Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

We’ve done the site tour for GSU’s biennial policy convention

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GSU members, officers and staff will be gathering in Humboldt from March 22 to 24 for GSU’s biennial policy convention.  Staff rep Steve Torgerson and assistant general secretary Lynn Woods-Nordin headed to the Bella Vista Inn to meet with hotel staff and take a tour of the hotel’s facilities. As a result of their tour, GSU has reserved a block of guest rooms, a spacious meeting room, a smaller break-away room, and a hospitality room to socialize in after convention adjourns in the evenings.

Convention attendees who attended previous GSU conventions at Cedar Park Lodge will be pleased to hear that the Bella Vista rooms offer convention delegates the same relaxed atmosphere with some additional amenities that weren’t available at the Lodge.

“We’ve traded rustic surroundings and scenic views for guest rooms with televisions, microwaves, fridges, and free wi-fi,” Lynn mused. “We’re pretty sure our hockey fan delegates will be pleased they can catch the final minutes of the game on a large screen in their room rather than a single tube TV in a small room intended for Lodge staff.”

The Bella Vista Inn is conveniently located by several fast food restaurants and a grocery store for guests to grab a late-night snack or load their mini-fridge. There is even a Tim Horton’s down the street for those who can’t imagine starting the day without their double-double.

“GSU convention delegates are always an inclusive, friendly group of people,” Steve added. “The Bella Vista really suits our group and I think this year’s delegates are really going to feel at home during the convention and the activities we have planned.”

Everything is on track for an interesting, informative, interactive, and productive convention. All we need is you.

Would you like to attend convention?

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

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: job reclassification

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Staff rep Steve Torgerson has been in contact with GSU members who think their duties and responsibilities have increased to the point where a job reclassification may be in order. Steve is working with them to put the information together and start the dialogue with the company.

If you have questions about a workplace issue or if you are experiencing problems in the workplace, contact your GSU staff.

GSU staff reps will help find answers to your questions, but we won’t act on your behalf without your direction and approval.

Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

Join us in wishing GSU’s Dorothy Merk well in her upcoming retirement

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There is a changing of the guard in GSU’s office administration. After nearly 27 years with the union, Dorothy Merk is retiring from her position of Executive Assistant effective January 31.

“Dorothy’s dedication to GSU is inspiring,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Her commitment to serving GSU members and her work ethic are second to none. I wish Dorothy a very long and happy retirement. She will be missed.”

Small gestures can make a big difference

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It’s surprising how the little things in life can make a big difference. Whether the person ahead of you in line pays for your coffee, your supervisor pops in to thank you for doing a great job, or someone waits to hold the door open for you when your arms were full, simple gestures can go a long way.

Challenge yourself to extend three small gestures each day and make someone else’s day a little bit brighter. You may find it brightens your day, too.

Learn more about the Morning Edition‘s latest employee of the week and how this exceptional employee goes out of his way to share positivity and brighten the days of others at a local hospital: CBC.ca “It’s more than just cleaning floors” says Morning Edition’s newest Employee of the Week

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.

 

GSU’s Defense Fund directors approve recommendations to re-balance equity

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GSU’s Defense Fund directors and GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner met with RBC investment advisors Keith Pavo and Derrick Ng to review Defense Fund investment returns for 2017. Pavo and Ng provided a portfolio review with a focus on fixed income returns and re-balancing the equity component between Canada and US stocks before reporting on the Federated Investment US equities component of the Fund. Their report also included a recommendation to invest $250,000 with RP Investment Advisors.

After an opportunity to ask questions, board directors deliberated and voted to approve the RBC recommendations to re-balance the equity portion of the Fund investments to provide a 50/50 Canada/US ratio/exposure and to invest $250,000 with RP Investment Advisors.

The Board also undertook to review and update of the Fund investment policies and guidelines. RBC will be providing copies of the current policy and suggested wording changes.

Delegates are elected for a two-year term. The current Defense Fund directors are Ron Gerlock (Local 8 – Advance), Sharlene Tetrault (Local 5 – Western Producer), Brian Lark (Local 1 – Viterra), Wilfred Harris (Local 1 – Viterra), Dennis Piasta (Local 14 – Richardson).

The next elections for Defense Fund director positions will be held at the upcoming GSU Biennial Policy Convention March 22 to 24, 2018 in Humboldt, SK.

If you are interested in becoming a Defense Fund director or learning more about the position, contact Hugh Wagner at GSU’s Regina office. 

PHOTO: (L-r) GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner, Sharlene Tetrault, Wilfred Harris, Ron Gerlock, Dennis Piasta, Brian Lark, Keith Pavo, Derrick Ng.

Did you receive your invitation to attend GSU’s policy convention?

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GSU members, officers and staff will be gathering in Humboldt March 22 to 24 for GSU’s biennial policy convention.

This gathering is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote. If you have suggestions for the union or changes you would like to see made, this is the place to do it.

A general convention call was sent out by email on January 15. If you did not receive a convention call and you are interested in learning more or attending convention,  contact your GSU staff representative.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Can I collect Worker’s Compensation benefits after age 65?

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GSU staff rep Dale Markling recently assisted a member who was inquiring whether he was able to collect Worker’s Compensation benefits after age 65. 

The current rules provide that if an injured worker is under 63 years of age when she/he becomes eligible for WCB benefits,  then she/he can collect until the age of 65. If the injured worker is age 63 or older when she/he becomes eligible , then she/he is allowed to collect WCB benefits for a maximum of two years.

Would you like assistance with a claim or a potential claim?

Your GSU staff rep will help find answers to your questions. We can even advocate on your behalf, whether it’s with company management, insurance companies, or government agencies like EI and workers’ comp, but we won’t act on your behalf without your direction and approval. 

Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

Voters approve continuation of GSU Defense Fund dues

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As they have for more than 20 years, GSU members attending 2017 annual meetings considered, debated and ultimately voted on whether to continue the additional union dues of $10 per member per month being paid into the GSU Defense Fund.

Once again a majority approved the motion to continue the additional dues for another year and to vote again at the 2018 annual meetings of GSU locals and sub-locals. The margin of approval was in line with previous years as 76  percent of the voters approved the motion.

Support Tim Horton’s workers and the Fight For $15 this Friday, Jan. 19

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In support of the Canada-wide Day of Action to Stand With Tim Hortons Workers and the Fight for 15, Saskatchewan Fight for 15 asks that you support their petition blitz on January 19 by coming out and helping them collect signatures urging the Sask. government to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. 

Learn more here: fightfor15sk.ca

A Quick FYI: 

  • When Ontario’s minimum wage increased to $14 on January 1, 2018, Tim Hortons began to cut workers’ paid breaks, reduce access to basic drug and dental benefits, eliminate uniform and drink allowances, and even cut employees’ hours of work.
  • In 2016, Tim Hortons generated US $3 billion in revenue for its parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI).
  • In Saskatchewan, 96,000 workers earn less than $15 an hour – 20% of the work force. Most of them work for large companies, not small mom-and-pops.

Regina Event – Friday, Jan. 19

There are three sites/times: 

  • Team 1, outside Cornwall Centre, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Meeting outside the BMO at 1800 Scarth Street at 9:30. Find Aina Kagis (306.527.2014) for materials when you arrive.
  • Team 2, UofR campus, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Meeting in the Riddell Centre. Find Nick Day (306.526.8708) for materials when you arrive. 
  • Team 3, outside Cornwall Centre, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Meeting outside the BMO at 1800 Scarth Street at 5:00 p.m. Find Nick Day (306.526.8708) for materials when you arrive. 

Saskatoon Event – Friday, Jan. 19

  • Midtown Plaza – 201 1 Ave S, Saskatoon (outside front doors) ~ 8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m.

Join Women’s Day Marches in Regina and Saskatoon this Saturday, Jan. 20

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There is still so much work to do to protect and advance the rights of women, and the rights of all vulnerable citizens in our province, our country and worldwide.

Join with women and human rights groups from across the world! On Jan. 20,  join the marches in Saskatoon and Regina to show that the progress made in 2017 was not enough.

Information on the marches is available here:

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Clarification on Workers’ Comp benefits after age 65

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GSU staff rep Dale Markling recently assisted a member who was inquiring whether he was able to collect Worker’s Compensation benefits after age 65. 

The current rules provide that if an injured worker is under 63 years of age when she/he becomes eligible for WCB benefits then she/he can collect until the age of 65. If the injured worker is age 63 or older when she/he becomes eligible, then she/he is allowed to collect WCB benefits for a maximum of two years.

Do you have a question for your staff rep?

Your staff rep can assist you with problems regarding Workers’ Compensation, Employment Insurance, Retirement, Pension,  other benefits, and workplace issues. These services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Long-term disability insurance claim – mistake leaves GSU member’s first LTD benefit at $0

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A Local 15 member’s long-term disability insurance claim (LTD) was accepted. However, the insurer mistakenly thought the member had other earnings in the first benefit pay period that were high enough to reduce his first LTD benefit to zero.

The prospect of zero pay caused the member considerable distress and he contacted the union. GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner immediately contacted the employer and provided the necessary background information about the LTD claim.

The mistake on the insurer’s part was corrected the same day and the member received his LTD payment soon after.

“Having to be on LTD benefits means someone is already undergoing additional stress, and uncertainty about benefit payments adds to the stress,” Wagner said. “GSU helps alleviate stress by assisting union members with employment-related issues – including sick leave claims, LTD insurance claims, WCB claims and EI benefit claims.”

 

Would you like assistance with a claim or a potential claim? 

Your GSU staff rep will help find answers to your questions. We can even advocate on your behalf, whether it’s with company management, insurance companies, or government agencies like EI and workers’ comp, but we won’t act on your behalf without your direction and approval. 

Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

Join us for GSU’s policy convention March 22 – 24 in Humboldt

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GSU’s Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.  This gathering of union members and officers is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote.

The policy convention considers the business of GSU, including resolutions submitted by the Locals, members, the Joint Executive Council, and by the delegates at convention. Resolutions, policy statements, and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU. 

GSU’s president, two vice-presidents, and general secretary are elected at the policy convention.

In addition to the business of convention you’ll have opportunities for socializing, getting to meet great people, and having some fun. 

If you have questions about the convention – or if you are interested in attending, running for office, or learning more about the union – contact your GSU staff representative.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: eligibility for sick leave benefits

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A GSU member contacted staff rep Lawrence Maier regarding eligibility for sick leave benefits. 

The member was deducted vacation and earned time off for overtime for a number of doctor and specialist appointments while dealing with a serious illness. 

The member gave permission for Lawrence to talk to management and attempt to resolve the matter. Management is reviewing the situation, and if a positive answer isn’t received soon, further action will be taken to provide the benefits that the employee has earned and deserves.

Contact a GSU staff rep with your questions and concerns. We will work with you to find answers to your questions, find solutions that work for you, and we won’t act on your behalf without your direction and approval. 

Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

Challenge your perspective on poverty. Can you MAKE THE MONTH?

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Can you MAKE THE MONTH? Check out the United Way‘s Poverty Simulator. 

Make the Month is a digital poverty simulation that aims to help Canadians understand and experience what it’s like to have to make your paycheque last the month. This interactive tool prompts individuals to make difficult life choices, and shows Canadians the day-to-day reality of those living paycheque-to-paycheque.