Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

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

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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.

Local 1 and 2 (Viterra) members fought for – and won – their 2022 Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) bonus

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On March 15, 2023, Viterra announced that the annual bonus paid to their employees would be paid to everyone except Local 1 and 2 members. Their excuse? The union wouldn’t agree to the company’s pay system.

Let’s not kid ourselves. This move was intended to influence members to back down at the bargaining table.

The members of Locals 1 and 2 were not going to be pushed off their goal of making some significant improvements to their collective agreement. In fact, the STIP issue became a rallying point to have members speak up, show their solidarity and demand the STIP be paid.

Over 70 percent of Local 1 and 2 members signed a petition demanding the STIP be paid and stating they wouldn’t let the company use the STIP against them. The members shared personal stories of how the company’s actions were harming them and the jobs they do. They spoke out and told their managers they deserved their STIP, and they refused to go above and beyond if the company didn’t value their work. The Locals also filed an unfair labour practice challenging the company’s decision as it took place during negotiations.

Nearly three months after their March announcement, last week Viterra announced that they would release the STIP and pay it to all eligible members.

This victory for Local 1 and 2 members is no small feat and is the result of actions taken by members to demand what was owed to them.

“While the dollar value of the STIP is well into the seven figures, the true significance lies in the additional value to members as they stood shoulder to shoulder to fight for what was theirs and what is right,” said GSU general secretary and Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson.

“When someone asks you why you need a union, or what the benefits of belonging to a union are, use this story as an example,” Torgerson continued. “Members did everything they could, from a legal challenge to not going above and beyond, but what ultimately made the difference was that the vast majority of members acted together and supported each other.”

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Vacation and banked time aren’t the only options when personal circumstance affects the ability of GSU members to report for work

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Vacation and banked time aren’t the only leave options available to GSU members.

We work with our members to ensure they are aware of the full-slate of leaves in their collective agreements. GSU staff reps Mason Van Luven and Brian Lark have been fielding inquiries from members about which leave they should use for their personal situation. Van Luven and Lark are also addressing situations where management is telling members to use vacation leave or banked time when there are more appropriate leaves available.

“I suspect that it is easier and more cost-effective for management to tell a worker to use their vacation leave or banked time rather than trigger another leave members are entitled to,” Van Luven explains. “Sometimes the decision made by a particular manager is the result of them not informing themselves about what is written in an employee’s collective agreement. Company management has an equal and shared obligation to respect and enforce a member’s collective agreement just as their union does.”

“It is very important to contact your GSU staff rep to review all the leaves you are entitled to and the situations that may trigger them,” Lark added. “GSU collective agreements have a slate of options available to members, and reviewing them in advance of a situation means you are prepared for that moment and you know your rights.”

If you haven’t already done so, read your collective agreement to review all the rights afforded to you, and don’t hesitate to contact your staff rep with any questions you may have.

Our services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you. There is no limit on the times you can seek our advice or use our services.

Hey GSU Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) members! Your executive committee is giving away Rider tickets to this Friday’s home game

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Your GSU Local 2 executive has fired up their football ticket giveaways for the 2023 Saskatchewan Roughrider season. The current ticket contest runs until 3:00 PM on June 15, giving Local 2 members a chance to win tickets to the Riders’ home game against the Blue Bombers this Friday, June 16.

If you are a Local 2 member, contact executive members Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson or Kaylee Kruger or check your email for details.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Assisting a member on long-term disability

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GSU staff rep Donna Driediger has been assisting a member who is on long-term disability.

The member has been away from the workplace for over 15 years and they recently contacted GSU to have commuted value calculations prepared as they near age 65 and a mandatory exodus from disability.

“You may be away from the workplace on disability, but GSU is still here to assist you,” Driediger said. “Members on long-term disability are still active members, and we will do whatever we can to assist them with their claim and employment-related concerns.”

If you need advice or ideas about how to handle a workplace situation, call your GSU staff rep.

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

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Grievance successful, member receives their requested vacation time

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A member made personal commitments that would take place during a busy work season before they requested their vacation leave from the company. When the member requested vacation leave eight months before the leave was desired, the company denied the leave.

With assistance from GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven, the member filed a grievance. The grievance succeeded and the vacation leave was approved.

“This grievance was interesting, because it considered whether an extraordinarily long period of notice requesting vacation was enough to meet the company’s operational needs and minimize disruption during a busy season,” Van Luven said. “No matter how much vacation notice you are providing to your employer, it’s always best to get approval before committing to plans to make sure your leave is approved. That will reduce potential conflicts and ensure a smooth vacation experience for you.”

If you need advice or ideas about how to handle a workplace situation, call your GSU staff rep. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

BARGAINING: Local 1 & 2 (Viterra): May 25, 5:00 PM deadline for CARs and Operations Maintenance staff volunteers willing to serve on the bargaining committee

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The Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) Board of Delegates met on May 16 to discuss adding additional members to the bargaining committee to bring the specific perspectives of Customer Account Representatives (CARs) and Maintenance employees to the bargaining table. Board members voted unanimously to consider the volunteers who had put their names forward.

Upon learning only one member had put their name forward, board members expressed concern that not enough time was provided for the process and, more importantly, members were not aware they could put their names forward for consideration.

After thorough discussion, the board voted and approved an extension of the time frame available for members to volunteer for a position on the bargaining committee as follows:

  • Any GSU Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) members who are either Customer Account Representatives or Operations Maintenance staff and would like to serve on the bargaining committee should email GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson (steve@gsu.ca) and volunteer to have their name stand for election by the Board of Delegates.
  • This volunteering process will be be open until Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
  • All volunteering members will be given an opportunity to provide a statement of why they want to join the bargaining committee.
  • A Board of Delegates meeting will be convened on May 25 to elect additional members to the committee.

Your elected delegates will be working to raise awareness of this opportunity and to encourage members to volunteer for the position(s). They ask that all CARs and Maintenance staff consider volunteering to join the bargaining committee. Your voice and your unique perspective is wanted. Please step forward to assist and strengthen your bargaining committee.

Contact general secretary Steve Torgerson if you have any questions.

Hot weather safety

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Health and Safety – By GSU staff rep Brian Lark

It’s that time of year again and this season has brought on unusually hot weather. We always look forward to the warmer weather after a long cold winter, but there are few things to consider and remember in the glory days of the summer months. Not only are there health risks associated with the hot dry temperatures that we are experiencing; there are also environmental risks.

Fire

With people getting out to enjoy the sunshine or even starting up seasonal tasks, fire is a risk. If you are having a gathering around a backyard fire, be sure to put it out. The burning embers from a cigarette flung from a vehicle window is a common cause of wildfires. Poorly maintained equipment moving down the road also presents a risk of fire as sparks can cause the dry grass to ignite and burn out of control.

Be sure to extinguish all fires when not attending them, if there is a fire ban issued, please adhere to the requests of your municipality until it is lifted. Smoking is no longer permitted indoors of establishments so if you do need to satisfy your craving, please be responsible enough to butt out your cigarette in an approved ashtray to help ensure that the risk is gone. Finally, please be sure that all vehicles and equipment are in good working order prior to operating. A poorly maintained piece of equipment is not only a potential fire hazard, but is also a real safety risk to the operator.

Factor in the Humidity

If you find yourself working, or playing outside in the heat of the day there are personal safety risks to consider. Remember, it’s not just the temperature that matters, you also need to factor in the humidity. The hotter and more humid it is, the more breaks you need to take.

There are different levels of risk when exposure to higher temperatures and they all have their own symptoms.

Heat Rash and Sunburn

Heat rash and sunburn are the entry level medical concerns when working outside. A heat rash is often a cluster of small red bumps/blisters. They often form on the neck, chest, groin area or the creased in the elbow. The remedy is to stay in a cool dry place, keep the rash dry and use baby powder to sooth the rash.

We have all experienced a sunburn or know someone who has. This is the next stage; it can range from a reddening of the skin to blisters. The area will be warm to the touch and can be extremely painful. If you do get burned stay out of the sun as much as possible, cover the skin if you must be outdoors. Apply cool cloths or take a cool bath to help remove the heat. Once the skin is cooled down put on a moisturizing lotion and do not break open the blisters. Open sores can become infected and lead to different complications.

Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

The next and final stages are heat exhaustion and stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms are profuse sweating, cold, pale, clammy skin. A fast weak pulse, often nausea or vomiting. Muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache and finally fainting spells. If you or someone you are observing exhibit these symptoms move to a cool place out of the sun. loosen tight clothing (untuck shirt, undo a couple of buttons, loosen belt and boots). Use cool cloths or a cool bath to bring down body temperature and just sip water, don’t drink lots at once this will add to the nausea feelings. You should seek medical attention if you vomit, symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour.

Heat stroke is the most serious condition from working in high temperature areas. The body will be exhibiting fever like symptoms. A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher. Skin is hot, red, and damp to dry. You stop sweating and exhibit a fast strong pulse. Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fainting spells. If you experience these symptoms immediately call 911. Move the person to a cooler place and try to lower the temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give them anything to drink the body will not accept it in this condition and the person will vomit.

So now you know what to watch out for but how do we keep ourselves out of harm. Put on clothing to keep the skin covered. Use sunscreen on any exposed areas, the higher the SPF the better. Aways wear a hat to help shield your body and head from the sun.  Drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Ice cold water may cause stomach cramps so drink it cool or room temperature.  Coffee will increase internal body temperature so not an adequate liquid for heat exposure. Alcohol and sugary drinks are also not a wise choice. These types of drinks will in fact increase dehydration. Take breaks away from the heat. In the shade or inside an air-conditioned building is preferred. At the top of this story is a Canada OH&S table regarding high temperature work as well as humidity rating. If we all follow these guidelines, we can keep ourselves and those around us safe.