for Nutrien and Viterra complaining that they received a salary increase that is lower than the X percent aggregate salary increase referred to … Continue reading
The Saskatchewan government introduced a three-hour leave for employees to get COVID-19 vaccination
The Government of Saskatchewan announced that effective March 18, 2021, workers are entitled to three consecutive hours leave during work hours to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Workers do not lose any pay or other benefits while receiving their first COVID-19 … Continue reading
GSU CONVENTION UPDATE: Delegates make the best of new convention format to take care of union business
GSU delegates gathered in Regina and online March 18 and 19 to participate in GSU’s 14th biennial policy convention. The convention was originally scheduled for March 2020 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While GSU conventions are known … Continue reading
GSU convention delegates gather in person, via Zoom to debate resolutions, approve reports, and tend to union business
GSU delegates gathered in Regina and online March 18 and 19 to participate in GSU’s 14th biennial policy convention The convention was originally scheduled for March 2020 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While GSU conventions … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU files executive grievance challenging denial of sick leave benefits to employees age 65+
March 16, 2021 TMM GSU has filed an executive grievance challenging Richardson Pioneer over the denial of sick leave benefits to employees age 65 or older. The grievance was filed with company representatives on March 10 and a grievance meeting … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Boot inspections, Local 1 (Viterra)
Some Local 1 (Viterra) members have been the subject of employer boot inspections to assess the quality of their boots for working on concrete and snow. After the inspection, members are advised of boot options and how much extra … Continue reading
Happy International Women’s Day!
#ChooseToChallenge A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. Let’s all choose to challenge. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. International Women’s … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU members receiving lower rate of pay than new employee in same job classification with less experience
GSU is assisting a number of GSU members who are receiving a lower rate of pay than a new employee in the same job classification with less experience. The actions on behalf of the senior GSU members in question is based on the principles of equity and fairness and … Continue reading
GSU CONVENTION 2021: Delegates to elect GSU president, two vice presidents, general secretary and the five-person board of the GSU Defense Fund
Delegates to GSU’s biennial policy convention will elect the union’s president, two vice presidents and general secretary as well as the five person board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund. Accordingly convention delegates who wish to be a candidate … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: members being asked to work outside Saskatchewan
GSU staff rep Donna Driediger is monitoring a situation where GSU members are being asked to work outside the province. Interprovincial travel is permitted for Saskatchewan residents, but public health recommends limiting interprovincial travel, if possible. If you need advice … Continue reading