Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: We have a temporary resolution to the grievance over denial of sick leave benefits to members age 65 and older

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In March GSU filed an executive grievance with Richardson Pioneer over the denial of sick leave benefits to employees age 65 or older.

“The grievance has been making its way through the process and seemed to be headed for arbitration after a meeting with Company management earlier this month,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “A last minute discussion with management resulted in a temporary and without prejudice resolution where union members aged 65 or older who require sick leave will be able to draw on the sick leave they had in the bank when they turned age 65.”

“The temporary resolution is intended to give both sides an opportunity to discuss and attempt to bargain a more permanent understanding when we head to the agreement renewal bargaining table in summer or early autumn,” Wagner said. “Without prejudice means that neither side is giving up their argument or weakening their legal position in the event the matter can’t be resolved and is sent to an arbitrator for determination.”

“The temporary resolution to this issue lasts until GSU and Richardson reach an agreement on the subject or December 31, 2021,” said Wagner. “Hopefully this helps affected members out of a bind. If they continue to experience problems I urge them to contact GSU.”

Further reports will be made when the parties begin agreement renewal bargaining later this year.

Are you being pressured to take time off?

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Recently a number of members have contacted GSU to inquire about their rights with respect to banked overtime. Apparently, the individuals were being pressured by local management to take time off instead of being paid out or waiting for a time more to the member’s liking.

It is important for members to remember that using banked overtime as time off work with pay is subject to mutual agreement. In other words, the employer can’t force an employee to take banked time. Furthermore, ahead of all else it is the employee’s right to insist that they be paid for baked overtime.

“Some employers have urged employees to take banked overtime to cover all or part of a layoff due to shut down,” said GSU staff representative Steve Torgerson. “Before accepting this approach employees should check into their eligibility for supplemental employment benefits under their GSU agreement since by taking banked time to delay the impact of the layoff they might actually be subsidizing the employer’s costs.”

If a member happens to be laid off they can also request a payout of banked overtime without affecting their EI claim.

Need clarification? Contact your GSU staff rep

We’re here to answer your questions, and no question is too small. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

GSU has a layoff organizer brochure available in hard copy or by email. Contact Steve Torgerson for your copy.

GSU Defense Fund Directors meet, review first quarter report

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A conference call meeting of the board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund was held on Wednesday, April 28.

The directors received and reviewed RBC’s first quarter report for 2021 which indicates a modest improvement of .39 percent in the portfolio’s market value. The combined market value of the Fund’s cash deposits at Affinity Credit Union plus its investments with RBC is $5.3 million.

The directors will examine whether there is merit in shifting the Fund’s investment strategy to mirror the S&P 500 index when they next meet with representatives from RBC.

Wilfred Harris (Local 1 (Viterra) – Carnduff), Darryl Knelsen (Local 1 (Viterra) – Fairlight), Sheldon Reiss (Local 1 (Viterra) – Regina), Barb Healey (Local 14 (Richardson) – Edenwold) and Doug Kampman (Local 8 (Advance) – Regina) were elected directors by delegates to GSU’s 2021 policy convention.

Hugh Wagner provides administrative advice and expertise to the directors. GSU finance representative Debbie Head provides financial accounting and reporting services to the board.

GSU Executive Committee meets, agree to recommend filling upcoming staff representative vacancy

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GSU’s executive committee held a conference call meeting on April 29 to follow up on the union’s March 2021 policy convention. The meeting was attended by president Jim Brown, vice-president Michelle Houlden, newly elected vice-president Curtis Cousins, and general secretary Hugh Wagner.

The meeting received a report from Wagner on the costs of repairs and renovations to GSU’s Regina office building which will total approximately $70,000 to cover stuccoing, new window inserts, and a new furnace.

Also discussed were GSU attendees at the CLC/SFL Spring School. To date one member from Local 8 (Advance) is registered and another from Local 1 (Viterra) had expressed interest.

Wagner also reported that the CLC’s virtual convention will be held from June 16 to 18. Curtis Cousins volunteered to be the Executive Committee’s monitor and Wagner committed to arrange for someone from GSU staff to do likewise.

The meeting’s main item of business was discussion of the union staff rep vacancy which will be created by Dale Markling’s retirement . The executive committee will be recommending filling the position and a recruitment process to GSU’s Joint Executive Council.

Subject to Council approval, an advertisement of the vacancy will be issued in mid-August with an early September closing date. More details will follow.

Long-term GSU supporter, officer, and friend Brett North is retiring April 30

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On April 30, 2021 GSU will be saying farewell to Brett North who is retiring as an Assistant Manager at Viterra’s Moose Jaw terminal after 29 years’ service.

Brett recently stepped down as a GSU vice president after five years’ service. He previously served GSU members as president of the Local at the Moose Jaw terminal, a representative on the union’s Joint Executive Council, a member of the Local 1 board of delegates as well as a member of many bargaining committees.

“Brett is a loyal trade unionist who also represented GSU on the executive council of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “His counsel and commitment to union principles will be missed.”

“Retirement is claiming another strong voice for GSU and working people generally,” said GSU president Jim Brown. “I have never doubted Brett’s commitment to the betterment of the welfare of GSU members and of working people. Even though GSU is losing Brett’s strong voice in the workplace, it is heartening to see union members retire and carry on enjoying life. On behalf of the members, officers and staff of GSU, we wish Brett a long, healthy and happy retirement.”

The Covid pandemic is preventing us from holding a farewell gathering at the moment, but we will organize a proper send-off for Brett as soon as we are able.

GSU staff rep Dale Markling set to retire this summer

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On July 31 GSU will be saying farewell to Dale Markling who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service as a GSU staff representative.

Before he joined the GSU staff in June 1992, Dale was a member of GSU, a union delegate, and a union organizer.
 
“Dale’s service to GSU is marked by his dedication to serving union members, his hard work and loyalty to the cause,“ said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner.
 
“Dale accepted all of his assignments willingly with good grace. His work ethic is unsurpassed and his generosity is unmatched,” Wagner said. “He has always been able to approach his work with a positive outlook and a keen sense of humour – both of which have been assets in this line of work.”
 
“On behalf of the members, elected officers and staff of GSU, I wish Dale the very best for a healthy, long, and happy retirement. Dale is more than a colleague. He is also a great friend to many and he will be missed,” Wagner said.
 
COVID pandemic restrictions currently prevent us from holding an appropriate send-off for Dale, but GSU will host a retirement gathering down the road when conditions allow.
 
While GSU reviews its staffing situation, Dale’s assignments will be temporarily distributed among other union staff members with further announcements to follow.

If you would like to wish Dale well on his retirement, send him an email at Dale@gsu.ca.

Mayo Schmidt named president, CEO of Nutrien

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The board of directors of Nutrien Ltd. has appointed Mayo Schmidt as president and chief executive officer effective April 18, 2021. Mr. Schmidt was serving as chair of Nutrien’s board of directors since May 2019. He had previously joined the board of Agrium in 2012.

Many GSU members will recall Mr. Schmidt’s tenure as CEO of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and then Viterra before departing after the Glencore takeover.

“Congratulations to Mr. Schmidt on being named to his new position,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “We look forward to a fruitful collective bargaining relationship with Nutrien Ag Solutions.“

More information is available here.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Grievance secures severance pay for GSU member

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A GSU member is relieved after grievance action secured their right to receive severance pay from Viterra after a layoff of more than 12 months.

“I don’t think there was ever any doubt about the member’s right to severance pay of two weeks’ pay per year of service, “ said GSU staff representative Donna Driediger. “However, it took grievance action on behalf of this individual to close the loop.”

“It is not unusual for differences to arise in relation to interpreting and applying the terms of a collective agreement, and the grievance procedure is an effective means for resolving matters,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Some cases take quite a lot of time to get squared away, but this case came to a successful close fairly quickly.”

“Know your collective agreement rights and engage GSU’s representation process to your best advantage,” Wagner said. “Quite often problems can be resolved without a formal grievance, but the process is always there if things can’t get settled informally.”

Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance.

If you have questions or think there is a problem to be fixed, contact us. We will work with you to answer your questions and find a solution that works for you.

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Member to receive pay increase

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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 Jan. 1, 2021, initially they were told they weren’t eligible for the increase. That’s when the member contacted the GSU office in Regina.

A quick intervention with Viterra’s HR Director by GSU resolved the matter in favour of the union member who will receive a salary increase retroactive to January 1, 2021, notwithstanding the fact that their last day of employment was April 1.

Sometimes a brief comment, email or meeting is all that is needed to rectify a situation.

Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance.  Call us when you think there is a problem to be fixed and we will work with you to answer your questions and find a solution that works for you.

Car loading, hours of work issues raised at WESTAC roundtable

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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 updates on current issues an update on issues from their perspective for the benefit of the two provincial cabinet ministers.

 Wagner used the opportunity to raise awareness about the pressure and sacrifice forced on workers in grain terminals as a result of shorter and shorter loading times for unit trains compounded by erratic railcar delivery service from the railways.

 “I thought it important to speak about the difficulties so many terminal elevator workers face when juggling their personal lives against the constantly changing demands around loading unit trains,” Wagner said. “With provincial government, railway and grain company representatives present, the roundtable presented a rare opportunity to acquaint those in suits with the practical effects of their management decisions.”

 “Change won’t happen overnight, but it is important to use every available forum to advocate for a better deal for the workers who make the system work. When business and government leaders speak of their desire for even greater efficiency in the supply chain they fail to account for the impact on workers, and one of GSU’s responsibilities is to set the record straight.”

 WESTAC is a unique tri-partite organization comprising the four western provincial governments, the federal government (via Transport Canada), business leaders in transportation and logistics, and labour unions representing workers in the industry. GSU has been a contributing member of WESTAC since 1978.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Bad weather has been leading to time loss isssues

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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 GSU do not think the employer’s response is fair or reasonable, and GSU agrees.

“The wild storm that blew through parts of Saskatchewan on March 29 caused a number of GSU members to miss work or leave work early as a result of treacherous driving conditions,” said GSU staff representative Dale Markling. “In one instance the employer closed the facility, but the common problem is Viterra’s position that affected employees should dig into their overtime bank or vacation time to cover the lost hours.”

“GSU doesn’t agree that it is right or reasonable for employees to be penalized for events beyond their control,” Markling said. “We will be arguing that Viterra should absorb the cost of the lost time and charge same to pressing necessity leave.”

A similar situation arose in November 2020 and GSU has an executive grievance going to arbitration over the question of using pressing necessity leave under the collective agreement between the union and Viterra. Dates for the arbitration are being scheduled.

Did you experience time loss as a result of the March 29 storm?

Members working for any of our employers who were hit with time loss as a result of the March 29 storm are urged to contact GSU  to provide the details of their situation.

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

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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 correctly. On average, it takes Canadian women an extra three months and seven days to earn what the average Canadian male made in a year doing similar work.

The numbers don’t lie, and they are appalling.

Today – in 2021 – women overall make 75¢ for every dollar made by men. That gap is even wider for women who fall into the marginalized groups.

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation,  the following is how, on average, different women fare compared to white men born in Canada:

  • Indigenous women make $0.65 for every dollar,
  • women living with a disability earn $0.54,
  • racialized women make $0.67, and
  • women who are new to Canada make $0.71 compared to men who are also new to Canada.

Wage discrimination is real. 
Equal work deserves equal pay. 
It’s common sense.

GSU’s Joint Executive Council has released its 2020/2021 report to members

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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.

The Annual Report contains important information for GSU members about the business of your union, including the 2020 audited financial statements. 

“GSU prides itself on practicing democracy and transparent administration on behalf of the union’s members,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner.

Members can receive a hard copy of the Annual Report by contacting GSU at 1.866.522.6686 or by sending an email to gsu@gsu.ca .

If you have questions, comments or concerns about this report, don’t hesitate to contact a Joint Executive Council member
or your GSU staff representative.

Understanding aggregate salary increases at Viterra and Nutrien

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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 in the collective agreements with their employer. 

While employees are justifiably upset that their salary increases are too low, it is important to remember that the collective agreements with Nutrien and Viterra refer to aggregate  salary increases of X percent.  

What this means is that the overall total salary increase must be the agreed upon percentage of payroll, but it does not mean that each individual employee will receive a salary increase equal to that percentage figure.

For example:

Imagine a work unit in which there are two employees and the employees in the unit are promised an aggregate salary increase of 2 percent. In this example employee “A” receives a salary increase of 3 percent and employee “B” receives a salary increase of 1 percent. While each employee received a salary increase different than 2 percent, the aggregate salary increase of the two-employee unit in this example is 2 percent (i.e. 3 + 1 divided by 2 = 2%).

This is one of the numerous bad features of the so-called pay for performance system that came as a plague on Viterra employees in 2008 and was adopted by Nutrien in 2013. GSU’s leadership vigorously warned about this negative feature of Viterra’s bargaining proposals and final offer at the time of the 2008 collective bargaining dispute and strike at Viterra.

In the absence of sufficient support to maintain the strike action commenced by Local 2 members of Viterra’s Regina head office, and a handful of Local 1 Viterra Operations and Maintenance members, GSU was not able to block the incursion of the so-called pay for performance pay system and its aggregate salary increase. Since then, GSU has proposed to end the unfair system whenever bargaining with Nutrien and Viterra, but so far we’ve not succeeded.

One day we will reform this broken pay system, but only if union members band together and make it a priority they are prepared to fight for, even if that means walking the picket line until the job is done.

The Saskatchewan government introduced a three-hour leave for employees to get COVID-19 vaccination

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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 vaccination.

Contact your GSU staff rep if you are experiencing difficulty receiving time off work to get your vaccination.