Tuesday Members’ Memo – April 28, 2020

Video and live stream conferencing have become part to the new normal as we adjust to the realities of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is no less the case for unions and employers as they deal with grievances and arbitrations. GSU has proposed that consideration be given to using video conference to conduct a Local 4 (Grain Millers) grievance arbitration scheduled for early June. 

“With bans on gatherings of any size, a requirement to maintain physical separation, and public health measures we need to take into account, it makes sense to consider alternative approaches to the usual courtroom style that applies to arbitration hearings,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “We don’t know what public health restrictions and safety protocols will be in place in early June, so rather than postpone the case I’ve raised the video conference idea with the arbitrator and legal counsel for the employer.” 

Wagner advises that the alternative he’s proposed for this particular grievance arbitration is being considered by the employer side and he hopes to receive an answer in the next few days.

Every April 28 we remember workers who have been injured on the job or who have died as a result of their work. 

In 2019, 36 Saskatchewan workers died because of their job. Many more work-related deaths aren’t counted by our workers’ compensation system. Working safely has taken on new meaning in 2020 as we face a pandemic that puts workers at risk every day.

We can’t gather together in person this year to pay tribute and honour those we lost, but several Saskatchewan Labour Councils have organized tributes online.

Regina & District Labour Council 
Virtual Vigil on Facebook live: Regina & District Labour Council – April 28, 5:30 p.m. 

Moose Jaw & District Labour Council 
A wreath will be placed at memorial at the Moose Jaw Union Centre and the videos will be shared on their Facebook page: Moose Jaw & District Labour Council

Saskatoon & District Labour Council 
View a video presentation on their website: SaskatoonDLC.ca

Weyburn & District Labour Council
Video for social media: Weyburn and District Labour Council

Remember workers killed, injured, or made sick on the job.

Work toward a future with safe workplaces and no lost workers.

This information was shared with GSU members by email on April 23. If you didn’t receive this email from us, it means your contact information is not current in our database. Please email at gsu@gsu.ca to update your information and authorize receipt of GSU emails.

On behalf of the Joint Executive Council (JEC) of GSU, I am pleased to present the 2019/2020 Annual Report to Members of the union.

This annual report was presented to and adopted by the JEC during its annual meeting on April 3, 2020. The report covers the business and finances of your union and we encourage all members to examine it thoroughly.

A copy of the annual report is available to read or download here:

• 2019/2020 Annual Report of the Joint Executive Council

Please feel free to contact a member of the JEC, the GSU staff or me if you have any questions, require clarification or want further information about the contents of the annual report or any aspect of GSU. 

We appreciate the opportunity to serve the members of GSU. Thank you for your support. 

Sincerely,

Hugh Wagner
General Secretary
Hugh@gsu.ca

Our friends at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) have done a great job of pulling together a comprehensive list of COVID-19 references and resources, including information on financial support, rental support, provincial and federal updates, mental health services and more.

Check it out here: ILWU.ca

In the early days of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan a GSU member found themself in a situation of having to self-isolate at home as a result potential exposure to the virus. The member contacted their manager with relevant information as soon as they became aware of the exposure.

The union member’s manager considered the facts provided and advised them not to come to work but to stay at home for the recommended 14-day quarantine period. The manager also said that the time away from work would be charged against the employee’s earned vacation credits.
The employee didn’t think it was fair to have their absence for work charged to vacation credits and contacted a GSU representative who raised the issue with the employer’s HR department. After several conversations it was determined that the work time missed by the employee as a result of self-isolation would be charged to the employee’s earned sick leave credits.

GSU provides the resources and expertise to sort matters out for union members. 

The facts and specifics of every workplace issue are important to the outcome. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.

Often a brief comment, email or meeting is all that is needed to address a situation. Call us when you think there is a problem to be fixed. 

During its April 3 meeting, GSU’s Joint Executive Council (JEC) adopted a motion that GSU make a substantial donation on behalf of all members of the union in recognition of the extraordinary strain on community organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In response to the JEC’s motion, GSU staff researched organizations that cover approximately the same territory as GSU’s Locals. GSU’s finances were also reviewed and it was determined the union could afford an $8,000 donation at this time and still have room for more if needed down the road. As a result, at an April 8 meeting of GSU’s Executive Committee, a recommendation to donate $8,000 to Food Banks of Saskatchewan was approved, subject to the final decision being made by the full JEC.

“A donation to Food Banks of Saskatchewan was determined to be the most efficient and effective way for GSU to support community pandemic responses,” said GSU president Jim Brown. “Food Banks of Saskatchewan is the umbrella for 32 community food banks throughout the province, and the territory represented approximately covers the communities where GSU members live and work.” 

JEC members voted and approved the donation with no opposing votes. Accordingly, GSU will ask that Food Banks of Saskatchewan distribute the donation as 32 donations of $250 to each of the community food banks under its umbrella. GSU will also make a $250 donation to the Chilliwack, BC food bank on behalf of Local 9 (Trouw Nutrition).

Amidst the widespread economic pain and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic some employers have gone out of their way to acknowledge their employees’ commitment and dedication with more than just words. GSU members work for two such employers.

Grain Millers Canada Corp. owns and operates the oat milling and processing plant in Yorkton, SK where GSU Local 4 members work. Recently, Grain Millers showed its appreciation of employees’ efforts by awarding employees who have over 90 days’ service with the company a $1,000 bonus and employees with less than 90 days’ service a $500 bonus. 

Trouw Nutrition owns and operates a feed mill operation in Chilliwack, BC where GSU Local 9 members work. Recently, Trouw showed its appreciation of employees’ efforts by awarding employees with a $1 per hour increase in pay. 

“‘When you see something, say something’ should apply to good things too,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Hats off to Grain Millers and Trouw.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have recognized that there are sectors of the economy and society beyond the front lines of health care that are  also  essential to our collective well-being. Like so many other workers, GSU members work in the essential production and distribution supply chain supporting the nation at a time when so much economic activity is severely restricted or shut down altogether. 

So far, all GSU members have continued to work and many are exposed to added risk posed by person-to-person contact working in close quarters. Reports from GSU members indicate that employers have generally responded positively to the need for rigorous OH&S precautions to protect those in the workplace against infection or transmission. There is a lot of stress associated with working during an unprecedented pandemic and some employers of GSU members have tangibly recognized the efforts of the workers they employ. (See related story in the April 14 Tuesday Members’ Memo or here, on our web page.)

GSU’s leadership knows that its dedicated and committed union members are hard at work to get the job done during this trying time while keeping their customers, their co-workers, and themselves safe. And, as a result, GSU has reached out to employers to propose recognition of their employees’ efforts during this difficult time.  

The core component of GSU’s initiative rests on an actual boost to employees’ pay. In addition, GSU has proposed that benefit plans be opened to include seasonal and temporary employees and, since access to dental and other healthcare services is restricted, that coverage for employees who retire be continued for an extended period of time after they retire. GSU began its latest initiative on behalf union members on Easter Monday. We will report on employer responses in coming issues of the Tuesday Members’ Memo.

GSU’s Joint Executive Council (JEC) held its 2020 annual meeting by
conference call on April 3. 

As GSU’s board of directors, the JEC would have held its 2020 annual meeting in conjunction with the union’s biennial policy convention that had been scheduled for March 19 to 21. When the biennial policy convention was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health warnings, it became necessary to convene the JEC by conference call to conduct GSU’s administrative and financial business.

The JEC meeting approved cancellation of GSU’s 2020 policy convention and
provisionally amended the union’s constitution to allow for a policy
convention within the first five months of 2021 and every two years
thereafter. The meeting also approved provisional constitutional amendments to extend the terms of office of GSU’s president, vice-presidents and general secretary until elections are held at the 2021 policy convention. Members of the board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund were also re-elected until the 2021 policy convention.

The JEC received a report from the general secretary on union administration, finances, and GSU’s 2019 audited financial statements. The
reports and 2019 audited financial statements were approved along with the draft 2019/2020 annual report to members. The annual report and 2019 audited financial statements will be published on GSU’s web site in the coming weeks.

In addition to administrative and policy business, the April 3 JEC meeting
directed that GSU make a substantial charitable donation on behalf of all
the members to be distributed as widely as possible to community
organizations who are being called upon to do extra duty in support of the
poor and vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The JEC acknowledged the heroic efforts of frontline workers in health care,
elder care, public service, and in all of the services being maintained to
keep us healthy and whole. Council members also expressed their appreciation for all of the GSU members who are working to keep their part of the system working.

The JEC will meet again as required, but no later than its semi-annual
meeting in the autumn. Hopefully the next meeting will be in person.

Your JEC members are:

GSU President – Jim Brown
GSU Vice Presidents – Michelle Houlden, Brett North

• Local 1 (Viterra Ops/Maintenance) – 4 representatives
  Dave Barrett, Travis Brewer, Gaylyn Kennedy, vacant 
• Local 2 (Viterra Offices) – 2 representatives
  Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson
• Local 4 (Grain Millers) – 2 representatives
  Glen Wlasichuk, Alex McKay
• Local 5 (Western Producer/GVIC) – 1 representative
  Sharlene Tetrault
• Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) – 1 representative
  Amber Pearson
• Local 7 (Heartland) – 1 representative
  Heather Mackay
• Local 8 (Advance Employees Association) – 3 representatives
  Dion Elliott, Steve Holliday, Doug Murray
• Local 9 (Trouw Nutrition) – 1 representative
  Derek Webb
• Local 13 (IATSE Local 295), Local 16 (Lake Country Co-op), Local 17 (Discovery Co-op), Local 18 (Lloydminster Co-op), Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) – 1 representative
  Vacant
• Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) – 2 representatives
  Justin Shauf, Mark Zacharias
• Local 15 (Nutrien) – 4 representatives
  Curtis Cousins, Brian Cowan, Lynn Shaw, vacant

Source: March 31 Tuesday Members’ Memo

Members of GSU Local 19 participated in the union’s first ratification vote held under Covid-19 restrictions. Conference call and electronic voting on March 25 determined that 100 percent of the members voting were in favour of acceptance of the settlement as the basis of their new collective agreement. 

Local 19 bargaining committee members Devin Lipinski and Steve Torgerson were pleased with how willingly Local 19 members adapted to a different method of voting. 

“Safety of our members is important, and social and physical distancing made it necessary to conduct this vote a little differently than our normal process,” said GSU staff rep and bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson. “We appreciate that the members of Local 19 were receptive and we thank them for helping to make things work in unusual circumstances.”

Questions about the new agreement? Contact Steve at Steve@gsu.ca.

Archives:

GSU Local 19 (Prairie Co-op) members to vote on Memorandum of Settlement

March 24, 2020

GSU Local 19 bargaining committee members Devin Lipinski and Steve Torgerson reached a memorandum of settlement with Prairie Co-op Ltd. on March 13, and now it’s time for members to vote on whether to accept or reject the settlement. 

In order to maintain and respect recommended social and physical distancing as recommended by the government of Saskatchewan, the Local 19 bargaining committee has decided that ratification of the settlement will take place through a conference call and electronic vote on March 25. 

Local 19 members will be contacted using email or phone information on file at GSU. If you would like to update your information, please contact Steve at Steve@gsu.ca.

“We all have to do our part to flatten the curve and keep each other safe, but we must also try to continue on with as much of our daily life as possible,” said Torgerson said. “Local 19 members are hard at work serving their communities and they are taking every precaution to keep themselves and their producers safe. We want to help keep them safe as they vote on the proposed settlement.”

If you have concerns or problems as you deal with your employer’s responses to Covid-19, don’t hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.

The Government of Canada has released more details about economic programs to support Canadians during the Covid-19 pandemic. We expect that more specifics and details will continue to roll out so GSU will only provide an outline in this bulletin as well as a links (where possible) to the programs and benefits.  

• The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) of $2000 per month for up to 4 months is available for people who are uanable to work and are experiencing loss of income as a result of being ill with the COVID-19 virus, or who are quarantined or self-isolating as a public health measure, or are caring for an ill loved one or required to provide child care. Please click on the link below to find out more details and conditions for coverage/eligibility
• Workers who are laid off can still apply for Employment Insurance and where eligible receive EI top up it is provided in collective agreements
• There is improved access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits
• The Canada Child Benefit has been increased
• There is a special Goods and Services Tax credit payment
• Extra time for filing income tax returns has been provided
• Mortgage support is in the works

Link to Government of Canada Covid-19 Individual Support page:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html

It is also important that GSU members utilize the benefits in their respective collective agreements from Family Leaves to Sick Leave to Pressing Necessity Leave as these benefits will often be more beneficial to members in the short term.

GSU members who have questions on the following types of situations should contact GSU staff representatives;

• Members who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• Members who are concerned with current workplace Health and Safety measures.
• Members who have a pre-existing condition that might put them at an increased risk from Covid-19.
• Members who are sick, quarantined, or are unable to work because of Covid-19.
• Members who have questions or concerns about work, work load, working from home and/or other effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

GSU will continue to work for members to ensure they have access to up to date information and assistance with any workplace issues that surface.

Take care or yourself, your family and friends and your co-workers. Be safe and follow all safety and health directives.

Link to government Support for Individuals and Families:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html

Support for individuals and families

Increasing the Canada Child Benefit

Those who already receive the Canada Child Benefit do not need to re-apply.

Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment

The Canadian Government are providing a one-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families.

There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.

Extra time to file income tax returns

The Canadian Government are deferring the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals.

For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1, 2020.  

Note: If you expect to receive benefits under the Goods and Services Tax credit or the Canada Child Benefit, The Canadian Government encourage you to not delay your 2019 return filing to ensure that your entitlements are properly determined.

Mortgage support

Contact your financial institution for further mortgage assistance.

Support for people facing unemployment, who are sick, quarantined, or in directed self-isolation, who are unable to work

The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Summary:

The Canadian Government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

• workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure The Canadian Government portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.

Apply for Employment Insurance

If you have lost your job through no fault of your own and qualify for Employment Insurance benefits, you can submit your request today.

Improved access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits

If you are sick, quarantined or have been directed to self-isolate, the Canadian Government will waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits.

We appreciate your work and we are here to help

A large proportion of GSU members are employed in businesses deemed essential and during the Covid-19 pandemic GSU members are in the workplace working hard and doing vital work while so many others are working at home or are at home as a result of closures, layoffs and other responses to the pandemic.

This can be difficult to do with all the talk about staying home and self-isolation and keeping your family safe. The pressures people are experiencing are immense and can lead to anxiety, burn out and fatigue.

• Make sure your workplace is following proper pandemic policies and guidelines.
• Make sure your employer respects your right to rest and recuperation.
• Rely on the rights you have in GSU’s collective agreement with your employer.
• Insist on your rights under OH&S legislation.

GSU is working hard to support members who are still working in the workplace and feeling vulnerable or worried.

Give us a call or send an email if you have questions, or concerns or need help.

Members of Unifor Canada, Local 594 employed by Consumer’s Co-operative Refineries Limited (CCRL) were locked out by their employer on Dec. 5, 2019.

Unifor 594 asked the Government of Saskatchewan to order the dispute be settled by binding arbitration, and the government appointed special mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rodgers to assist the two sides. Unfortunately, instead of ordering the mediator’s report by binding to the union and employer, the government only assigned the mediators the authority to make recommendations.

While not happy about everything in the mediator’s report, Unifor 594 accepted the mediator’s report and it’s recommendations. The CCRL did not.

Learn more about the dispute, the mediation in the following article which was written by GSU legal counsel Ronni Nordal of Nordal Law Office:

• Labour Laws Allow Co-op Refinery to Reject Mediator’s recommendations, prolong lockout

You can help by calling on Premier Moe to legislate the special mediator’s recommendations and end the lockout
Read and sign the Change.org petition here.

We all need to use our investigative skills to sort through the barrage of updates and bad advice about cures and protection.

Educate yourself by following credible news sources and experts

Looking for facts? Check out your local news stations, CBC, CNN, The Washington Post, or the The New York Times. The World Health Organization is also a reliable source for the latest Covid-19 information.

Municipal, provincial and federal official websites are also a great place to go for news on changes to public policy, closures, and more. In fact, that’s where the media gets its information from.

Refuse to share misinformation and fake news 

Consider the source of the information and don’t share social media stories that aren’t from a credible news organization.

Learn more here: COVID-19 and social media: Limit the spread of fear by changing online behaviour.

This article has been printed for entertainment purposes. The views and opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of GSU, its members, officers, or staff.

Richardson International will be paying employees who have been forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19 concerns, as long as those workers didn’t travel after March 16.

Read the story here:

We were days away from greeting GSU convention delegates in Moose Jaw when we made the difficult decision to cancel our biennial policy convention. The event contract we signed over a year ago was crystal clear: GSU was on the hook for 100 percent of the cost of all guest rooms, food, and meeting spaces. And then …

They didn’t have to do it, but they did.

Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa advised that they would not be charging us for our cancelled event and they would be returning all deposits. How fantastic is that? Thanks to their generosity we will be able to reschedule our event at absolutely no additional cost to GSU and its members.

Thank you, Temple Gardens. We look forward to seeing you when daily life returns to normal.