Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union
Know your OH&S rights! #3 – The right to refuse work that could affect your health and safety or that of others
As an employee in Canada, you have a minimum of three basic rights when it comes to Occupational Health and Safety. These rights were born in Saskatchewan and later adopted by all provinces and the country. While Canadian occupational health … Continue reading
Nutrien to make cash award, GSU applauds employer generosity
Every so often, but not often enough, employers will give employees bonuses to acknowledge business results. In other instances it might be to address exceptional circumstances such as the COVID pandemic. Last week GSU received notice that Nutrien that will … Continue reading
BARGAINING: GSU Locals 1, 2 (Viterra) bargaining resumed Nov. 24 in Regina; next dates are Dec. 14 and 15
GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake) and Travis Brewer (Saskatoon); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger with assistance from GSU staff … Continue reading
GSU Local 7 (Heartland Livestock/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining to resume Dec. 20
(L-r) The bargaining committee comprises Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson/GSU staff). Dec. 20 set to resume negotiations Posted Nov. 25, 2022 Dec. 20 has been set to resume … Continue reading
Are you interested in becoming a delegate to GSU’s 2023 Policy Convention?
Our 2023 policy convention will be held at Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa in Moose Jaw on March 23, 24 and 25, 2023. Delegate entitlement at GSU conventions is assigned to Locals on the basis of one delegate for … Continue reading
BARGAINING: Local 5 (Western Producer)’s second round of negotiations with management complete; next session set for Dec. 2
GSU Local 5’s bargaining team met with company representatives on Nov. 18 via video conference. Revised bargaining proposals were exchanged, but the two sides remain significantly apart on key issues. With bargaining ongoing and Dec. 2 tentatively scheduled to meet … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson is assisting a member with a position elimination
“Having your position eliminated is different than being terminated for cause because it has nothing to do with work performance. That said, being told your position is being eliminated is still difficult,” Torgerson said. “It’s important to know your rights … Continue reading
Have you seen people wearing a small patch of hide pinned to their clothing?
The Moose Hide Campaign stands up against violence towards women and children. Those wearing a small patch of hide pinned to their clothing you are participating in the Moose Hide Campaign and committing to honour, respect, and protect the women … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: “My employer wants to extend my probationary period …”
GSU staff rep Brian Lark assisted a member when the employer wanted to extend their probationary period. “There are reasonable reasons to extend probation periods but there can also be unreasonable extensions implemented by employers,” GSU staff rep Mason Van … Continue reading
GSU delegates attend 66th SFL convention
Twenty-one GSU delegates joined 340 delegates from other unions as they attended the 66th convention of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour held in Regina from October 26 to 28. Convention activities began on the evening of Oct. 25 with delegate … Continue reading
GSU’s Joint Executive Council meets, selects Steve Torgerson as next General Secretary
Tuesday Members’ Memo – Nov. 1, 2022 GSU’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors) held their semi-annual meeting on Oct. 25 in Regina where they received an update on union administration and finances. Updated financial control and asset policies … Continue reading
Hey, Local 15 (Nutrien) members! What are your thoughts on observing Stats on different dates?
Nutrien Ag Solutions has advised they plan to adjust the observation dates of statutory holidays provided to you in your collective agreement – specifically those which land on a Saturday or Sunday. Some dates will be observed on the Monday … Continue reading
Sask. minimum wage now the lowest in Canada
On Oct. 1 Saskatchewan’s minimum wage increased to $13 per hour and moved from second last place to a last place ranking in Canada. With the country’s lowest minimum wage is it any wonder that employers in some sectors are … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Member did not receive an interview for a position
When a GSU member didn’t receive an interview for a position they had applied for, they contacted staff rep Steve Torgerson to discuss the situation. Torgerson is pursuing discussion with the employer in an attempt to find a resolution. … Continue reading