Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association) bargaining committee reaches a tentative agreement with company

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A memorandum of agreement is being finalized and plans are underway to hold a ratification vote for Local 18 members, possibly as soon as late next week.

“The bargaining committee negotiated a real increase to help offset the continuing cost-of-living increases that we see year over year,” said GSU staff rep and bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark. “There is also an addition of annual pay-for-performance increases that members are now eligible to earn year over year to recognize the efforts and successes that employees bring to the table.”

Additional information on the tentative settlement will be available after it has been voted on by Local 18 members.

Congratulations to GSU’s bargaining committee members Christina Jones and GSU staff representative Brian Lark on reaching a tentative settlement.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: STIP update – Here’s what has taken place since the STIP was withheld by Viterra in March

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Here’s what has taken place since the STIP was withheld by Viterra in March

Tuesday Members’ Memo – May 9, 2023

  • In March 2023, Viterra announced the Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for 2022 would be paid to eligible members of Local 1 and 2. A few days later, they changed their mind and said that they wouldn’t pay the STIP until bargaining had been resolved.
  • GSU filed an Unfair Labour Practice (ULP) with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on April 3. Viterra had 15 days to reply, which they did on April 26, giving GSU a further 10 days to reply, which we did on May 5.
  • We await the reply from the Canada Industrial Labour Relations board regarding the next step in the process.

We will keep members up-to-date as we move through the ULP process. If you have questions about this process, let us know.

We’re working hard to keep the pressure on Viterra to pay the 2022 STIP.

If you have thoughts about how we can keep the pressure on, share them with your elected representative or your GSU staff representative.

Unfair Labour Practice filed, Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) petitions delivered to HR

Tuesday Members’ Memo – April 12, 2023

This March, Viterra announced the Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for 2022 would be paid to eligible Local 1 and 2 members. A few days later, they changed their mind and said that they wouldn’t pay the STIP until bargaining has been resolved.

Since the 2022 STIP has no bearing on current bargaining taking place to negotiate new collective agreements in the Locals, GSU and Local 1 and 2 members and their GSU staff representatives began looking into all options to have the STIP paid out, including legal and direct action.

Members spoke up and signed a petition asking Viterra to honour their commitment to pay the STIP and not to try to use this as a tool to influence bargaining. Copies of the signed petitions were provided to Viterra Human Resources and GSU clearly stated its position that withholding of the STIP is an unfair labour practice and interference in the bargaining process.

When March 31, 2023, passed and Viterra did not release members’ STIP, GSU filed an unfair labour practice with the Canada Labour Relations Board. In its application, GSU pointed to the statutory freeze in place as a result of bargaining that we believe the company violated.

“Getting the STIP released will not be done by petitions or legal action alone, but by the combination of those and the actions and constant voice of members speaking up and saying “No, I won’t work longer than 12 hours until you release our STIP,” “Pay us our STIP,” and “Live up to the values that Viterra is supposed believe in,” said GSU general secretary and Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson.

If you and your co-workers want to do something to show the company you think they need to release the STIP, talk to your staff representative.

 

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) looking into options to have STIP paid out

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 21, 2023

In the last 10 days, Viterra has announced the Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for 2022 would be paid to eligible members of Local 1 and 2 members and, a few days later, changed their mind and said that they wouldn’t pay the STIP until bargaining has been resolved.

Members of Local 1 and 2 are not happy with this decision, and GSU agrees with them.

The 2022 STIP has no bearing on the current bargaining taking place to negotiate new collective agreements. GSU and Local 1 and 2 members are looking into all options to have the STIP paid out, including legal and direct action.

Members are also speaking up and signing a petition asking Viterra to honour their commitment to pay the STIP and not to try to use this as a tool to influence bargaining.

With GSU you have access to specialized services that could be difficult to obtain on your own. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.

These services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

The 2022/2023 report of GSU’s Joint Executive Council is now available

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The 2022/2023 Joint Executive Council Annual Report to GSU members is available to be read and/or downloaded.

This report of the union’s governing body was reviewed and adopted by delegates to GSU’s March 2023 biennial policy convention. It contains important information for GSU members about the business of your union, including the 2022 audited financial statements.

GSU prides itself on practicing democracy and transparent administration on behalf of the union’s members.

Copies of the report will also be available to members during our upcoming spring visitations, but members wanting a hard copy of the report now can call 1.866.522.6686 or send an email request to gsu@gsu.ca.

If you have questions, comments or concerns about this report, don’t hesitate to contact a Joint Executive Council member, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson or your GSU staff representative.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Potential harassment in the workplace

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GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven was contacted about potential harassment taking place in the workplace after management ignored a member’s request for union representation. The subject matter of the meetings is under consideration. 

“Workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, and that goes beyond steel-toe boots and hardhats” said Van Luven. “Employers must maintain a psychologically healthy workplace.”

As a rule of thumb, if an employer has requested to speak with you, reach out to your shop steward or staff representative for representation. 

With GSU you have access to specialized services that could be difficult to obtain on your own. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.

These services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

GSU’s 15th biennial policy convention recap

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GSU’s 15th biennial policy convention took place March 23-25 at Moose Jaw’s Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa. Nearly forty delegates were in attendance to represent their peers as they set GSU’s guiding policies and reviewed the union’s operations, finances and plans for the future.

Delegate participation was high as they asked questions and requested the information they needed to speak to the issues, express their points of view, and vote on matters that would set the path for the union over the next two years and beyond.

GSU affiliates from RWDSU Sask. Joint Board, RWU BC, GWU, Sask. Federation of Labour and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (Canada) were also in attendance to observe and bring greetings to the convention. Their presence didn’t go unnoticed among GSU’s delegates, many of whom commented that it was eye-opening to learn that through GSU they were connected to other powerful organizations, and they enjoyed hearing the history of how those relationships had benefited each union and its members.

This connection to the greater labour movement bolstered Locals 1 and 2 (Viterra), 5 (Western Producer), 7 (Heartland/Northern Livestock Sales) and 18 (Lloydminister & District Co-op) as they are in various states of negotiations. Bargaining reports highlighting the many tactics and ploys that employers have to influence negotiations refocused delegates at convention. Negotiating a collective agreement shouldn’t be taken lightly and members should always be prepared to fight for what they have and organize to make a push for improvements. 

Throughout three days, the audited financial reports and operations budget were approved, nearly 30 resolutions were considered, and the Joint Executive Council’s annual report to members was approved for release to GSU members. Members also got up and moving when they participated in a getting-to-know-you icebreaker and a Truth and Reconciliation exercise.

Elections are an important part of convention, and this one was no different. Delegates voted to appoint Wilfred Harris (Local 1 – Viterra), Barry Zimmer (Local 1 – Viterra), Doug Kampman (Local 8 – Advance), Craig Reiman (Local 14 – Richardson) and Lynn Shaw (Local 15 – Nutrien) to two-year terms as GSU’s Defense Fund Board directors. Elections also saw incumbents Jim Brown (president), Michelle Houlden (vice president), and Sheila Tran (vice president) each return to their positions on the union’s executive committee for another two-year term.

The impending March 31 retirement of Hugh Wagner as GSU’s general secretary was also acknowledged throughout convention as ILWU president Rob Ashton, SFL president Lori Johb, RWDSU general secretary Gary Burkart and others shared kind words and well wishes during their time bringing greetings to convention delegates. Wagner was also honoured at the convention banquet Friday evening as he was presented with an honourary GSU lifetime membership and a long-term service award acknowledging his 48 years of service for GSU.

Congratulations were also extended to GSU’s new general secretary Steve Torgerson who officially accepted the appointment following a resolution to convention that was carried unanimously.

“The convention was a success,” Torgerson reflected. “We appreciate everyone who made time to attend, and we’re looking forward to acting on the resolutions and direction of the members.”

 

(Top l-r) vice president Sheila Tran, former general secretary Hugh Wagner, president Jim Brown, vice president Michelle Houlden, general secretary Steve Torgerson.

Hugh Wagner accepts a token of gratitude presented by ILWU president Rob Ashton.

General secretary Steve Torgerson leads delegates through a Truth and Reconciliation exercise.

Attend GSU’s policy convention (March 23-25, 2023 – Temple Gardens Spa, Moose Jaw, SK) Getting down to business: Review of the 2022 audited financial statements

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The Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.

The location of the March 23-25, 2023 policy convention is the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa.

Getting down to business: Review of the 2022 audited financial statements

Tuesday Members Memo – Feb. 21, 2023

Reviewing financial statements isn’t exactly a big seller to get people to convention, but involving members in the administration of their union is an important part of this gathering of union members and officers.

GSU prides itself on practicing democracy and transparent administration on behalf of the union’s members. Each year, the union’s financial statements are audited on behalf of the members by MWC Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.

Delegates to convention will receive and review the draft 2022 audited financial statements that will form part of the 2023 annual report to GSU members this spring.

Join us at convention and claim your GSU shirt

While it’s not reason enough alone to come to convention, it is a nice bonus. Each convention delegate will receive one of our new 2023 t-shirts designed by GSU vice president, Local 5 (Western Producer) member, and graphic artist extraordinaire Michelle Houlden.

Mark Crawford from the Unemployed Workers’ Help Centre will address convention delegates

TMM – Feb. 7, 2023

We have confirmed that Mark Crawford from the Unemployed Workers’ Help Centre will be addressing convention delegates. The centre provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan and they are a great resource for anyone struggling with EI issues.

“The Unemployed Workers Help Centre is a very valuable source of support that’s been utilized by GSU members numerous times over the years. Under the very able leadership of Mark Crawford, workers who have trouble with the EI program have a one-stop place to go for assistance,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “GSU supports the Unemployed Workers Help Centre with an annual donation from the union’s solidarity account. It’s money well spent.”

The Unemployed Workers Help Centre has offices in Regina and Saskatoon. They are an incorporated non-profit, community-based organization which provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan.

Register now and join us at GSU’s biennial policy convention in Moose Jaw

Registration is now open to all GSU members. If you become a convention delegate we will cover your wages, meals and travel costs, and assist you with requesting a leave of absence.

Delegate registrations are rolling in and we’re excited to see a great group who are ready to represent their peers at convention.

Just this morning we confirmed that Mark Crawford from the Unemployed Workers’ Help Centre will be addressing convention delegates. The centre provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan and they are a great resource for anyone struggling with EI issues.

Registration will close Feb. 28 or sooner in the event all delegate credentials are filled.

If you think you might be interested in attending and you want to learn more, contact your GSU staff rep or send an email to GSUconvention@gsu.ca.

Five of many reasons you should come to GSU’s policy convention:

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 31, 2023

  1. To learn more about your union and your fellow union members.
  2. To represent your co-workers and the priorities and concerns in your workplace.
  3. You’ll also represent fellow union members who work in the same job classification you do.
  4. To make the changes you want to see and set the course for your union.
  5. You’ll meet some great people!

We will cover your wages, meals and travel costs, and assist you with requesting a leave of absence.

Registration opens to all GSU members on Feb. 1.

If you think you might be interested in attending and you want to learn more, contact GSUconvention@gsu.ca.

GSU’s biennial policy convention offers members and officers opportunities for change, education

GSU’s Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.

The policy convention is the coordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote. Delegates to convention consider the business of GSU, including resolutions submitted by the Locals, members, Joint Executive Council and delegates at convention. Resolutions, policy statements and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU.

“If there are changes you want to see within the union, the policy convention is the place to make them happen,” said GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson. “It marks an opportunity to set policy, adjust course, debate, replenish, rebuild and learn. It also offers sufficient time for socializing and networking in a friendly and supportive environment of working people.”

GSU’s president, two vice-presidents, and Defense Fund board of directors will be elected at the March 23-25, 2023 policy convention being held at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa in Moose Jaw, SK.

Delegate registration is currently limited to elected officers and shop stewards, but will open to the membership on Feb. 1.

If you have questions about the convention or if you are interested in becoming a delegate at convention, please contact your GSU staff rep.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Quick action solved a member’s EI problem

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A GSU member who had participated in a Service Canada-approved work-sharing program at their place of employment received a notice suggesting they had been overpaid EI benefits and were required to repay a significant amount of money. Needless to say, the member was concerned.

Efforts by the union member to work with their employer and Service Canada to get to the bottom of the alleged overpayment were soon frustrated by the bureaucratic process. The member turned to their shop steward and GSU, resulting in referral of the matter to the Regina office of the Unemployed Workers Help Centre (UWHC).

Within two days of taking up the file, Mark Crawford (Executive Director/Advocate) was able to get answers and resolve the problem to the satisfaction of the GSU member.

“The Unemployed Workers Help Centre is a very valuable source of support that’s been utilized by GSU members numerous times over the years. Under the very able leadership of Mark Crawford, workers who have trouble with the EI program have a one-stop place to go for assistance,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “GSU supports the Unemployed Workers Help Centre with an annual donation from the union’s solidarity account. It’s money well spent.”

The Unemployed Workers Help Centre has offices in Regina and Saskatoon. They are an incorporated non-profit, community-based organization which provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan.

​UWHC services are free of charge to those who need them. You can learn more about their many services at unemployedworkerscentre.org.

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

GSU Local 16 (Lake Country Co-operative): Tentative settlement, ratification meeting to be held

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A tentative settlement was reached during the first bargaining session on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2. A bargaining update and ratification meeting to vote on the memorandum of agreement will be scheduled once the Memorandum of Agreement has been signed by union and company officers.

Information will be provided to Local 16 members as it becomes available.

GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Ward Tolley, Kara Thevenot and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark.

If you are a GSU member who is interested in becoming a director on our Defense Fund board, we want to hear from you.

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Delegates to GSU’s 2023 biennial policy convention in March will elect five directors to the board of GSU’s Defense Fund.

The directors hold quarterly meetings (some years a few more meetings might be necessary). The aim is to hold at least one in-person meeting each year, with the remainder being held via conference call or Zoom.

All meetings of the directors are held on regular work days and paid union leave is arranged for the board members to attend and participate.

In-person meetings of the Board are held in Regina. Accordingly, travel, hotel and meal expenses are covered by GSU’s expense policy so the member is not out-of-pocket. Paid union leave is also provided to cover travel time.

GSU Defense Fund board members are elected to two-year terms of office. All of the directors must be GSU members and three of the five directors must be from Locals 1 (Viterra – Operations & Maintenance), Local 2 (Viterra Head Office), Local 14 (Richardson) or Local 15 (Nutrien). GSU Members who serve on GSU’s Joint Executive Council cannot simultaneously serve on the on the Defense Fund board.

Candidates for the board do not have to be delegates to the GSU convention.

If you are interested in becoming a GSU Defense Fund director, please provide us with a brief bio that includes where you work, your GSU Local (or your employer), how long you have been a GSU member, why you are interested in the position, and any other relevant information you would like to share about yourself.

Point form answers are fine and a selfie is also good to include if you are comfortable with sharing a picture. Please send your information to gsu@gsu.ca at your earliest convenience but no later than March 10.

If you have questions about the position, don’t hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: If you manager wants an investigatory or disciplinary meeting, you have the right to union representation

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If your manager wants to have a chat with you about something, they absolutely have that right. Depending on the circumstances, you have the right to have a union rep present.

“Members have a right to union representation when the conversation is investigatory, disciplinary or might lead to discipline,” said GSU staff rep Donna Driediger. “If you are in a meeting with your manager and it seems like the conversation is lending itself to you being investigated, you are within your rights to ask that the meeting be reconvened once you are able to secure union representation.”

Your staff reps are here to ensure your rights are protected through every step of the process.

Getting called into the manager’s office and having to meet more people than just your manager can be intimidating. It’s easy to either clam up and not speak or to get very defensive. Having your union representative with you can help balance the power in these discussions. Having your representative with you can also help give a voice to the member and ensure that questions being asked are as objective as possible.

If your manager or HR reaches out to you to have a conversation they should remind you that you have the right to have your union representative present.

If they do not offer, be sure to inform them that you want one present and that the meeting will have to wait until the representative can be brought in, either in person or via phone.

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Member finds they hadn’t been paid for a year’s worth of double-time

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GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven has been assisting a member who recently discovered they hadn’t been paid for a year’s worth of double-time.

“Your collective agreement is a contract that describes the terms and conditions of employment for employees in their workplace, the rights of employees, and the obligations of the employer,” said Van Luven. “It’s important to review and understand it, and to regularly check your payroll records to make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to.”

Collective agreements are available here, on our web page (use the COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT tab, above). If you would like help interpreting your agreement or if you would like a collective agreement booklet sent to you, don’t hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

Local 17 (Discovery Co-op) members have a new collective agreement

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Thank you to bargaining committee members Nathan Rafuse, Kristen Keating and GSU staff rep Brian Lark for serving on the committee and the work they put in to reach this agreement for Local 17 members.

On Jan. 11, 2023 members of Local 17 attended their ratification meeting to vote on the proposed memorandum of agreement that – if accepted – would form a new collective bargaining agreement. With 100 percent voter turnout, 83 percent of members voted in favour of accepting the bargained settlement.

“While some may say there was not a lot gained from this round of negotiations, we were able to protect a number of collective agreement provisions,” said union bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark. “We worked hard to protect current extended sick leave and keep the Supplemental Employment Benefit, and we were also able to make improvements to the members’ collective agreement.”

The company had looked at removing supplementary unemployment benefits (SEB) in the agreement. The union committee initially refused the removal but indicated a willingness to reduce the number of weeks an employee is eligible for SEB and the number of days required to be eligible for SEB.

With increases to the annual boot allowance from $175 to $200, there was also agreement that members would receive up to $200 for a replacement pair of boots within the year if a replacement pair is required.

Continued benefit coverage was also secured for individuals while on maternity, adoption or parental leave, provided the employee continues to pay their portion of benefits (just as they do when they are at work).

Over the term of the three-year agreement there will be guaranteed annual wage increases of 2%, 2% and 1.75% for everyone. These increases are on top of separate annual performance increases that will still be available to all members.

Lawsuit settled, CIBC will pay $153 million to current and former employees for working unpaid overtime

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On Jan. 6 it was announced that CIBC will pay $153 million to approximately 30,000 current and former employees to settle a class action law suit over the bank allowing/requiring employees to work unpaid overtime.

While settlement of the law suit is good news for the employees involved, it is noteworthy that the class action was commenced in 2007 and originally sought $500 million in compensation for affected employees.

Unionized employees do not have to hire lawyers, commence class action law suits or wait 16 years for results when they’ve been wrongfully denied employment rights like payment for overtime work. Unionized employees have access to a grievance/arbitration procedure through their union at no extra cost.

GSU provides effective employee representation and grievance action to defend the workplace rights of union members.

“Over the years millions of dollars in wages and benefits have been recovered for GSU members through active utilization of the grievance/arbitration process,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Processing grievances and taking them to arbitration takes time, but nothing remotely close to the years piled up in the CIBC class action suit”

If you and your co-workers are interested in joining a union, reach out to us to learn more.

Playing catch-up at work after holidays

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By GSU staff rep Brian Lark

Time away from work to a lot of people means one thing: more work waiting for them when they get back.

Take this time to remember that when coming back to work from a break – whether it is from a planned vacation or a leave of absence – we all want to get caught up. This often motivates a worker to rush their work, to excessively multi-task, or to take on longer hours just to feel that they’re not behind. However, these actions increase your risk of having a workplace incident.

Those longer hours lead to fatigue, and those rushed tasks and the distraction that comes from doing do too many things at once are major contributors to incidents in the workplace. Many judgement errors causing bodily harm and equipment failure can be avoided by taking time to slow down and keep your mind on task. Other incidents include mental health stresses from feeling overwhelmed by the workload that you have come back to. We need to take care to protect our mental health just as much as we do our body.

Remind yourself that  the work will be there tomorrow. You can’t do a week’s work in a day, and we are fools to try.

If you have concerns about your health and safety in the workplace, don’t hesitate to contact Brian Lark or one of our other GSU staff reps.