Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

GSU’s 2024 new-officer training held online

On March 6, 2024, 13 newly-elected GSU officers and stewards gathered online for training. This round of training was similar to last year’s new-officer training with one addition: emphasis on where unions receive their greatest strength and power. “Sometimes we … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

It’s March 8 ~ Happy International Women’s Day!

Happy International Women’s Day! This is an event observed across the world every year on March 8. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and to raise awareness … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

LOCALS 1 & 2 (Viterra) update: Executive grievances filed on unpaid 4.5% pay increase, retro pay

Grievance v. Executive Grievance The biggest difference between an executive grievance and an individual grievance is who ‘owns’ it. An individual grievance is filed by a member (or a few members) over a specific issue that has impacted them. An … Continue reading

Local 01 - Viterra Ops & Maintenance, Local 02 - Viterra Head Office

Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) bargaining: Second bargaining session underway Feb. 28 & 29

February 29, 2024 Second bargaining session with employer held Feb. 28 and 28 Our Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) bargaining committee is currently convened in GSU’s Regina office boardroom, engaging in virtual collective agreement renewal negotiations with their employer counterparts. The … Continue reading

Local 19 - Prairie Co-op

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Employees teaching/demonstrating safety in the workplace must be properly trained, accredited to do so

In any workplace, safety should always be a top priority. Yet, one of the most common reasons for workplace injuries and fatalities is the lack of proper safety training. Companies have a significant responsibility to ensure that their workers are … Continue reading

We're working on it

Labour’s role in The Big Game 58 (including the football)

While NFL fans are aware of Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl 58 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, many may not realize the significant role union labour played in making the event spectacular. … Continue reading

FYI posts

LABOUR NEWS: SGEU faces contract impasse with Saskatchewan government

Negotiations between the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) and the Public Service/Government Employment (PS/GE) bargaining unit have hit a roadblock. Despite over a year of talks, the parties have failed to reach an agreement since the previous contract … Continue reading

FYI posts

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra): Feb. 2 update on 4.5% Increase and Retro Pay

  Source: GSU bargaining committee update #43 – Feb. 2, 2024 Some members of Local 1 and 2 have been examining their pay stubs and noticing that there are problems with the 4.5% increase they were expecting to receive. This … Continue reading

Local 01 - Viterra Ops & Maintenance, Local 02 - Viterra Head Office

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Questions about the aggregate pay system

When a Local 14 (Richardson) employee had questions about how the aggregate pay system worked for the New Year, staff rep Donna Driediger assisted. Driediger advised that when an employer has an aggregate pay system, the percentage increase that is … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

MEDIA RELEASE – GSU Local 1, 2 (Viterra) members vote, accept Company’s Jan. 4 offer

Members Approve Company’s Final Offer, Paving the Way for Collective Agreement Changes with Viterra JANUARY 19, 2024, REGINA, SK–This morning, elected officers tallied the results of the recent ratification vote on the Jan. 4, 2024 final offer of Viterra Canada. … Continue reading

Local 01 - Viterra Ops & Maintenance, Local 02 - Viterra Head Office

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Winter Clothing Policies

A GSU member reached out to staff rep Donna Driediger regarding winter clothing policies and requirements surrounding winter gear on the work site. When a member’s manager advised them that their winter coat was not sufficient, they sought information from … Continue reading

Another Problem Solved

Don’t answer work calls when you are sick, on personal time away from work, or not actively working

Regardless of the employer or the season, GSU staff representatives consistently handle calls from members who are stressed about receiving work-related calls during their time off, vacations, or sick leave. In response, our representatives offer a straightforward piece of advice: … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

BILL C-58: Federal government introduces legislation to ban use of replacement workers

Canadian unions are welcoming the federal government’s introduction of Bill C-58, legislation to ban the use of replacement workers. This legislation will curtail the use of replacement workers in any federally-regulated industry during strikes or lockouts. Free and fair collective … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Staff reps are receiving more discipline-related calls regarding safety

Employers are taking firmer stances on safety in the workplace and GSU staff reps have noticed an uptick in discipline-related calls regarding safety. GSU believes a safe working environment preserves the well-being of our members and fosters a culture of … Continue reading

We're working on it

GSU staff representative coverage areas are expanding and their responsibilities are shifting

Steve Torgerson’s responsibilities have undergone a significant shift since he assumed the role of GSU’s general secretary at the union’s March 2023 biennial policy convention. The general secretary role doesn’t encompass the day-to-day servicing responsibilities of a GSU staff representative … Continue reading

general interest - GSU members