Members of Unifor Local 594 are nearing the end of their second week on the picket line in their collective bargaining dispute at the Federated Co-op Refinery in Regina. At the center of the dispute is the Unifor members’ struggle to defend their hard-earned pension benefits. 

FCL’s senior management locked out unionized workers at the refinery following a 97 percent strike vote by members of Unifor Local 594. The employer’s tactics include the hiring and housing of some 200 so-called replacement workers who, along with management personnel, are attempting to keep the refinery operating. 

“This is a dispute that many present and retired GSU members will relate to as they recall their fight with Viterra ten years ago to protect the pension benefits they had earned,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “In the face of determined efforts by FCL to break the resolve of Unifor members, we can stand by and watch or we can support our neighbours in their fight to defend what they have earned.” 

“GSU’s executive committee is asking GSU members across Saskatchewan to show solidarity with the locked-out members of Unifor Local 594 by fueling up your vehicles at retailers other than the Co-ops for the duration of the dispute,” Wagner said. 

“We are members and customers of our local co-ops and we know that many GSU members are in the same boat,” said GSU president Jim Brown. “Despite the potential inconvenience of buying fuel elsewhere, we think it is important to stand in solidarity with Unifor 594 members and send FCL a clear message that we are opposed to aggressive anti-worker policies and tactics.” 

This document was distributed to GSU members at their autumn 2019 membership meetings.

You can read it in the text below or read/print it as a PDF document here. If you have questions or comments about the report, contact your elected officers or your GSU staff rep.

2019 GSU General Secretary’s Report to Members

I appreciate the opportunity to again report on the business of your union and I hope you have a thorough discussion about the direction of GSU, including your suggestions for change.

GSU Bargaining in 2019

As we begin an all-too-early autumn, GSU is engaged or about to be engaged in agreement renewal collective bargaining with the following employers:

• The Western Producer – Local 5
• Heartland Livestock – Local 7
• Nutrien Ag Solutions Ltd. – Local 15
• Discovery Co-op – Local 17
• Prairie Co-op – Local 19.

As bargaining commences and proceeds, regular reports will be provided through GSU’s Tuesday Members’ Memo (TMM), direct reports and membership meetings.

Success at the bargaining table is directly linked to the involvement and support of members on the job. The best way to show your support for your bargaining committee is to keep up-to-date, share the information, talk it up in your workplace, and attend Local meetings when they are called.

As it has been at every other bargaining table, the dominant issue will be wage increases. GSU members expect to bargain wage increase that provide actual increases to purchasing power after inflation is taken into account.

It is time for change and the bargaining table is the place to begin changing the dynamics around wages.

The 2019 Federal Election

We are in the midst of a federal election and once again Canadians have an opportunity to vote for the candidates and parties who are vying to form our national government for the next four years.

As the options are being considered, I hope GSU members will dive into the issues and vote for candidates who best represent the interests of working people.

Ask yourself who has the best plan for progressive labour legislation. Who has the best plan for addressing climate change, transforming the economy, tackling inequality and implementing social programs that will benefit all of us?

When you’ve made your decision, be sure to vote. Elections matter.

Union Representation

Administering collective agreements and assisting GSU members is a big part of your union’s daily work. We try to report on issues identified and resolved as part of our regular reporting to GSU members though the TMM and membership meetings. If there are subjects we are overlooking and should be including in GSU’s communications, please let us know.

Representing employees in pursuit of a fair deal for all is unique to the employment relationships of employees represented by a union. Non-union employees do not have the benefit of contractual rights or an organization to represent them and communicate results.

Neither do non-union employees have the right to protection from unjust dismissal and reinstatement to employment when they are wrongfully fired. This protection is part of the bedrock of being unionized.

Recently, Viterra purchased the operations of ILTA Grain in Belle Plaine and 12 more workers joined GSU’s ranks. We welcome this new group to GSU and Local 1.

GSU is eager to bring union representation to groups of workers who are looking for proven representation in their workplaces. We need contacts and/or an introduction. That’s where you come into the picture. If you know someone who might be interested in being represented by GSU, don’t be shy. Please tell them about us, and let us know.

GSU Administration

In August, GSU advertised for a part-time Accounting Assistant II position, and on September 4 Debbie Head joined the team in the union’s Regina office. We welcome Debbie and wish her a long, happy and rewarding relationship with GSU.

Assessing the size of GSU’s staff complement is a work in progress as we strive to provide the best service to members in the most economical way.

To date GSU is running a modest operating surplus, but we anticipate somewhat of a spike in expenses related to required repairs to the office building in Regina, the annual SFL convention, an arbitration on behalf of Local 2 members working at Viterra’s service desk, and annual Local/Sub-Local meetings.

GSU is also planning to invest in educating the next generation of union leaders and your participation will be the most important part of the process.

GSU Defense Fund

At the end of the second quarter of 2019 the assets of the GSU Defense Fund stood at $4.6 million.

Whenever GSU enters agreement renewal bargaining, union members can be confident that they have the resources to take on a collective bargaining fight if the need arises.

Each year, GSU members attending annual meetings of their Locals or Sub-Locals have the opportunity to debate and vote on whether to continue paying additional dues into the GSU Defense Fund.

This year is no different, and GSU’s Joint Executive Council is submitting the following resolution to be voted on at each annual membership meeting. The number voting in favour and against the resolution should be recorded and transmitted to GSU’s general secretary.

“Be it resolved that the additional dues being paid into the GSU Defense Fund by members/employees represented by GSU shall continue until December 31, 2020, subject to review by members of the union at the 2020 annual Local and Sub-Local meetings.”

A majority of 50 percent plus one of all the votes cast is required for the resolution to be carried or defeated.

GSU 2020 Policy Convention – March 19 to 21, 2020

GSU will hold its biennial policy convention from March 19 to 21 inclusive at Temple Gardens in Moose Jaw.

GSU is not immune from the constantly changing environment and challenges to its existence. As a result, we must constantly strive to reinvent the union in order to be relevant to new generations of workers and effective in responding to evolving political and economic challenges.

As with every policy convention, the 2020 convention will give every Local and Sub-Local the opportunity to send a full contingent of delegates and to put their ideas on the agenda in setting the policy direction of GSU.

Delegates to the 2020 convention will also elect the president, vice presidents, general secretary and directors of the GSU Defense Fund to two-year terms of office.

I urge every member and elected officer of GSU to seize the day and help lead the way to a rewarding future for every member of the union. In my opinion, it is our responsibility to fearlessly promote the good that GSU and other unions do; not just for union members, but also for the broader community and society. What we’ve accomplished together is remarkable, but we have much more to do. By supporting one another and standing up to our opponents we can shake the foundations of inequality.

Our democratic values are in peril as a result of apathy, cynicism and prejudice. Unions might just well be one of the last best chances for the survival of civility and progress. I urge everyone to get involved.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Solidarity,

GRAIN & GENERAL SERVICES UNION

Hugh Wagner
General Secretary

Congratulations to this week’s contest winner Courtney Risling. She and her guest will be in the stands to watch the Rush take on the New England Blackwolves in the first home game of the season. 

In last week’s contest we asked you to name your favourite holiday foods. Courtney listed turkey and stuffing as her favourites, as many of our respondents did. Not surprisingly, meat stuffing, homemade buns, perogies and nanaimo bars also made the favourites list. Shortbread cookies were mentioned more than once, and we’re giving a special shout-out to Carie who even shared her Auntie Marion’s special shortbread cookie recipe with us.

Thanks to everyone who played along. Check back! We’ll have more Rush tickets to give away in the New Year.

GSU contest rules are available here.

On Dec. 5 and 6, 2019 the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) held and concluded its hearing in a dispute between GSU Local 15 and Nutrien regarding the status of the Ag retail outlets at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. 

The dispute before the SLRB focused on whether the three Ag retail outlets and the employees at those locations will remain in GSU’s certified bargaining unit in Saskatchewan. The case arose in 2018 as Nutrien consolidated the operations of several unionized locations into new sites at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. GSU argued at the SLRB hearing that Nutrien just moved existing businesses to new locations. 

“Following the evidence and legal arguments, the SLRB panel reserved its decision,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Hopefully we’ll know the outcome fairly soon.”  

GSU was represented at the SLRB hearing by Ronni Nordal (legal counsel) and Hugh Wagner. Staff reps Steve Torgerson and Donna Driediger also attended the hearing to observe the proceedings.

Archives:

Dec. 5/6: Sask. Labour Relations Board to hear GSU Local 15, Nutrien dispute

Dec. 4, 2019

On Dec. 5 and 6, 2019 the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) will convene a long-delayed hearing in a dispute between GSU Local 15 and Nutrien regarding the status of the Ag retail outlets at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. 

The dispute to be heard by the SLRB is focused on whether the three Ag retail outlets and the employees at those locations will remain in GSU’s certified bargaining unit in Saskatchewan. The case arose in 2018 as Nutrien consolidated the operations of several unionized locations into new sites at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. As GSU sees it, Nutrien just moved existing businesses to new locations. 

“GSU’s assertion is that all of the work consolidated into the new sites comes from the union bargaining unit and should remain in the union bargaining unit, thereby continuing the collective agreement coverage and rights for the employees,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “After hearing the evidence of GSU and Nutrien, the SLRB will decide the outcome of the dispute, although a decision is not expected until the new year.” 

This matter had been previously scheduled to be heard and was adjourned by the SLRB until Dec. 5 and 6. Members of GSU Local 15 (Nutrien) will be informed as soon as a decision is received.

GSU works hard to enforce the rights and benefits in your collective agreement. Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about a problem in your workplace.

The Saskatchewan Rush are ready for action at their first home game against the New England Blackwolves on Dec. 14. 

We have two tickets to the game and we are giving them away to one lucky GSU member. You can enter our ticket draw by sending us your answer to the following question:

The season of fantastic food is upon us. What is your favourite holiday food?

Optional: What is your least favourite holiday food?

Get your answer to us by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 and you will be entered in our draw.

Good luck! 

GSU contest rules are available here.

A collective agreement is a contract that describes the terms and conditions of employment for employees in their workplace, the rights of employees, and the obligations of the employer. Collective agreements protect employees. GSU’s goal is to expand on and improve collective agreements through effective collective bargaining with employers. 

Bargaining is underway or set to begin shortly in a number of GSU Locals. Watch upcoming Tuesday Members’ Memos and the GSU web page at www.gsu.ca for bargaining updates. 

Local 19 – Prairie Co-operative bargaining – Melville, Nov. 25 & 26
Local 19 bargaining committee members are Colin Phillips (Strasbourg), Devin Lipinski (Cupar), and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson. 

Local 5 – Western Producer – Saskatoon, postponed to Jan. 10
The sudden illness of a committee member on Nov. 26 postponed the scheduled Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining session. The two sides have rescheduled to meet Jan. 10. GSU’s bargaining committee members are Sharlene Tetrault, Michelle Houlden, and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling 

Local 15 – Nutrien – TBD
December dates are being rescheduled for early January. GSU’s Local 15 bargaining committee members are Brian Cowen, Curtis Cousins, Lynn Shaw, GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson, and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling.

Local 7 – Heartland Livestock – TBD
Previously scheduled December bargaining dates have been postponed. The Local 7 bargaining committee is comprised of Heather Mackay (Regina), Tyler Sherwood (Yorkton), and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Donna Driediger.

If you are unfamiliar with the bargaining process or you want to learn more about how bargaining works, check out this handy infographic from MGEU

GSU works hard to enforce the rights and benefits in your collective agreement. Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about a problem in your workplace.

Social media is wonderful for keeping in touch and sharing information, but social media also shares a lot information that is simply isn’t true. 

Do you remember 20 years ago, when people were surprised to hear that Canada had mischievous little house hippos wandering our homes at night (see video, below)? If technology in 1999 could make it look like a tiny hippo was bathing in your dog’s bowl, can you imagine what can be created in 2019?

It’s even easier than ever to create and publish printed fake news. Anyone can do it, and too many of us simply hit the share button without checking the facts, helping to perpetuate the lie.

Do you know how to tell the difference between fake news and the real thing? 

Learn more about how to tell what’s true online at www.BreakTheFake.ca. You can also print their handy guide, here.

The agreements have been approved and signed by both union and company officials.

Collective agreement booklets will be distributed to these Locals soon.

View the agreements here:

• GSU Local 16 – Lake Country Co-operative (Prince Albert)
• GSU Local 17 – Discovery Co-operative Limited (North Battleford)
• GSU Local 18 – Lloydminster & District Co-op Ltd.

If you have questions or comments about these collective agreements, contact GSU staff rep Dale Markling

We are counting on GSU members – like you – to come to convention, share your thoughts and experiences, and let us know what you think your union should be doing for its members.

Registration will open, soon. All members of GSU are eligible to attend, but space is limited. Contact your staff rep to learn more.

It’s time for the annual co-worker battle for office thermostat control. If you are among the chronically cold, there is a new study that will warm the frozen cockles of your heart.

Research on the effect of temperature on cognitive performance by gender found that when the office is warm, women perform better in math and verbal tasks, while the reverse effect was observed for their male co-workers. When looking at cognitive reflection tasks, researchers found temperature caused no measurable difference between the genders. 
Perhaps most interesting to those who want to increase the office temperature, the increase in female performance in response to higher temperature was significantly larger and more precisely estimated than the corresponding decrease in male performance.

What does this mean? It’s time to turn up the thermostat because gender-mixed workplaces may be able to increase productivity by keeping the temperature higher than current standards.

Need proof for your co-workers? Check out the study here.

Last week’s ticket contest asked GSU members which celebrity they would want to sit next to on a cross-Canada flight.

There were a lot of you interested in sitting down with Don Cherry to chat about his recent retirement. Having Garth Brooks as a seat buddy came in a close second, followed by a wide variety of answers ranging from fellow Canadians Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves, Rick Hanson and John Candy to entertainers Willie Nelson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Theresa Caputo and Bill Murray.

Ultimately, it was Lindsay’s number that came up in our draw, winning her two tickets to Sunday’s CFL Western final to watch the Riders take on the Bombers. Here’s her entry:

“My celebrity pick would be WWE Superstar Roman Reigns.  I’ve been having a bit of a flashback to my youth lately and been checking out some wrestling.  Roman’s story caught my attention because he has recently overcome his second battle with Leukemia.  We all know that wrestling is an entertainment industry but it can also give these people a platform to do some good and that is what he has done during his battle and recover.  He is a huge advocate for raising awareness of leukemia especially childhood leukemia and cancer in general.  The smiles he brings to kids faces by granting celebrity wishes are too numerous to mention.  I would LOVE to be able to sit with him and talk about his journey.”

Congratulations, Lindsay. Have fun at the game!

Delegates to each GSU annual meeting are given an opportunity to use their $50 Community Connection  donation to support a worthy individual, group, or cause of their choice. They are also asked to consider how to use their Local/Sub-Local’s dues rebate for a team-building group event.

After a former co-worker lost his family home to fire last month, Local 4 (Grain Millers) decided to forgo a holiday party in favour of combining their Community Connection and dues rebate into one cheque for presentation to their former co-worker and his family.

Local 4 member Kent Worthington will be delivering a $1,500 cheque and well-wishes on behalf of his fellow members.

Get your answers in to gsu@gsu.ca by Thursday, Nov. 14 at 9:00 a.m. to be entered in our draw. Good luck!

Contest entry rules are available here.

Alberta is home to some of the largest licensed cannabis production and processing facilities in Canada, and those workers are reaching out to local unions for assistance navigating employment in this new agricultural industry. (Learn more here.)

Would GSU look at taking on new members who work for licensed cannabis growers in Saskatchewan? Of course.

“We’re always ready and willing to help workers who are looking for an advocate to help them improve their working lives and represent their interests with employers,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “If you know a worker who thinks a union might benefit their workplace, I would be happy to answer their questions.”  

Know someone who may be interested in joining GSU? Talking to us doesn’t obligate anyone to join the union. We will answer questions about joining a union and help workers decide if GSU would be a good fit for their work environment. All calls and inquiries are strictly confidential.

If you haven’t received your annual general meeting notice yet, you will be receiving it soon. Learn more here about what to expect at your meeting. 

Member convenience quite often means lunch or supper meetings.
We have no problem conducting meeting business over a pizza or around the table of your favourite restaurant. Contact your staff rep to learn more.