Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

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

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We're working on it!

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: if you’re not at work, on call or on standby, don’t answer the phone.

“You are not obligated to take or reply to calls when you are sick, enjoying your personal time away from work and not actively working for the company,” said GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven. “This fundamental principle is reinforced by collective agreements, empowering our members to maintain a healthy work-life balance and assert their right to uninterrupted time away from work obligations.”

Van Luven advises “Members need to use the latitude their collective agreement offers. If you don’t use it, you leave the door open for management not to respect it.”

GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the solutions that work for you. Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance. We are here to assist you in any way that we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you.

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

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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 bargaining without the threat of replacement workers taking striking workers’ jobs is the best way to reach good collective agreements and maintain stable workplaces. Eliminating the option of using replacement workers also discourages practices that exploit non-unionized workers who are desperate for employment.

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

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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 trust, productivity, and efficiency. We support employer efforts to ensure their workplace and employees are safe.

Safety can’t be rushed, so when you are facing time constraints and demanding workloads, it is important to slow down, take a step back and ensure that all safety protocols are being followed. Rushing through tasks increases the likelihood of accidents or errors, and it’s always better to invest a little extra time in ensuring safety than to deal with the aftermath of an accident.

“If you find yourself in a situation where you feel pressured to compromise safety, it is crucial to communicate those concerns to your employer,” said GSU staff rep Brian Lark. “By reporting issues promptly, workers play an active role in staying safe and maintaining a safe and secure work environment. If talking to your employer doesn’t resolve the issue, call your GSU staff rep for assistance.”

GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the solutions that work for you. These 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.

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

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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 and the vacancy created when Torgerson left his staff rep role to accept his new position will not be filled in the foreseeable future. This has led to additional responsibilities and servicing adjustments for Donna Driediger, Brian Lark and Mason Van Luven – GSU’s three remaining staff representatives.

As a result of these changes, GSU members who call the office or attend their upcoming annual general meetings may be greeted by a different staff representative than they are accustomed to working with.

“We are always looking for ways to adapt, improve and ensure that members continue to receive the highest level of representation and support possible,” Torgerson said. “This shifting of responsibilities has been a necessary and gradual process that began over the summer months. We expect that the changes will be complete and our staff representatives will be settled in their new locals and sub-locals by the end of the year.”

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Questions about benefit coverage during a strike or lock-out

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With strike conversations taking place at many sites, staff rep Donna Driediger is fielding strike and lockout-related inquiries from GSU members. One of the common concerns raised is what happens to benefit coverage during a labour dispute.

Fortunately, Driediger can advise that when GSU members are on strike or are locked out, the GSU Defense Fund pays the premiums for benefit coverage to ensure GSU members do not have any interruption in their benefit programs.

GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the solutions that work for you. These services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you, and no limit on the number of time you can seek advice.

Severance pay – one of the most overlooked advantages of a collective agreement

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By GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven

There is often a misconception that “severance pay” is a condition of employment or labour law when a worker’s position is eliminated, their plant is closed, or the company would otherwise like to part ways. That workers are rewarded for their years of service and that transition into unemployment is softened by a severance package. However, we negotiate for strong language and standards when it comes to severance pay as without this language, the rights afforded to workers is minimal, and this is often one of the most overlooked advantages of a collective agreement.

Under the Saskatchewan Employment Act, an individual worker is entitled to either notice or pay instead of notice, which is a sliding scale depending on your years of service. This scale caps out at 10 years of service, where an individual worker gets eight-weeks notice or pay instead of notice, calculated at what a worker’s regular earnings are during a normal eight-week period. They are also given their unused time off entitlements, like their vacation. Other jurisdictions, though still limited, will throw in a number of days pay for each year of service as an added entitlement. After that, the worker is expected to get another job or hopefully have enough to retire.

This is why collective agreements do more than negotiate wage increases to service the immediate material needs of workers, and one of the most overlooked features of collective agreements is language around position eliminations. We negotiate strong position elimination language because in the event that a company decides a certain position is no longer necessary, a plant closes down, or a whole group of workers are left without work, the bare minimum requirements under provincial labour law is insufficient. Workers should have dignity for all the reasons a company might decide that their contributions as a worker are not needed or valued anymore. At the very least, they should get enough recognition for their years of service that they can pay the bills before finding another job.

Sometimes companies will calculate severance as though they do not have a contractual obligation to do so – that their generosity is why a worker sees a payout. Trade unions had to negotiate hard with employers to get the standards around position eliminations above labour legislation, because historically once a company no longer needed a worker or a factory, there was no net to catch those workers. This created an imbalance where a worker had to work to make ends meet up until their employer did not need them anymore. This meant that a worker had an obligation to their employer, but not the other way around.

Read your contract’s language on position elimination (and, for your own education, compare it to the relevant labor legislation). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Should a member who is considering retirement wait around for possible retroactive pay?

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Staff representative Donna Driediger assisted a GSU member with a question about the optimal timing for retirement amidst ongoing collective agreement negotiations. The member was contemplating retirement and considering whether or not to wait until bargaining was complete in order to remain eligible for negotiated retroactive pay.

Driediger explained that it wasn’t unusual for negotiated settlements to include retroactivity on wages to employees who are on staff at the time of ratification, including members on approved leaves of absence, such as maternity leave, disability, or sick leave. Driediger advised the GSU member that to maximize the opportunity to receive retroactive pay, it was advisable for the member to delay retirement until negotiations reached a conclusion.

Additionally, Driediger emphasized the importance of taking full advantage of all available benefits before retirement. This encompasses benefits like eyeglasses, prescriptions, and other entitlements to ensure members maximize their overall compensation and support.

GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the solutions that work for you. These services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you, and no limit on the number of time you can seek advice.

We shouldn’t be comfortable with our elected officials skirting the Charter for a political hot button issue

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Today at noon in Regina some members and staff of GSU attended a rally at the Legislature challenging the provincial governments recent announcement to use the not withstanding clause to push their pronoun law.

First, here’s a quick recap of what lead to today.

It started at the end of the last school year about appropriate sexual education content for students. This led to an announcement that the government was seeking new rules requiring students under 16 years of age to need parental consent before changing their pronouns in school.

This was challenged at Court of King’s bench and the judge issued an injunction pausing the new law from coming into effect until the court can hear the entire case.

Almost immediately following this decision, the Saskatchewan provincial government indicated they would recall the legislature and would use the Charter of Rights and Freedoms notwithstanding clause to force the law into effect.

Here is some information about this issue that we think GSU members need to consider.

What’s a pronoun?

You may be unfamiliar with the word “pronoun,” but you use them all the time. Pronouns are used in place of a proper noun (like someone’s name). We use pronouns most often when referring to someone without using their name.

 Example: Have you heard from Tom? He hasn’t texted me back all day. He is the pronoun.

 Why does it matter?

In English, our most commonly used pronouns (he/she) specifically refer to a person’s gender. For queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and transgender people, these pronouns may not fit, can create discomfort, and can cause stress and anxiety.

 A recent study showed that in transgender youth, using correct pronouns and names reduces depression and suicide risks.

“Researchers interviewed transgender youths ages 15 to 21 and asked whether young people could use their chosen name at school, home, work and with friends. Compared with peers who could not use their chosen name in any context, young people who could use their name in all four areas experienced 71 percent fewer symptoms of severe depression, a 34 percent decrease in reported thoughts of suicide and a 65 percent decrease in suicidal attempts.

Earlier research by Russell found that transgender youths report having suicidal thoughts at nearly twice the rate of their peers, with about 1 out of 3 transgender youths reporting considering suicide. In the new study, having even one context in which a chosen name could be used was associated with a 29 percent decrease in suicidal thoughts. The researchers controlled for personal characteristics and social support.

“I’ve been doing research on LGBT youth for almost 20 years now, and even I was surprised by how clear that link was,” Russell said.”

Having trouble understanding why this would upset someone? Think about your pronoun (it’s probably “he” or “she”). Now imagine someone calling you the one you don’t think of yourself as. Imagine them doing it over and over and over, even after you’ve corrected them.

Notwithstanding Clause

The notwithstanding clause in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, also known as Section 33, allows provincial or federal governments in Canada to temporarily override certain rights and freedoms protected by the Charter. While it serves as a unique and sometimes controversial feature of Canada’s constitutional framework, it has generated various concerns and criticisms over the years. Here are some of the problems and criticisms associated with the notwithstanding clause.

One of the most significant concerns is that the notwithstanding clause can be used by governments to limit or suspend fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Charter. Critics argue that this undermines the very purpose of having a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Some worry that governments may use the notwithstanding clause too liberally, potentially infringing on rights without sufficient justification. This could lead to a situation where rights are routinely violated without proper accountability.

There is a concern that governments may invoke the notwithstanding clause for political reasons rather than to address pressing issues or emergencies. This could be seen as a way to pander to specific interest groups or curry favor with certain constituencies.

Diminished Protections: When the notwithstanding clause is used, it essentially renders certain Charter rights temporarily ineffective. This can leave individuals without the full protection of their rights during that period.

There are concerns that the notwithstanding clause could be used to target vulnerable or marginalized groups, particularly if the government has a political agenda that goes against the rights of these groups. The example we have today is exactly what is worrying people.

If or when a government thinks about using the notwithstanding clause they should do so only after lengthy consultation. We shouldn’t be comfortable with our elected officials skirting the Charter for a political hot button issue that a judge has said is very likely to cause harm to young people in this province.

GSU has always stood with marginalized people in society. As working people ourselves, we want to raise the standard or living for everyone. What we want for ourselves we want for everyone.

Local 5 (WPP) bargaining impasse: Nov. 20 bargaining date cancelled, net dates TBD

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Dialogue to resolve Local 5’s agreement renewal bargaining is ongoing. We thank Local 5 members for their patience and continued support.

As a result of a scheduling conflict, the bargaining session set for Nov. 20 has been cancelled.

Nov. 14, 2023 Tuesday Members’ Memo

GSU and WPP are working to set new bargaining dates.

 

 

Bargaining rescheduled to Nov. 20

Oct. 3, 2023 Tuesday Members’ Memo

As a result of scheduling issues, bargaining has been rescheduled to Nov. 20.

 

 

Bargaining to resume Nov. 15 & 16

Sept. 25, 2023 email to Local 5 members

We have new bargaining dates with the Employer.

Dates have been arranged for November 15 and 16 with both sides agreeing to get back to the bargaining issues. We look forward to fruitful dialogue between the parties and an opportunity to work collaboratively to negotiate a settlement for all involved.

 

 

Union committee provides their available bargaining dates to company, requests company reciprocate

August 31, 2023

On Aug. 24 and again on Aug. 31, your GSU bargaining committee requested that the company provide it’s availability to return to negotiations between the parties.

Read the bargaining committee’s Aug. 31 update to members here. 

 

Members overwhelmingly reject employer’s *final offer*, request their bargaining committee return to the table

Aug. 24, 2023 email to Local 5 members

Members met on Aug. 23 to review and vote on a final offer presented by the company on Aug. 11. An overwhelming 90.5% of Local 5 members voted to reject the offer. 

Members have neither called for nor taken a strike vote, and they aren’t in a strike position. Rather, Local 5 members and their bargaining committee are committed to working toward a negotiated resolution to bargaining.

 

Union bargaining committee unhappy with company’s *final offer* email to members 

Aug. 15, 2023

When GSU Local’s 5 bargaining committee learned that the employer sent members an email with a copy of their *final offer* and opinions on bargaining, our committee was not happy. Your committee believes the company has left out some details and the document is not accurate.

Members have reached out to their GSU bargaining committee expressing anger and frustration with the email. A membership meeting has been set for Aug. 23 to answer membership questions and continue work to fight the company’s aggressive and regressive tactics.

You can read the GSU bargaining committee’s Aug. 14 email – including the company email and the union response – here.

If you have any questions leading up to next week’s meeting, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bargaining committee members.

Mediation ends with vague *final offer* from company committee

July 28, 2023

To: GSU Local 5 Members

The Local 5 bargaining committee resumed mediation with the company on July 26 and 27. Through the mediator, both parties traded offers, and the company the union presented with a final offer late in the day on July 27 .

“We were never able to directly discuss the final offer or why the company presented a final offer and so we are left with a vague offer that we still have questions about,” said GSU general secretary and union bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson.

The union committee will be reaching out to the company to clarify a few items in their final offer and ask them to provide some real details and not just vague statements. Once we that information and clarification is received, GSU’s committee will report back to Local members. The speed of the process will depend on how quickly the company provides answers. 

Even without a full picture of what this final offer contains, we know the following: 

  • the company’s last offer on Wednesday, July 26 was worse than the March 13 offer they made.
  • the company thinks they can do whatever they want and try to silence your Local President.
  • they don’t honour their commitments because we were told during mediation that the company did not register the Supplemental Employment Benefit plan since the last round of negotiations, leaving employees with no SEB benefits.

GSU and Local 5 will keep working to get a fair deal in bargaining, we will fight to defend the union and its members from company intimidation and protect people unjustly terminated, and we will hold the company to account on SEB and demand they fix what they broke and do what they agreed to do when they signed the last collective agreement.

As soon as we have a clear final offer, members will be advised and a membership meeting will be scheduled.

 

Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining impasse mediation set for June 6 & 7; July 26 & 27

Tuesday Members’ Memo – May 2, 2023

Mediation has been set for June 6 and 7, and again July 26 and 27 with mediator Kevin Eckert who will assist the parties in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement.

GSU’s Local 5 bargaining committee held a membership meeting on April 25 to provide members with an update and give them an opportunity to ask questions.

As is the case during any bargaining and mediation process, we may not be able to provide details while discussions are ongoing but we will provide dates of meetings and as much information on progress as we are able to.  If you have questions, please reach out to your bargaining committee members.

GSU is committed to the process and is looking forward to working with the members and the employer to negotiate a settlement that is workable for all.
We thank Local 5 members for their patience and continued support.   

Mediator appointed in bargaining impasse

Tuesday Members’ Memo – April 4, 2023

On March 30 the union was advised that mediator Kevin Eckert had been appointed to assist the parties in their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement. We are awaiting contact with Mr. Eckert and we look forward to engaging this process so we can work to secure a new amended collective agreement.

We may not be able to provide details while discussions are ongoing, but we will provide dates of meetings and as much information on progress as we are able to.

If you have questions, please reach out to your bargaining committee members.

WPP management agrees to mediation and conciliation process

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 28, 2023

The Western Producer management negotiating committee has responded to GSU and has agreed to the mediation and conciliation process. At this time, both sides are awaiting the appointment of a mediator from the Minister of Labour and Workplace Safety.

GSU is committed to the process and is looking forward to working with the members and the employer to negotiate a settlement that is workable for all.

Local 5 (Western Producer) members overwhelmingly reject employer offer

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 21, 2023 

The ballots were counted on Feb. 16 and the overwhelming majority of Local 5 members who cast ballots (95.83%) voted to reject their employer’s offer to settle agreement renewal collective bargaining with the Western Producer.

Twenty-four of the 30 members of Local 5 voted, and 23 voted to reject the employer’s offer. Union members voted on the heels of an employer effort to sell the offer at a staff meeting held the same day as it was communicated to the Local 5 bargaining committee. GSU has advised that in the union’s view the employer’s actions constitute an unfair labour practice.

GSU has submitted notice of a collective bargaining impasse to Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety pursuant to section 6-33 of Part VI of the Saskatchewan Employment Act. Such notice normally leads quickly to the conciliation/mediation process provided in the Act.

In this instance, however, GSU has received notice that the employer is challenging the applicability of the Saskatchewan Employment Act basis an allegation that the bargaining relationship with the Western Producer is the result of a voluntary recognition as opposed to a certification order issued by the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB).

“GSU is contesting the employer’s position and will take legal steps to have the matter sorted out,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “The members of Local 5 have shown remarkable solidarity and determination in response and we will move forward together buoyed by their strong stance.”

Further updates will follow as developments occur.

Check your email for an important update

Feb. 17, 2023

An email update was sent to GSU Local 5 members at 3:45 PM on Feb. 17. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available. 

Additional background information is available here.

Be Thankful, Be Safe this coming holiday weekend

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By GSU staff rep Brian Lark

This weekend is the Thanksgiving long weekend in Canada. On Friday, everyone will be rushing out the door to prepare for spending time with family and friends. Whether your holiday takes you away from home or this is your year to host the gathering, there will be a lot of people on the road as you make last-minute trips to the store to grab meal items, fuel up the vehicle and purchase the always important road trip snacks.

Let’s all take time to plan and arrive safely at our destinations.

We have a lot to be thankful for this weekend and need to make sure we arrive safely to spend those precious moments with our loved ones. Allow for traffic delays and leave in plenty of time. Try to be proactive and do your shopping on Wednesday or Thursday to beat the rush in the stores and at the pumps.

After a well-deserved visit and holiday celebration, make your journey home just as safe.

A long day traveling and eating can lead to fatigue and unsafe conditions on the way home.

It is October and the weather can turn quickly making road surfaces slick, so be aware and be sure to drive with caution. In the event of poor weather, be sure to drive for the road conditions of the moment and not what they were last month.

Most of all this weekend, be thankful!

Be thankful to have friends and family who care about you. Thankful for a job to support you and your family and thankful for GSU. GSU is here for you all year long and we will continue to work for you and with you to improve your working relationships with your employer.

I am thankful for GSU. Back when I was a member, I understood the importance of the union. When I became an out-of-scope manager I was thankful for GSU because I knew they had my employees’ best interests in mind. Now, as a staff rep, I am thankful for GSU. This union has offered me the chance to help people, make a difference in their lives, and ultimately make a difference in mine.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Assisting an employee through a difficult position elimination

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We recently assisted a 30-year employee through a difficult position elimination

When the employer decides to restructure their work environment, it can have very significant impacts on the work and the employees who do that work. GSU and your negotiated collective agreements work to ensure when these restructures take place that employees are not put on the back burner.

“There are clauses in our collective agreements that speak to how the employer is required to treat employees in order to minimize the implications for the restructuring and to provide appropriate notice and possible severance when navigating that path,” said GSU staff rep Donna Driediger.

Without a collective agreement, employees would be subject to the bare minimums that the law provides. Collective agreements hold employers accountable for the choices they make in order to maintain their business while still respecting the integrity of the employees. 

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 times you can seek our advice.

OH&S Conference Attendee Perspective: Stand up, report any and all violence in the workplace

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GSU member Mark Lannigan attended the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour’s OH&S conference Sept. 11 – 13 in Regina, and he was happy he had made attending a priority.

“It was a great experience. Not just the course, but also on a personal level,” Mark said. “I met people who have connections to my mom’s life. One lady from her most recent work experience and one from my mom’s childhood.”

This is an experience that wouldn’t have happened had he not made the choice to attend the conference and meet new people.

The course Mark chose to attend was the prevention of violence in the workplace. After hearing members from other unions and workplaces speak, he came to the conclusion that the biggest obstacle to preventing violence in the workplace is the lack of reporting.

“If we want to make a difference and make a change for our children, we need to stand up and report any and all violence in the workplace,” he said.

On Thursday afternoon, conference attendees traveled to participate in a supportive march with UFCW members who had been locked out of their Heritage Inn Hotel workplace since September 7, 2023.

“For me, this march was inspiring and disheartening at the same time,” said Mark. “In order to create a better future for our children and our grandchildren, we need to make sure we stand up now for ourselves and others and show solidarity to all who are under attack by their employers. That’s true not only in our workplaces, but in our communities as well.”

Mark hopes to attend the next OH&S conference to learn more about what we can do to continue making our working lives better.

“Attending the conference led to a newfound inspiration for Mark and conference attendees,” said GSU staff rep Brian Lark. “They realize that the need for unions in the workplace is even greater now than it has ever been.”

If you are interested in learning more or attending a GSU education opportunity, contact your GSU staff rep.

Congratulations to our five GSU scholarship recipients

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GSU is pleased to award $2,000 scholarships to these five deserving students who have demonstrated an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community.

Our scholarship competition is open annually to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent children.

Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients. We wish you the best in your scholarly endeavours.

 

BARGAINING: GSU Locals 1, 2 (Viterra): No resolution reached at Aug. 31 bargaining session

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GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Broc Goodwin (Moose Jaw) and Dale Lysitza (Lloydminster); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger with assistance from GSU staff representatives Steve Torgerson and Mason Van Luven.

No resolution reached at Aug. 31 bargaining session

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Sept. 5, 2023

On Aug. 31, GSU Local 1 and 2 bargaining committees returned to the bargaining table with Viterra. This is the first session following the rejection of the tentative agreement by the Local 1 Board of Delegates on July 27 and Local 2 Executive Committee on August 3.

“Members are tired of hearing the same old excuses from the company about their costs, their preferred pay system, that they have no issues with recruitment and retention, etcetera,” said GSU bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson. “The economic reality that working people are living with demands that companies take note and actually pay their employees what they deserve.”

As a democratic organization led by working people, GSU’s elected Local 1 and 2 Local Executive officers met to receive a bargaining update and to discuss the lack of progress in bargaining and what next steps need to be taken. We hope the company will come back to the bargaining table with an offer that addresses our many concerns.

“This round of negotiations is a reminder that belonging to a union does not mean everything effortlessly and automatically falls into place. What unionized workers secure in their collective agreements is only achieved because those members have negotiated and fought for it,” Torgerson said. “As all GSU members have the opportunity to do when their collective agreement is open for negotiation, Local 1 and 2 members are currently working hard to bargain wage increases, leaves, vacations and grievance procedures. This is the union advantage.”

You can read the Sept. 2 bargaining update to members and all previous bargaining updates here. 

 

 

Aug. 31 confirmed for Local 1 & 2 bargaining with the company

Aug. 18, 2023 email update to members

Your elected Local 1 Board of Delegates and Local 2 executive committee rejected the tentative agreement with a clear message: what was offered was not enough.

Aug. 31 has been confirmed for a bargaining session with your GSU bargaining committees and Viterra representatives. We’ll be looking for more dates in September if our upcoming session with the Company is not fruitful.

Here’s how you can support your bargaining committee:

Your hard work contributes to your employer’s record-breaking profits, and you deserve better than what they have offered.

  • We need you to keep the lines of communication open with your fellow members and customers.
  • We need you to continue reminding management of the value of your contributions, and that you’ve earned a standard of living where you can support yourself, family, and community.

You can read the complete Aug. 18 bargaining update and previous bargaining updates here. 

 

Local 1 and 2 executives vote to send committees back to the bargaining table

August 4, 2023

Your elected officers for Local 1 and 2 met separately and each Local voted to reject the tentative settlement and direct the bargaining committee to return to negotiations.

Following the July 27 Local 1 board of delegates meeting, an update was sent to Local 1 members on July 28. The Local 2 executive committee met Aug. 4 and issued an update to their members the same day.

You can read the above-mentioned bargaining updates and previous bargaining updates here.   

A tentative agreement has been reached 

July 14, 2023

A tentative agreement was reached on July 13. Once wording of the tentative agreement has been agreed upon, GSU’s Local 1 Board of Delegates and Local 2 executive will convene separately to confirm the tentative offer is strong enough to take to their membership for a ratification vote.

If the Board of Delegates and Local Executive determine the agreement is sufficient to proceed to a vote, the tentative agreement will be presented to Local 1 and 2 members who will have the opportunity to either accept or reject the tentative agreement through a confidential ratification vote process.

If the majority of ballots cast accept the tentative agreement, negotiations cease and the agreement forms the basis of a new collective agreement. If the tentative agreement is rejected by the majority of members voting, then GSU bargaining committees will return to the bargaining table to fight for a better deal.

“Member participation in this process and support for their bargaining committee has shown the company that the membership means business,” said GSU general secretary and bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson.

Watch your email and the GSU web page for details about voting and information on the tentative agreement.

 

Bargaining update #23 was issued July 13.

You can read update #23 and all other updates here.

Bargaining update #22 was issued June 27.

Bargaining update #21 was issued June 16.

 

Bargaining resumes June 14 in Regina

June 14, 2023

Our Local 1 (Viterra Ops & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) committee will meet company representatives on June 14 in Regina. We anticipate Viterra will respond to the proposals our committee submitted last week.

An email update will be issued following the June 14 bargaining session. Watch your email for updates and check previous updates here. 

 

STIP update #20 was issued June 8.

Bargaining update #19 was issued June 1.

Bargaining update #18 was issued May 26.

Bargaining update #17 was issued May 18.

You can read each of them here.

Bargaining Feedback Survey link included here (and in your May 17 Bargaining Update #16) 

Bargaining update 16 was sent to Local 1 and 2 email subscribers on May 17. You can read it here. 

The Local 1 Board of Delegates has approved distribution of a survey to Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) members to encourage additional feedback on negotiations and the path members would like to see as bargaining continues. Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) members are also encouraged to participate and complete the survey.

If you didn’t attend the May 8 and 9 ZOOM meetings and you aren’t able to attend your Sub-Local meeting, your opinion can be shared by completing this quick survey. If you have already attended your meeting but have additional feedback for us, we encourage you to complete the survey, too.

Bargaining Feedback Survey is available here

Please complete your survey by Friday, May 26.

If you would prefer to contact us by email or phone, please contact Steve@gsu.ca or Mason@gsu.ca.  

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) bargaining update meetings are underway

Tuesday Members’ Memo: May 9, 2023

The Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) meetings began with two town hall Zoom meetings on May 8 and an additional town hall Zoom meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. May 9. In-person meetings have also been scheduled and notices were sent to members by email.

The Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) meeting will be held on May 25.

Please share your meeting notice with members at your location, and contact Steve@gsu.ca, Mason@gsu.ca, or your bargaining committee members if you have any questions or would like to be added to our bargaining update email list.

Bargaining update #15  was sent to members on May 8

May 8, 2023

Meeting links to the May 8 and 9 town hall meetings are included in this update. You can view it here.

Bargaining update #14 was sent to members on May 2

May 2, 2023

The update contains important links to the May 8 and 9 townhall meetings. You can read it here.

The April 28 bargaining update is now available on the bargaining update page. 

May 1, 2023

You can find it here.

Watch your email for a bargaining update on April 28 

The bargaining update will be sent by email to members on April 28. On May 1 it will be posted on our web page under the BARGAINING/VITERRA BARGAINING menu tab, above.

Contact Steve@gsu.ca or Mason@gsu.ca if you would like to join the email list and receive bargaining updates.

A March 7, 8 & 9 bargaining update was just sent to members 

Local 1 and 2 Bargaining Update email – sent to members March 13, 2023 

This past Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, your Local 1 (Viterra Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining committee met company representatives to resume bargaining.

Your committee was prepared and waiting for the company to reply to our last set of counter proposals on February 1, 2023. As with all collective bargaining (or almost any negotiations like buying a new vehicle or house), proposals go back and forth and hopefully you end with a deal that works best for you. Your bargaining committee has been fierce in their standing up for what members have told us last Summer and Fall and for speaking up to
support these bargaining positions when challenged by the company.

During this bargaining session, your committee made proposals and offers that we think are reasonable and productive all the while still
holding true to the focus that members needed changes on. Your bargaining committee wants all members to know how they are approaching bargaining and what they have committed to do to get the best negotiation collective agreement they can. They want to share this with everyone so you can see what they will do to support the member’s needs and ask that members continue to stay in touch, ask questions of the committee and the company and keep pushing and demanding that workers not get left behind.

Watch for an email next week from your bargaining committee.

There is still work to do, and you can help

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 7, 2023

Bargaining continued Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 with company representatives bringing their full bargaining package (including monetary proposals) to the table.

Upon a thorough review of the company’s package, it was clear it’s not where members want it to be, there is still work to do, and you can help.

The Local 1 & 2 bargaining committee is urging members to start talking.

  • Talk to each other about the importance of pay that covers the rising cost of living and pay that recognizes your service and effort.
  • Talk to your managers about consistent scheduling, fair notice of shift change and hours of work that won’t wear you out.
  • Talk to your customers about work/family balance because everyone needs time to be with their friends and family.
  • These conversations support and reinforce everything your bargaining committee has said during bargaining, and the improvements they are fighting for.

Read your GSU bargaining committee’s Feb. 2 – Bargaining Update #9 update here.

Bargaining is scheduled to resume Mar. 7 and 8.

Company presentations, discussion the focus Dec. 14 and 15 session

Bargaining continued Dec. 14 and 15 with both days scheduled for presentations from the company. The main topics of discussion were grain and rail transportation, employee benefits review, sick leave and short term disability and Pay Equity. The discussion was necessary to understand the position of each side and where negotiations are headed in the New Year.

It is anticipated that the next set of bargaining dates will be scheduled soon.

A bargaining update was sent to members on Dec. 16. You can read it here.

Two sides to reconvene Dec. 14 and 15 in Regina

Nov. 25, 2022

Your bargaining committees got together for breakfast before meeting with the company last week in Regina. (Clockwise around the group starting in the lower-left) Mason Van Luven, Howard Wilson, Wilfred Harris, Steve Torgerson, Sheila Tran, Jim Brown, David Barrett, Shannon Antonenko, Kaylee Kruger, Travis Brewer.

After spending Nov. 24 in talks with company representatives, it was determined that meeting the next day wouldn’t be useful. Both sides have agreed to reconvene on Dec. 14 and 15.

A detailed bargaining update was issued to GSU Local 1 and 2 members on Nov. 28. You can also read it here on our web page under the VITERRA BARGAINING page (above under the Bargaining menu tab) for additional information. Contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our email update list.

Bargaining resumes Nov. 24, 25 

Nov. 24. 2022

Your GSU Local 1 (Operations and Maintenance) and 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining committees are meeting their union counterparts on Nov. 24 and 25 for a second round of bargaining.

A bargaining update from the Nov. 16 and 17 session was emailed to members earlier this week and another update will be sent to Local 1 and 2 members next week following this round of negotiations. We’ve had reports that some of our emails don’t reach work email addresses. Please send Mason@gsu.ca an alternate email address to ensure you receive our bargaining updates.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again Dec. 14 and 15.

As bargaining proceeds, watch for email updates and check our VITERRA BARGAINING page (under the BARGAINING menu tab, above) for additional information.

Local 1 & 2 bargaining is officially underway

Nov. 16, 2022

Our Local 1 and 2 bargaining committees meet with their union counterparts today and tomorrow in Regina.

Two additional sets of dates have been set for bargaining:

  • November 24 & 25, 2022
  • December 14 & 15, 2022.

GSU bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson anticipates emailing a bargaining update to members shortly.

Nov. 14, 2022

COVID has certainly changed the face of meetings.

This screenshot from staff rep Mason Van Luven’s computer serves as the group photo of our Local 1 and Local 2 (Viterra) bargaining committee members during their Nov. 8 meeting. The meeting was convened to conduct a final review of the bargaining package and prepare for the upcoming Nov. 16 and 17 bargaining session with management representatives.

Three sets of dates have been set for bargaining:

November 16 & 17
November 24 & 25
December 14 & 15.

A bargaining update was emailed to Local 1 (Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) members on Nov. 4. If you didn’t receive your update you can contact Steve@gsu.ca or Mason@gsu.ca to confirm your address and review the email update on GSU’s gsu.ca web page under the BARGAINING menu tab. As bargaining proceeds, Local 1 and 2 members will continue to receive email updates with additional information being posted on the web page.

Nov. 4, 2022 Update 

Three sets of dates have been set for bargaining: 

  • Nov. 16 & 17, 2022
  • Nov. 24 & 25, 2022
  • Dec. 14 & 15, 2022.

In final preparation for negotiations, your bargaining committees will be meeting on Nov. 8, 2022. Once each set of dates has passed we will send an update to all members.

To date, four bargaining updates have been sent to members. If you are not receiving your updates, please contact Steve or Mason to be placed on the list.

 

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Aug. 3, 2022

The Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining surveys are now closed and the information is being compiled for review by the Locals’ board of delegates who are expected to meet in September. In the meantime, staff reps are scheduling member visitations, meetings and Zoom calls to ensure that members have had multiple opportunities to share their thoughts on what should be included in their upcoming bargaining proposal package.

A detailed update was sent to members on July 29. You can read or print it from the VITERRA BARGAINING tab here on our web page.

Congratulations to Local 1 member Marshall Morrison (North Battleford) and Local 2 member Greg Eutenier who were our winners of the FitBit Versa draws. Members who completed their Local’s bargaining survey had the opportunity to enter their respective Local’s draw.

Tuesday Members’ Memo – July 19, 2022

Your Viterra bargaining committees are currently conducting a bargaining survey.

The survey was emailed to Local 1 members on July 7 and Local 2 members on July 8.

Please help us ensure that every member has an opportunity to identify their bargaining priorities by sharing the following link(s) with your coworkers:

Complete and submit your survey by July 22 and your name will be entered in our draw for one of two FitBit Versas.

And if you haven’t already done so, please complete the bargaining contact form so you can follow the bargaining process and receive regular updates.

We’ve also created a VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU’s main web page where we’ll be posting the information you need, so make sure you check the page regularly.

Delegates meet to prepare for renewal of collective agreements that expire Oct. 31

Tuesday Members’ Memo – June 28, 2022

Delegates from GSU Locals 1 (Viterra Operations and Maintenance) and 2 (Viterra Head Office) met in Regina on June 23 and 24 for union education and agreement renewal bargaining preparation.

The first session of the delegates meeting was a joint union education effort with delegates from Local 14 which centered on conflict resolution and effective communication. The next morning Local 1 and 2 delegates focused on the collective bargaining process and preparing for agreement renewal bargaining with Viterra for renewal of the collective agreements that expire on Oct. 31.

The June 24 sessions provided an initial sounding for the bargaining priorities of GSU members employed in Viterra country operations, maintenance and Regina head office. Delegates were very candid about the experiences and bargaining expectations of union members at their locations. Several broad themes emerged and chief among them are wage increases that reflect employees’ contributions to Viterra as well as addressing the rising cost of living. Pay equity for Facility Sales and Admin employees and actual performance pay for Regina head office employees were central to the discussion. Hours of work and car loading issues are also top priorities for country operations and maintenance employees.

Delegates elected David Barrett (Gull Lake) to be the new president of Local 1 while Colton Buck (Balgonie) was elected vice president. They will be joined by Travis Brewer (Saskatoon) and Chris Yeo (Belle Plaine) as Local 1’s representatives on GSU’s Joint Executive Council (JEC).

In being elected president of Local 1 David Barrett replaces Jim Brown who continues to be president of GSU overall and continues to serve on the bargaining committee. Colton Buck is the new VP of Local 1 while Travis Brewer returns as an incumbent and Chris Yeo joins as a new representative on the JEC.

“We’re continuing GSU’s transition to a new generation of leaders,” said GSU president Jim Brown. “Welcome to David, Colton, Travis and Chris.”

The delegates meeting also elected a bargaining committee comprising Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake) and Travis Brewer (Saskatoon). Local 2 delegates Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger were active participants in the dialogue. They serve as their Local’s bargaining committee and representatives on GSU’s Joint Executive Council.

The meeting adopted a bargaining survey that will go out to Local 1 and 2 members this summer and set the stage for assembling shortly after Labour Day to put the finishing touches or bargaining proposals to take to the table with Viterra later this summer and early autumn.

Local 1 and 2 (Viterra) members can expect to receive a bargaining survey, soon

June 23, 2022

The current Local 1 (Operations/Maintenance) and Local 2 (Head Office) collective agreements with Viterra are set to expire Oct. 31. That means GSU members in these locals can anticipate our requests for input to help prepare for the upcoming negotiating process that determines their pay, rights and working conditions.

The first item Local 1 and 2 members can expect to receive is a bargaining survey. Elected officers at our June 23/24 delegates meeting are finalizing the survey and we anticipate sending it to members soon.

“If you are a GSU member working for Viterra, this is the perfect time to contact us with your preferred email address,” said GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. “That way we can be certain everyone has an opportunity to participate in the survey and share their thoughts.”

Bargaining Feedback Survey link included here (and in your May 17 Bargaining Update #16) 

Bargaining update 16 was sent to Local 1 and 2 email subscribers on May 17. You can read it here. 

The Local 1 Board of Delegates has approved distribution of a survey to Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) members to encourage additional feedback on negotiations and the path members would like to see as bargaining continues. Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) members are also encouraged to participate and complete the survey.

If you didn’t attend the May 8 and 9 ZOOM meetings and you aren’t able to attend your Sub-Local meeting, your opinion can be shared by completing this quick survey. If you have already attended your meeting but have additional feedback for us, we encourage you to complete the survey, too.

Bargaining Feedback Survey is available here

Please complete your survey by Friday, May 26.

If you would prefer to contact us by email or phone, please contact Steve@gsu.ca or Mason@gsu.ca.  

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) bargaining update meetings are underway

Tuesday Members’ Memo: May 9, 2023

The Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) meetings began with two town hall Zoom meetings on May 8 and an additional town hall Zoom meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. May 9. In-person meetings have also been scheduled and notices were sent to members by email.

The Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) meeting will be held on May 25.

Please share your meeting notice with members at your location, and contact Steve@gsu.ca, Mason@gsu.ca, or your bargaining committee members if you have any questions or would like to be added to our bargaining update email list.

Bargaining update #15  was sent to members on May 8

May 8, 2023

Meeting links to the May 8 and 9 town hall meetings are included in this update. You can view it here.

Bargaining update #14 was sent to members on May 2

May 2, 2023

The update contains important links to the May 8 and 9 townhall meetings. You can read it here.

The April 28 bargaining update is now available on the bargaining update page. 

May 1, 2023

You can find it here.

Watch your email for a bargaining update on April 28 

The bargaining update will be sent by email to members on April 28. On May 1 it will be posted on our web page under the BARGAINING/VITERRA BARGAINING menu tab, above.

Contact Steve@gsu.ca or Mason@gsu.ca if you would like to join the email list and receive bargaining updates.

A March 7, 8 & 9 bargaining update was just sent to members 

Local 1 and 2 Bargaining Update email – sent to members March 13, 2023 

This past Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, your Local 1 (Viterra Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining committee met company representatives to resume bargaining.

Your committee was prepared and waiting for the company to reply to our last set of counter proposals on February 1, 2023. As with all collective bargaining (or almost any negotiations like buying a new vehicle or house), proposals go back and forth and hopefully you end with a deal that works best for you. Your bargaining committee has been fierce in their standing up for what members have told us last Summer and Fall and for speaking up to
support these bargaining positions when challenged by the company.

During this bargaining session, your committee made proposals and offers that we think are reasonable and productive all the while still
holding true to the focus that members needed changes on. Your bargaining committee wants all members to know how they are approaching bargaining and what they have committed to do to get the best negotiation collective agreement they can. They want to share this with everyone so you can see what they will do to support the member’s needs and ask that members continue to stay in touch, ask questions of the committee and the company and keep pushing and demanding that workers not get left behind.

Watch for an email next week from your bargaining committee.

There is still work to do, and you can help

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 7, 2023

Bargaining continued Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 with company representatives bringing their full bargaining package (including monetary proposals) to the table.

Upon a thorough review of the company’s package, it was clear it’s not where members want it to be, there is still work to do, and you can help.

The Local 1 & 2 bargaining committee is urging members to start talking.

  • Talk to each other about the importance of pay that covers the rising cost of living and pay that recognizes your service and effort.
  • Talk to your managers about consistent scheduling, fair notice of shift change and hours of work that won’t wear you out.
  • Talk to your customers about work/family balance because everyone needs time to be with their friends and family.
  • These conversations support and reinforce everything your bargaining committee has said during bargaining, and the improvements they are fighting for.

Read your GSU bargaining committee’s Feb. 2 – Bargaining Update #9 update here.

Bargaining is scheduled to resume Mar. 7 and 8.

Company presentations, discussion the focus Dec. 14 and 15 session

Bargaining continued Dec. 14 and 15 with both days scheduled for presentations from the company. The main topics of discussion were grain and rail transportation, employee benefits review, sick leave and short term disability and Pay Equity. The discussion was necessary to understand the position of each side and where negotiations are headed in the New Year.

It is anticipated that the next set of bargaining dates will be scheduled soon.

A bargaining update was sent to members on Dec. 16. You can read it here.

Two sides to reconvene Dec. 14 and 15 in Regina

Nov. 25, 2022

Your bargaining committees got together for breakfast before meeting with the company last week in Regina. (Clockwise around the group starting in the lower-left) Mason Van Luven, Howard Wilson, Wilfred Harris, Steve Torgerson, Sheila Tran, Jim Brown, David Barrett, Shannon Antonenko, Kaylee Kruger, Travis Brewer.

After spending Nov. 24 in talks with company representatives, it was determined that meeting the next day wouldn’t be useful. Both sides have agreed to reconvene on Dec. 14 and 15.

A detailed bargaining update was issued to GSU Local 1 and 2 members on Nov. 28. You can also read it here on our web page under the VITERRA BARGAINING page (above under the Bargaining menu tab) for additional information. Contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our email update list.

Bargaining resumes Nov. 24, 25 

Nov. 24. 2022

Your GSU Local 1 (Operations and Maintenance) and 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining committees are meeting their union counterparts on Nov. 24 and 25 for a second round of bargaining.

A bargaining update from the Nov. 16 and 17 session was emailed to members earlier this week and another update will be sent to Local 1 and 2 members next week following this round of negotiations. We’ve had reports that some of our emails don’t reach work email addresses. Please send Mason@gsu.ca an alternate email address to ensure you receive our bargaining updates.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again Dec. 14 and 15.

As bargaining proceeds, watch for email updates and check our VITERRA BARGAINING page (under the BARGAINING menu tab, above) for additional information.

Local 1 & 2 bargaining is officially underway

Nov. 16, 2022

Our Local 1 and 2 bargaining committees meet with their union counterparts today and tomorrow in Regina.

Two additional sets of dates have been set for bargaining:

  • November 24 & 25, 2022
  • December 14 & 15, 2022.

GSU bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson anticipates emailing a bargaining update to members shortly.

Nov. 14, 2022

COVID has certainly changed the face of meetings.

This screenshot from staff rep Mason Van Luven’s computer serves as the group photo of our Local 1 and Local 2 (Viterra) bargaining committee members during their Nov. 8 meeting. The meeting was convened to conduct a final review of the bargaining package and prepare for the upcoming Nov. 16 and 17 bargaining session with management representatives.

Three sets of dates have been set for bargaining:

November 16 & 17
November 24 & 25
December 14 & 15.

A bargaining update was emailed to Local 1 (Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) members on Nov. 4. If you didn’t receive your update you can contact Steve@gsu.ca or Mason@gsu.ca to confirm your address and review the email update on GSU’s gsu.ca web page under the BARGAINING menu tab. As bargaining proceeds, Local 1 and 2 members will continue to receive email updates with additional information being posted on the web page.

Nov. 4, 2022 Update 

Three sets of dates have been set for bargaining: 

  • Nov. 16 & 17, 2022
  • Nov. 24 & 25, 2022
  • Dec. 14 & 15, 2022.

In final preparation for negotiations, your bargaining committees will be meeting on Nov. 8, 2022. Once each set of dates has passed we will send an update to all members.

To date, four bargaining updates have been sent to members. If you are not receiving your updates, please contact Steve or Mason to be placed on the list.

 

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Aug. 3, 2022

The Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining surveys are now closed and the information is being compiled for review by the Locals’ board of delegates who are expected to meet in September. In the meantime, staff reps are scheduling member visitations, meetings and Zoom calls to ensure that members have had multiple opportunities to share their thoughts on what should be included in their upcoming bargaining proposal package.

A detailed update was sent to members on July 29. You can read or print it from the VITERRA BARGAINING tab here on our web page.

Congratulations to Local 1 member Marshall Morrison (North Battleford) and Local 2 member Greg Eutenier who were our winners of the FitBit Versa draws. Members who completed their Local’s bargaining survey had the opportunity to enter their respective Local’s draw.

Tuesday Members’ Memo – July 19, 2022

Your Viterra bargaining committees are currently conducting a bargaining survey.

The survey was emailed to Local 1 members on July 7 and Local 2 members on July 8.

Please help us ensure that every member has an opportunity to identify their bargaining priorities by sharing the following link(s) with your coworkers:

Complete and submit your survey by July 22 and your name will be entered in our draw for one of two FitBit Versas.

And if you haven’t already done so, please complete the bargaining contact form so you can follow the bargaining process and receive regular updates.

We’ve also created a VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU’s main web page where we’ll be posting the information you need, so make sure you check the page regularly.

Delegates meet to prepare for renewal of collective agreements that expire Oct. 31

Tuesday Members’ Memo – June 28, 2022

Delegates from GSU Locals 1 (Viterra Operations and Maintenance) and 2 (Viterra Head Office) met in Regina on June 23 and 24 for union education and agreement renewal bargaining preparation.

The first session of the delegates meeting was a joint union education effort with delegates from Local 14 which centered on conflict resolution and effective communication. The next morning Local 1 and 2 delegates focused on the collective bargaining process and preparing for agreement renewal bargaining with Viterra for renewal of the collective agreements that expire on Oct. 31.

The June 24 sessions provided an initial sounding for the bargaining priorities of GSU members employed in Viterra country operations, maintenance and Regina head office. Delegates were very candid about the experiences and bargaining expectations of union members at their locations. Several broad themes emerged and chief among them are wage increases that reflect employees’ contributions to Viterra as well as addressing the rising cost of living. Pay equity for Facility Sales and Admin employees and actual performance pay for Regina head office employees were central to the discussion. Hours of work and car loading issues are also top priorities for country operations and maintenance employees.

Delegates elected David Barrett (Gull Lake) to be the new president of Local 1 while Colton Buck (Balgonie) was elected vice president. They will be joined by Travis Brewer (Saskatoon) and Chris Yeo (Belle Plaine) as Local 1’s representatives on GSU’s Joint Executive Council (JEC).

In being elected president of Local 1 David Barrett replaces Jim Brown who continues to be president of GSU overall and continues to serve on the bargaining committee. Colton Buck is the new VP of Local 1 while Travis Brewer returns as an incumbent and Chris Yeo joins as a new representative on the JEC.

“We’re continuing GSU’s transition to a new generation of leaders,” said GSU president Jim Brown. “Welcome to David, Colton, Travis and Chris.”

The delegates meeting also elected a bargaining committee comprising Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake) and Travis Brewer (Saskatoon). Local 2 delegates Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger were active participants in the dialogue. They serve as their Local’s bargaining committee and representatives on GSU’s Joint Executive Council.

The meeting adopted a bargaining survey that will go out to Local 1 and 2 members this summer and set the stage for assembling shortly after Labour Day to put the finishing touches or bargaining proposals to take to the table with Viterra later this summer and early autumn.

Local 1 and 2 (Viterra) members can expect to receive a bargaining survey, soon

June 23, 2022

The current Local 1 (Operations/Maintenance) and Local 2 (Head Office) collective agreements with Viterra are set to expire Oct. 31. That means GSU members in these locals can anticipate our requests for input to help prepare for the upcoming negotiating process that determines their pay, rights and working conditions.

The first item Local 1 and 2 members can expect to receive is a bargaining survey. Elected officers at our June 23/24 delegates meeting are finalizing the survey and we anticipate sending it to members soon.

“If you are a GSU member working for Viterra, this is the perfect time to contact us with your preferred email address,” said GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. “That way we can be certain everyone has an opportunity to participate in the survey and share their thoughts.”

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Supporting and assisting a GSU member during their extended sick leave

Posted on by

Aug. 29, 2023 – Tuesday Members’ Memo

Recognizing a member’s desire to minimize stress and focus on recovery, GSU staff rep Donna Driediger stepped in to help navigate the return of employer-provided equipment to the employer. By acting as an intermediary, GSU alleviated the burden on the individual, sparing them from direct interaction with the employer.

“GSU is committed to its members’ well-being during difficult times,” Driediger said. “The importance of compassion is often overlooked by employers when their management focus is centered around the business instead of the people.”

The role of GSU is to assist our members. We will help in any way we can, but we won’t contact your employer or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns about a workplace issue. Our services are provided and paid for by your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you.