Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

Women had to work three months and 10 days into 2018 to earn the same amount made by a man in 2017

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Nationally, women in Canada make 74 cents for every dollar earned by a man per year. That means on average, women had to work three months and 10 days into 2018 to earn the same amount made by a man in 2017.

Statistics Canada pegs the gap as being even wider for women belonging to minority groups, with Indigenous women facing a 57% gender pay gap; women with disabilities facing a 46% gap; immigrant women facing a 39% gap; and racialized women facing a 32% gap.

Unions, collective bargaining, and pay equity measures significantly reduce the wage gap for women. 

According the the Canadian Labour Congress, on average, women with unions earned $6.65/hour more than women without unions . 

Click here to learn more about equal pay equity in Canada and how you can help close the gender pay gap.

Convention delegates set union’s course for the next two years

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GSU members, officers, staff, and guests gathered in Humboldt from March 22 to 24 for GSU’s biennial policy convention. Most notably, convention delegates:

  • adopted the Joint Executive Council’s annual report and GSU’s audited 2017 financials statements, and authorized distribution of same to GSU members,
  • authorized establishing a family crisis benefit for union members, and
  • defeated a resolution that would see additional membership dues being paid into the GSU Defense Fund reduced from $10 to $5 per member per month effective July 1, 2018.

GSU’s general secretary, president, vice presidents, and Defense Fund board of directors are elected at GSU biennial policy conventions. Congratulations to the following newly-elected officers:

  • Hugh Wagner will remain as GSU’s general secretary,
  • GSU president Jim Brown, vice presidents Michelle Houlden and Brett North were re-elected, and
  • Ron Gerlock, Wilfred Harris, Brian Lark, Dennis Piasta and Sharlene Tetrault were re-elected and will return as Defense Fund Directors for another two-year term.

“As expected, convention was productive, informative and entertaining,” said general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Our convention delegates spurred some great discussion, suggestions, and they have positioned us to move forward.”

If you have questions or would like more information about the convention, contact your GSU staff rep.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Extended health and dental coverage while on long-term disability benefits

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Hugh Wagner and the Executive Committee of Local 8 are following-up on a grievance challenging a decision by Advance Tank Centres Ltd. to terminate the extended health and dental coverage of an employee who is on long-term disability benefits. The employer has also advised that management intends to terminate the employee on account of blameless absenteeism.

“This is a completely new situation to me,” Wagner said. “I don’t recall any previous occasion of an employee being cut off benefits and having their employment terminated simply for being absent from work because they are suffering from a total disability.”

Wagner advises that GSU has referred the grievance to arbitration and is waiting to hear from the employer about scheduling an arbitration hearing.

“The employer’s logic in this situation is breathtakingly baffling”, Wagner said. “I think our chances of success at arbitration are very good.”

GSU helps sort things out.

When there are problems in the workplace, there are many factors to consider. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated, but we  won’t act on your behalf without your direction and approval.

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

Changes and updates to the $4+ million Defense Fund will be discussed at convention

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In addition to reviewing amendments and changes to GSU’s Defense Fund, GSU convention delegates will elect five of their peers to serve as the Defense Fund Board of Directors. (Learn more about the Defense Fund, the Board, and their responsibilities here.)

Would you like to be a Defense Fund director? Do you have changes you would recommend to the Defense Fund or defense fund dues structure?

Join us at convention or talk to your GSU staff rep.

Join GSU members, officers and staff at convention.

Come to convention and represent the hard-working members of GSU. It is union members who set the direction for the union, and convention is the place to tell us what we are doing well and to set sights on what we need to do in the future.

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

Wages and expenses of GSU members in attendance will be covered by GSU.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: attendance bonus

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A GSU member working for Grain Millers had an issue with their attendance bonus. The issues was taken to the their manager and was still not resolved.  

Staff representative Steve Torgerson assisted the member in filing a grievance that formalizes the process to allow for discussions to try to resolve the issue. Once the grievance was filed the Company looked into the situation and within a few days had agreed to pay the attendance bonus to the employee. 

The right to file a workplace grievance and be assisted by a union representative without fear of reprisal or retribution is a fundamental principle of union representation. Filing a grievance will bring your issue to the forefront and will cause the Company to consider the facts of the case. Not every grievance is successful, but every grievance delivers value.

If you want to learn more about your rights and the grievance process contact a GSU elected officer or Staff Rep.

No problem is too small, and identifying problems when they are small benefits everyone.

GSU staff reps will help find answers to your questions, but we won’t act on your behalf without your direction and approval. These services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

GSU members are getting together March 22-24 to review union finances, operations, and to chart the course for the union for the next two years 

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Attending the convention doesn’t mean you have to become the GSU president or a Defense Fund director, but it does mean you can vote for the people you think would do a great job. 

You won’t be coming up to the front of the room to make a speech, but if you see an opportunity for improvement in the way we are doing things, you can let us know. 

You won’t have to lead the discussion, but if you have insight or experience on a topic that affects you and your co-workers, your comments would be valuable and welcomed. 

We need people just like you to attend convention and represent the hard-working people of GSU.

The policy convention is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote.  Resolutions, policy statements, and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU.

Wages and expenses of GSU members in attendance will be covered by GSU.

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

Lawrence Maier retires from GSU staff

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On March 2, 2018 GSU we said farewell to Lawrence Maier who retired from service to the union one day after his 32nd anniversary as a GSU Staff Representative.

“Lawrence has dedicated the biggest chunk of his adult life to working for and serving the members of GSU. He served first as union delegate, then as GSU president and chair of GSU’s bargaining committee with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Lawrence has worked tirelessly and diligently for the members of GSU in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He has accepted all assignments without complaint and his work ethic is second to none,” Wagner said. “Lawrence possess keen intellect which is reflected in the superlative work he’s done for GSU.”

“On behalf of the members, elected officers and staff of GSU I wish Lawrence all the best for a healthy, long and happy retirement. He is more than a colleague; he is also a dear friend. He’s earned our gratitude and he will be missed,” said Wagner.

Join us in welcoming our new staff rep, Donna Driediger

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Jan. 29 was Donna Driediger’s first day in GSU’s Regina office in her new capacity as staff representative.

Donna previously worked for GSU as a staff rep from 2004 to 2009. She left GSU in 2009 to accept a similar position with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses.

We are excited to welcome Donna back to GSU and we are certain her considerable and varied experience in representing union members will be an asset to our members, officers, and staff.

“I am happy to reconnect with GSU members and assist with any challenges the next year may bring,” Donna said. “And I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming GSU convention where the important work of the union is prioritized.”

Donna can be reached toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 or through email at gsu.driediger@sasktel.net.

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.