April 14, 2026 is EQUAL PAY DAY in Canada

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

Today marks the point in 2026 year that the average Canadian woman must work until to earn what the average man earned by December 31, 2025.

The 3.5-Month Gap

This mid-April date symbolizes that women effectively work an extra 104 days just to “catch up” to their male counterparts. While today is the average, the gap is often even wider for Indigenous women, Black women, and women with disabilities, whose symbolic “Equal Pay Day” won’t arrive until much later in the year.

Fair Pay Through Transparency

One of the most effective ways to close this gap is through union contracts. In unionized workplaces, pay is tied to the job title and qualifications rather than the individual. By using these transparent, negotiated scales, contracts ensure that every worker is paid what the position is worth. This removes personal bias and ensures fair compensation for everyone, regardless of their background or identity.

When we value the work itself and keep pay scales transparent, we move closer to a balance for everyone.

We just printed new collective agreement booklets for Local 4 (Grain Millers) members

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

The agreements are printed, delivery has been arranged, and Local 4 members can expect to have a copy of their new collective agreement in their hands within two weeks.

GSU prints its own collective agreement booklets for members. This helps us keep costs down by allowing us to print for large or small groups and print additional booklets throughout the agreement term if necessary. It also gives us the chance to include our new member resource guides to help members interpret and apply the agreement to their specific situations.

It can feel like a long wait from the time a tentative agreement is reached until the finished booklets are actually in your hands. That’s because there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes once a tentative agreement has been reached and bargaining is over.

“We have to take the new terms and blend them into the previous agreement, then make sure both the union and the company agree on the exact wording,” says GSU staff representative Jordan Cousins. “It sounds like it should be quick, but getting that final sign-off can take a while. We generally wait until everything is officially signed before we go to print, but we’ve put out draft versions a few times in the past if the process was taking too long.”

Council meeting focuses on financial sustainability and effective member services

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

On March 25, GSU’s governing body—the Joint Executive Council (JEC)—convened in Regina to tackle an ambitious agenda centered on financial sustainability and effective member services. As the union celebrates its 90th anniversary, the Council is focused heavily on the future, including a heavy bargaining schedule, progress of a new member portal, and the continued implementation of the Union365 data management software that launched last autumn.

Financial transparency remained a priority throughout the meeting. The Council members conducted a thorough review of the 2025 audited financial statements and the 2026 draft budget, while having a candid discussion regarding the impact of budget restraints. They noted that staying within the union’s means has required GSU to alter or cancel certain initiatives to maintain fiscal viability. The JEC authorized the release of its annual report, which will be combined with the audited financial statements and shared with members during upcoming spring meetings and visitations.

A pivotal moment of the meeting involved a report from the JEC’s Special Strategic Financial Planning Committee. This report identified existing gaps in GSU services based on current resources and proposed solutions to ensure Locals and members receive the support they deserve and expect. Following a vote on these recommendations, the Council announced it will reconvene on May 28, 2026. This upcoming meeting will focus on further strategy and the preparation of detailed information to be shared directly with the GSU membership.

General Secretary Steve Torgerson noted the positive energy in the room throughout the day. “We had a great mix of experienced and new officers at the table, and the level of discussion and participation was excellent,” Torgerson said. “That engagement is important because this group of officers represents the interests of members in their respective locals. That is the true power of the union—electing the people you trust to represent you and empowering them to take an active role in shaping our future.”

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Speak up on Scheduling!

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

While the Company has the right to set the hours and schedules to keep the business running, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a say. As a GSU member, you have the right to speak up and propose a better way of doing things.

GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven is currently helping members navigate these exact situations.

“Don’t assume a schedule is final just because it’s on paper,” Van Luven says. “You can always propose a better setup for you and your coworkers. There are no guarantees, but if you don’t ask, the answer is already ‘no.’ We’re here to help you make your case.”

If your current hours aren’t working, your GSU rep can help by checking your collective agreement for scheduling protections, building a solid proposal for a more flexible shift, and making sure your rights are respected when you talk to management.

As a GSU member, you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Reach out to your rep to discuss your options.

Members gained practical skills at our Grievance Process Workshop

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

On March 5, GSU held an intensive one-day workshop focused on the mechanics of the grievance process. Participants went behind the scenes to master legal research, contract language, and investigation of claims while practicing specific tactics for conducting effective grievance meetings with employers.

This course is a foundational step designed to be reinforced through real-world experience and hands-on grievance handling.

If you are interested in training opportunities, contact your Local or Sub-Local officers to express your interest. Be sure to watch this newsletter and our website for upcoming course listings and registration details.

Local 15 (Nutrien) Board meetings, elects officers, green-lights Collective Agreement booklet printing

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

Officers gathered in Saskatoon on Feb. 20 to handle key business and elect the leaders who will represent members in 2026.
Leadership Elections

The board successfully filled roles for both the Local 15 Executive and the GSU’s Joint Executive Council (JEC)—the primary governing body of GSU.

Local 15 Executive Board:
Matthew Hawreschuk, Lynn Shaw, and Lisa Slobdecki.

JEC Representatives:
Matthew Hawreschuk, Trevor Schultz, Mark Hannigan, and Keith Rutley.

New Collective Agreement Booklet Feature: Member Resource Guide

While the Collective Agreement had already been approved for printing, the Board met to review and give the official thumbs-up to a brand-new Member Resource Guide. This guide has now been added to the back of the agreement booklet.

“The Resource Guide section is not part of the collective agreement. It’s there to help members interpret and apply workplace policies,” said GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven. “We’ve written it in clear, straightforward language so it’s easy to understand and apply.”

Jump the Queue – Get your Collective Agreement booklet now!

The Board approved the new agreement formatting, and the new agreements are printed. Distribution will happen soon through bulk mail to our onsite officers and contacts and through in-person delivery by GSU staff during site visits.

If you’d like to skip the line and get your booklet immediately, reach out to GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven to have a copy mailed directly to you.

GSU members and officers bring power to meetings with Company Management

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

There can be a very real difference between how a company policy appears on paper and how it actually plays out in the workplace. That’s why having GSU members and elected officers directly involved in bargaining committees and other meetings with company management isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s one of GSU’s greatest advantages.

GSU staff are experts at lining up the facts and arguments and standing up for the membership, but nothing beats the impact of a GSU member providing a real-time reality check. We’ve seen it happen time and again: management describes how a process works, and a member is right there to say, “Actually, that’s not what’s happening.”

“I can be thoroughly prepared for a meeting, but honestly, there is an added weight when a member just speaks up and clears the air,” says GSU staff rep Jordan Cousins. “When Management is telling us one thing, and a member sitting across the table says, ‘Wait a second, that’s not what happened last Tuesday,’ it changes the whole energy of the room. You can’t substitute that kind of first-hand knowledge—it makes our side so much stronger.”

Local 1 (Bunge) Board of Delegates meets to elect key officers, discuss Local business

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

GSU’s Local 1 Board of Delegates met in Regina on Feb. 24. During the session, delegates elected Dave Barrett, Colton Buck, Darren Hinds and Wrehn Kaysin as their representatives on their Local 1 Executive Committee and GSU’s governing body—the Joint Executive Council (JEC).

Legal counsel also attended the meeting to provide an overview and Q&A session regarding the 4.5% grievance which is still moving through the system.

Looking ahead, the current collective agreement is set to expire on Oct. 31, 2026. In preparation, Local 1 is now accepting nominations for their bargaining committee.

If you are interested in participating on the bargaining committee—or if want you to learn more about the process or the 4.5% grievance—reach out to your elected representative or GSU staff member Jordan Cousins.

JEC Financial Review Committee to meet March 6, finalize its report to Council

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

The union’s governing body, the Joint Executive Council (JEC), is scheduled to meet in Regina, SK on March 25.

In preparation, the special Financial Review Committee is meeting in Regina this Friday to finalize its report and prepare for their presentation to council.

“This type of work is a key part of our internal oversight,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. “We want to make sure the Council has the detailed information it needs to make informed decisions on behalf of the membership, and I appreciate the effort this group of officers has put into this committee.”

Committee meets, continues work to strengthen union for long-term financial and future growth

(L-r) GSU GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson, JEC members Dave Barrett and Colton Buck, GSU staff Rebecca Forness, and JEC member Kaylee Yanoshewski.

The Joint Executive Council’s (JEC) Special Finance Committee met for a second time on January 30, continuing work that began following its creation at the JEC’s fall meeting.

Made up of three JEC members and assisted by GSU staff, the committee is focused on strengthening the union for the long term and supporting future growth. Building on discussions held during its initial meeting in Regina on December 11, the committee continued examining both how GSU manages and grows its financial resources, as well as identifying priorities that will deliver meaningful value for members.

The committee will now consolidate its work and prepare a presentation for the upcoming Spring JEC meeting, where its findings and recommendations will be shared.

JEC Financial Review Committee working on long-term stability for members

Posted Dec. 30, 2025

At its fall meeting, GSU’s Joint Executive Council (JEC) created a special committee made up of JEC members and staff. The Financial Review Committee is focused on the important challenge of strengthening the union for the long term and supporting future growth.

The committee met in Regina on December 11 to begin this work and they plan to meet again in January. Rather than focusing only on managing existing revenue, the committee is looking ahead to identify new ways to grow financial resources over the next three to six years. At the same time, they are identifying priorities that will have a positive and meaningful impact for members.

“This intentional two‑track approach—first examining how GSU generates and manages its finances, and then developing a clear, consensus‑based plan for how those resources are spent—shows a strong commitment to acting in the best interests of both members and the union,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. “The goal is to ensure lasting value for every member.”

The committee will present its report to the JEC at their next meeting this spring.

Remembering our friend and colleague, Lawrence Maier

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a foundational GSU figure and friend, Lawrence Maier.

Lawrence didn’t just work for the union; he lived and breathed it for over 32 years. He saw it all—starting out as a member and officer, serving as GSU President, and eventually spending decades as a staff rep before his retirement in 2018.

If you knew Lawrence, you knew his razor-sharp wit and his “tell it like it is” style. He was a rock-solid ally who always had your back, whether he was at the bargaining table or helping a member. He fought hard for GSU members and all workers, always standing up for what was right and fair.

The GSU family feels a little quieter today knowing we are without him and his booming laugh, but the impact of his work remains throughout GSU and the labour movement.

Rest easy, Lawrence. You’ll be missed.

Family, friends and colleagues of Lawrence are gathering at the Bushwakker Brew Pub in Regina from 4PM to 6PM on Feb. 10, 2026 to celebrate his life.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Questions about the leaves available to GSU members

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

Understanding the differences between leaves available under a collective agreement versus those mandated by Labour Legislation can be complex. GSU staff rep Jordan Cousins has been working directly with individuals to identify which leaves they are eligible for, what specific situations they cover (such as family responsibilities or personal wellness), and the proper procedures for requesting a leave at work.

GSU staff can help you navigate the rights in your agreement and what you are entitled to through Legislation.

Don’t wait until a crisis to reach out. Consulting with your staff rep early ensures you have the right information to manage your work-life balance effectively and help prevent misunderstandings before they arise.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Clarifying Overtime Rules & Calculations

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Grain and General Services Union

Staff representative Donna Labelle assisted a Local 1 (Bunge) member who was frustrated and confused about how overtime is calculated on both a daily and weekly average.

Donna walked the member through Local 1 collective agreement Article 18, which outlines overtime entitlements.

Employees earn 1.5 times their regular rate for the first four hours worked beyond their regularly scheduled shift, as well as for the first twelve hours worked on a day of rest.
After that threshold, overtime increases to double time—paid for all hours beyond the initial four hours of overtime worked in a shift, and for all hours worked in excess of twelve on a day of rest.

Donna helped the member understand exactly when each rate applies, ensuring clarity and confidence going forward.

“Always remember to review your paystubs after working overtime,” Donna advises. “If something doesn’t look right, or you need guidance or clarification, reach out to your GSU staff rep.”

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 (Nutrien) 2025-2027 collective agreement is available online, booklets being printed

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Grain and General Services Union

The new Local 15 (Nutrien) collective agreement has been finalized and it’s available as a PDF under the Collective Agreements link on the menu, above.

Work is underway to print collective agreement booklets for members. Unlike past booklets, this printed version of your agreement will include a new supplemental information section prepared by your Local. While this section is not part of the legally binding collective agreement, it is intended to help members better understand how to use their agreement by providing helpful explanations, references to policies and legislation, and highlighting key rights, benefits, and entitlements.

This additional resource is designed to support you in making the most of your collective agreement and confidently accessing the protections it provides.

If you have any questions about your agreement, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSU staff rep.

Members vote YES; Defense Fund dues will continue through 2026

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Grain and General Services Union

GSU members attending their Local or Sub-Local annual general meetings this fall have overwhelmingly voted to continue contributing dues into the GSU Defense Fund, with a strong majority of 83.8% approving the continuation through 2026.

Since 2001, this annual vote has been vital for maintaining the Fund’s financial strength and keeping its purpose top of mind for members.

“The Defense Fund empowers GSU members to negotiate collective agreements without the added threat or burden of financial sacrifice weighing them down,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. “The decision to continue supporting the Defense Fund shows that members recognize its value and purpose.”

The Defense Fund currently holds close to $7 million in assets (market value). It is administered by a board of directors, with elections held every two years at GSU’s biennial convention. Directors serve two-year terms.

Learn more about the Defense Fund and its Board of Directors here.

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

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Grain and General Services Union

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.”