Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

Bargaining package has been prepared; first bargaining session with company set to begin Oct. 27-29

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Local 1 bargaining committee members are David Barrett  Sub-Local 1.16 – Swift Current | Operations; Wrehn Kaysin  Sub-Local 1.3 – Moose Jaw | Operations; Broc Goodwin  Sub-Local 1.3 – Moose Jaw |Maintenance; Dale Lysitza  Sub-Local 1.22 – Lloydminster | Customer Account Rep; Shannon Antonenko  Sub-Local 1.22 – Lloydminster | Sales & Admin. Local 2 bargaining committee members are Sheila Tran, Kaylee Yanoshewski, and Howard Wilson. They will be assisted by GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson and staff representative Jordan Cousins.

Bargaining package has been prepared; first bargaining session with company set to begin Oct. 27-29

Oct. 16, 2026

The GSU bargaining committee met on Oct. 15 and prepared the union’s bargaining package using the valuable feedback members provided in their September 2026 bargaining surveys. If you asked to talk with a committee member in your survey, expect outreach before bargaining begins on Oct. 27.

While regular bargaining updates will be provided to union members, the specific contents of both the union and company bargaining packages will remain confidential. The bargaining process operates confidentially between the parties until a settlement or impasse is reached.

This confidential process is precisely why GSU members elect peers they know and trust to represent them on the bargaining committee—ensuring your interests are strongly and faithfully advocated for throughout negotiations.

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Local 1 & 2 (Bunge) bargaining committee delegates to meet, connect with members, and begin bargaining on Oct. 27-29

Posted Oct. 7, 2026

The September 30 deadline for the Local 1 and 2 bargaining surveys has now passed and it’s time for the next steps in the process. 

Looking ahead, the Local 1 and 2 bargaining committees will meet in person on October 15 to review the complete survey results. Between October 15 and October 27, bargaining committee members will follow up directly with those who requested contact on their survey submissions. Following these internal reviews and outreach, the committee is tentatively scheduled to meet with company representatives for bargaining sessions on October 27, 28, and 29.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and share their workplace priorities. Strong member engagement gives our committee the necessary leverage to advocate effectively for meaningful changes to our collective agreement.

Local 1 (Bunge Operations & Maintenance) bargaining survey is active and open until Sept. 30

Posted September 9, 2026

The Local 1 member survey is active, and your bargaining committee needs your voice.

Member feedback will directly shape our bargaining package and guide our proposals for this fall’s agreement renewal negotiations. High participation gives us maximum leverage at the table to push for what matters most to you.

Take the Survey: Share your workplace priorities and ideas today.

Spread the word: Make sure your co-workers complete it before it closes on September 30th.

Reach out to any bargaining committee member if you have questions. 

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Called in to an Unexpected Meeting with a Manager

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A group of GSU members was advised they were required to attend an unexpected meeting with their manager. Having no idea what the meeting was about, they reached out to GSU to see where they stood.

“We let them know that while the company can meet with employees at any time, members always have the right to request a GSU representative to attend with them,” said GSU staff rep Donna Labelle.

As it turned out, this specific meeting was just a quick heads-up about some upcoming workplace changes and union representation wasn’t needed. Still, reaching out beforehand was a smart move. Checking in with GSU ensured they knew their rights and had a solid plan in place in case things went sideways.

If your manager ever calls you or your fellow members into a sudden meeting and you aren’t sure why, don’t guess! Contact your GSU staff representative right away so you can go in prepared.

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, there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice and no appointment is needed—just call!

GSU 90th Anniversary Coins Awarded to Jim Brown, Brian Cowan and Mark Lannigan at September Council Meeting

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General Secretary Steve Torgerson presented GSU President Jim Brown (top), Vice President Brian Cowan (middle), and Joint Executive Council officer Mark Lannigan (bottom) with GSU 90th anniversary commemorative coins during the September meeting of the union’s Joint Executive Council.

Each recipient was recognized for the significant contributions they have made to the union over the years.

As 2026 draws to a close, additional commemorative coins will be awarded in the coming months. Whether past or present members are active in the workplace today, retired, or have moved on from GSU, we want to honour anyone who has left a positive mark on the union over the last nine decades.

No contribution is too large or small.

If you know someone who deserves recognition for their dedication or contribution to GSU, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Click here to learn more.

(L-r) GSU president Jim Brown accepting his coin from GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson during the Joint Executive Council’s Sept. 24 meeting in Regina, SK.

(L-r) GSU vice president Brian Cowan accepts his coin from GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson.

(L-r) Joint Executive Council officer Mark Lanigan is presented with his coin by GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson.

Nominate a GSU contributor for a Commemorative 90th Anniversary Coin

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Ninety years is more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to nearly a century of solidarity, hard work, and the collective strength of the Grain and General Services Union. To celebrate our 90th anniversary, we want to look back at the people who have shaped our union into what it is today.

Our Commemorative Coin Program will continue through the end of 2026, and we need your help to decide who should receive one.

Every Contribution Counts

You don’t need to have led a massive movement to be recognized. We are looking for those who have contributed to GSU in a positive way, regardless of the scale.

Nominees do not need to be current members or officers.

Whether they are active in the workplace today, have retired, or moved on from GSU, we want to recognize anyone who has left a positive mark on GSU over the last nine decades.

Maybe it’s the colleague who always explains the collective agreement to new hires, the member who stood up for a coworker, or someone who has consistently shown up for their fellow members or for GSU over the decades. Whether the impact was epic or simply steady and kind, we want to celebrate those who have built our union’s legacy.

Make a Nomination

If you know someone—past or present—who has helped make GSU the organization what it is today, please put your nomination in writing.

  • Who: Name of the nominee.

  • Why: A short description of why you are nominating them and how they contributed to GSU in a positive way.

    Example 1: Vince welcomed me when I was a new hire and he explained to me why it was good to belong to GSU.

    Example 2: Cheryl was on our bargaining committee twice, and she was great. We got good deals and she kept us all in the loop throughout the process. Without her, I think we would have had a harder time. I really appreciate what she did for us all.

  • Submit: Send us your nomination by email to GSU@gsu.ca or mail it to 2334 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2S2.

We are accepting nominations throughout 2026.

Let’s honour the people who make and have made GSU everything it is—a union we are proud of. We are looking forward to seeing who you choose to recognize.

Council’s Fall Meeting Report and Key Updates for GSU members

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GSU’s governing body, the Joint Executive Council (JEC), met on September 24 for its regular annual meeting. Made up of elected leaders from across our Locals, the JEC helps keep the union running smoothly between conventions.

Here’s a look at what was discussed, key decisions, highlights, and what these mean for members. 

  • Dues Vote: The JEC mapped out how members will vote on the proposed dues change (from 1.75% to 2.0%) at their upcoming annual general membership meetings (AGMs). The main goal is making sure everyone has accessible voting options while keeping meeting attendance and member discussion front and center.

  • Local 10 (Trouw Nutrition – Westlock) Motion: Local 10’s council member brought a specific request from his Local to the Council regarding the potential dues increase.

    • As GSU’s newest Local, they are currently finishing up their very first collective agreement (which runs through December 31, 2027) and are working hard to build up their Local and get ready for bargaining next year.

    • Their rep asked that if the overall membership approves the dues increase this Fall, Local 10’s increase be delayed until December 31, 2027—with the understanding that they won’t receive any additional benefits tied to higher dues during that time.

    • After thorough discussion, the JEC voted to approve the motion to support Local 10 through this initial transition period.

  • GSU Scholarships: Expanding 2026 scholarship eligibility to members who are part-time students proved to be a successful change.

  • Finances & Defense Fund: The JEC reviewed the union’s financial statements. They also passed a motion regarding continuation of the additional dues being paid into the Defense Fund (which members will vote on at upcoming AGMs).

  • GSU Convention 2027: Planning continued for the next GSU Convention, tentatively set for March 17–19, 2027 in Regina. It’s time for Locals to start thinking about potential delegates and resolutions.

  • Additional Agenda Items:

    • Planning upcoming member education and training for new union officers

    • Bargaining updates and Local reports from across the union

    • Brainstorming plans for engagement and work through the remainder of GSU’s 90th anniversary year and beyond

    • Review of online voting programs to make member participation easier in 2027.

If you have questions about any of these items or want to know more about how they impact your Local, reach out to your JEC representative. 

Settlement reached in Local 1 & 2 (Bunge) 4.5% pay and retro grievances

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GSU Local 1 (Bunge Operations & Maintenance) and Local 2 (Bunge Head Office) have successfully reached a settlement with Bunge, resolving the dispute surrounding the 2023 wage increases without needing to go through formal arbitration.

Key Highlights of the Settlement:

  • 3.9% Wage Increase: Members active during the 2023 bargaining period who did not receive their 2023 raise will receive a 3.9% boost.

  • Guaranteed Payout: Rather than gambling on an all-or-nothing arbitration ruling, elected executive officers negotiated directly over several days to lock in a guaranteed payout for affected members.

  • Strong Position: While the original dispute was over a 4.5% interpretation in the collective agreement, securing a payout of this size highlights the strength of the collective representation behind the claim.

What Happens Next?

GSU leadership and Bunge are working through the administrative calculations to determine exact retro payouts for each eligible individual. Further updates will be provided as payout schedules are finalized.

Members with questions are encouraged to contact their Local Executive or GSU General Secretary Steve Torgerson.

Local 1 (Bunge Operations & Maintenance) bargaining survey is active and open until Sept. 30

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The Local 1 member survey is active, and your bargaining committee needs your voice.

Member feedback will directly shape our bargaining package and guide our proposals for this fall’s agreement renewal negotiations. High participation gives us maximum leverage at the table to push for what matters most to you.

Take the Survey: Share your workplace priorities and ideas today.

Spread the word: Make sure your co-workers complete it before it closes on September 30th.

Reach out to any bargaining committee member if you have questions. 

Bargaining committee members are David Barrett  Sub-Local 1.16 – Swift Current | Operations; Wrehn Kaysin  Sub-Local 1.3 – Moose Jaw | Operations; Broc Goodwin  Sub-Local 1.3 – Moose Jaw |Maintenance; Dale Lysitza  Sub-Local 1.22 – Lloydminster | Customer Account Rep; Shannon Antonenko  Sub-Local 1.22 – Lloydminster | Sales & Admin.

Congratulations to our 2026 GSU Scholarship Recipients

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We are pleased to introduce the individuals selected to receive scholarships through our 2026 scholarship program. To ensure a completely fair and unbiased evaluation process, all applicant identities and identifying information were redacted before review. Our scholarship committee—GSU President Jim Brown, 1st Vice President Sheila Tran, and 2nd Vice President Brian Cowan—evaluated these anonymized applications and selected our recipients.

We extend our sincere thanks to the committee for their work, and we wish all of our 2026 recipients success in their upcoming academic year.

You can read more about this year’s recipients and the program at GSU.ca.

If you are planning ahead for next year, applications for the 2027 scholarship program will open in March 2027.

GSU leaders visit members ahead of upcoming autumn vote on union dues

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Tuesday MEMBERS’ MEMO – Sept. 1, 2026

Ahead of the Fall AGM vote on the Joint Executive Council’s proposed 0.25% dues increase, council reps hit the road over the summer. They visited work locations, answered questions, and heard directly from GSU members. The visits were a success—proving just how powerful direct, in-person connection really is.

“Having face-to-face time with elected leaders has always been a GSU cornerstone, but over the years, tight budgets forced us to scale back on sending officers out to meet members across different Locals and locations,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. “GSU staff handle day-to-day operations, but having your elected officers—coworkers who face the exact same daily realities you do—out in the field engaging with members brings an important connection and a needed workplace perspective to the table.”

With adequate funding, GSU can reimplement its officer visitation program, and those elected officers will also be able to organize local events and initiatives designed to bring members together across workplaces, bridge the gaps between locations, and build a stronger network where people know and support one another.

Information and updates on the JEC-led 0.25% dues increase have been shared throughout the summer. You can learn more about the proposed dues increase and upcoming vote here.

Local 1 & 2 (Bunge) 4.5% pay and retro grievance arbitration to be held Sept. 14-16

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On Aug. 17, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson sent the following email to GSU Local 1 & 2 members affected by the 4.5% pay and retro grievances

“Good news to share, we now have arbitration dates locked in. The hearing for our Local 1 & 2 executive grievances is less than a month away, scheduled for September 14–16, 2026.

A quick refresher on what this is about

When we ratified our renewed collective agreement, it included a 4.5% wage increase effective January 1, 2023, along with retro pay. The company did not apply that increase and retro pay to all eligible members the way the agreement — and our discussions at the bargaining table — called for. Some members got nothing, some got only part of what they were owed. So Locals 1 & 2 filed executive grievances on behalf of every member to make this right.

Why it took this long to get here

We know it’s been a long road, and we appreciate your patience. Grievances that head to arbitration slow down once lawyers on both sides get involved. On top of that, this case affects a lot of members, which makes it more complex than a typical grievance.

What’s happening now

We’re preparing for the hearing. That means pulling together our evidence, finalizing the records and dues remittance data that show who did and didn’t receive the full increase, and getting our case ready to present.

One thing worth mentioning, even with the company now operating as Bunge, they remain bound by these grievances and by whatever the arbitrator decides. The change in ownership does not let anyone off the hook.

What to expect

An arbitrator is a neutral third party who hears both sides and hands down a binding decision — one that both the union and the company have to follow. We’ll keep you posted as September approaches, and we’ll let you know the outcome once we have it.

If you have questions in the meantime, reach out to me, your Local 1 Board of Delegates, or your Local 2 Executive.

In solidarity,
Steve Torgerson
GSU General Secretary”

Stronger representation starts at your Local Annual General Meeting

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It will soon be time for our Annual General Meetings (AGMs) across our locals and sub-locals, and with them comes the important responsibility of electing our union officers.

GSU’s strength is driven by active engagement and workplace democracy. Electing fellow members to step up as local officers ensures that every member and workplace is represented by people who do the work and truly understand what happens on the shop floor every single day.

Getting members involved is a priority

Increasing member engagement and participation has become a key focus of the Joint Executive Council’s (JEC) ongoing work. The JEC recognizes that GSU’s strength is its active members. To effectively defend worker rights, negotiate solid collective agreements, and address workplace concerns, we need members involved at every level—starting right in your local work area.

Improving communication

Elected local leadership is the essential connective tissue of our union and an important line of communication:

  • Bringing Issues Upward: Your day-to-day challenges, safety concerns and workplace needs get direct attention when you have a dedicated local officer on site in the workplace and advocating for you at union meetings.

  • Bringing Information Back: Effective representation also means transparency and connection. Officers take updates, strategy, policy decisions, and bargaining progress directly from council and committee meetings and bring them back to members.

Strong, workplace representatives power our communication loop, driving our collective bargaining power and effectiveness.

Show up and participate!

Whether you are considering standing for an elected officer position, nominating a colleague who demonstrates strong leadership, or simply casting your vote, your participation is an important part of ensuring you and your coworkers are represented and your issues are addressed.

Watch for details on your Local’s AGM date, time, and location. Attend your meeting and choose leadership that reflects your needs so we can continue to build an active, informed, and united GSU.

Michelle Houlden receives GSU 90th Anniversary Commemorative Coin

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As we celebrate 90 years of solidarity and strength, GSU continues to present its 90th Anniversary Commemorative Coins to the people who have helped shape our history.

Earlier this month, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson awarded past GSU vice president Michelle Houlden with a commemorative coin. Michelle was an active leader who also brought her creative talents to help build GSU’s visual identity over her years in the union.

Learn more about our commemorative coin program here.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Banked time issues resolved (without formal grievances)

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Recently, GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven stepped in to solve banked time discrepancies for two members—one at Bunge and another at Nutrien.

  • Local 1 (Bunge): Banked time was incorrectly deducted instead of coding the hours as regular time under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Mason contacted management, resulting in the member’s banked hours being fully restored and their regular pay adjusted.

  • Local 15 (Nutrien): Time off was incorrectly deducted from banked time instead of being covered under Personal Leave. Mason reached out to management to fix the error, ensuring the proper leave category was applied and all banked time was credited back.

Both issues were resolved quickly through direct communication with management—no formal grievances were required.

“Always check your paystubs, and if you ever notice an error on your pay or banked time total, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSU rep,” Van Luven said. “We are here to ensure your contract is respected and your hard-earned time is protected.”

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, there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice and no appointment is needed—just call!

 

GSU’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY: GSU has shaped Western Canadian Labour History

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From organizing during the depths of the Great Depression in 1936 to leading landmark strikes and tackling toxic grain dust in elevators, the Grain Services Union (GSU)—originally the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Employees’ Association—has shaped Western Canadian labour history for nearly a century.

Learn more about how a group of grain employees fought for basic rights we take for granted today, including company pensions, the eight-hour workday, and essential workplace safety standards.

👉 Read the full history in The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan

Local 9 (Trouw Nutrition Chilliwack) members vote, accept tentative agreement

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On July 26, the final day of the conciliation window, Local 9 members voted to accept the tentative agreement reached with their employer on July 17.

Work will now begin on incorporating the terms of the tentative agreement into the new two-year collective agreement. All provisions of the previous collective agreement remain in effect until the new document is finalized and signed.

Conciliation results in tentative agreement for Local 9 (Trouw Nutrition Chilliwack)

July 22, 2026

During conciliation meetings held on July 16 and 17 in Chilliwack, the Local 9 bargaining committee—with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Jordan Cousins—has successfully reached a tentative settlement with company representatives.

This tentative agreement breaks the deadlock following the impasse reached on April 21. Details of the proposed settlement are currently being finalized for member review.

A ratification vote has been scheduled for July 26, which coincides with the end of the conciliation window.

All provisions of the expired collective agreement remain in full effect until a new agreement is officially ratified.

Local 9’s bargaining committee members are Robert Macken and Jordan Jefferson, assisted by GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Jordan Cousins.