Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

CLC challenges  labour, community, political and business leaders to unite against hate

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The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has issued a public condemnation against the recent violence in Charlottesville and confirmed that Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with the victims of this deliberate and hateful violence.

The CLC is calling on labour, community, political and business leaders, regardless of partisanship, to work together in solidarity to take on this challenge, and to help stamp out the hate, discrimination, and oppression being visited upon minorities and vulnerable persons here in Canada.

Read the CLC’s news release here.

We are shopping for new hats and we would like your input

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If you consider yourself to be a hat aficionado, we want to hear from you. Colour, style, rise … tell us what takes a hat from good to great.

Have a look at the hats on the website below and let us know what styles catch your eye. If you have design suggestions, send us those, too. 

You can email your style preferences, favourite product numbers and other design suggestions to gsu.regina@sasktel.net. 

 


Novel Notion  www.nnapro.com 
Click on the PRODUCT SEARCH button and enter CAPS in the search bar. 

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: helping a member file a sick leave claim with WCB

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GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier is helping a GSU member prepare and file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. The member contacted GSU for assistance after receiving the results of a hearing test and an audiologist’s recommendation that he file a sick leave claim with WCB.

Contact our GSU staff reps for assistance with company management, insurance companies, or government agencies like EI and Workers’ comp. 

Your inquiry will be treated with strict confidentiality. GSU staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for our staff reps is available here.

Taking on new skills, extra duties, or a higher-paid job? Here are some things to consider

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GSU staff reps regularly assist members who have been asked to learn a new skill or take on extra duties, responsibilities, or a higher-paid job.

“It’s great when your manager sees how valuable you are to the company and provides you with an opportunity to become an even more valuable employee,” said staff rep Steve Torgerson. “It can be a good experience if you go into it with your eyes open and clear expectations, so there are a number of considerations and questions that need to be answered before employees agree to take on extra duties.”

If you have been asked to take on new responsibilities, consider the following:

  • What training will you need to perform the new task? How long will you be performing these extra duties? Discuss expectations and come to an agreement with your manager about what will be taking place.
  • Some additional duties or added responsibilities may not be appropriate. Always review and work through your annual objectives or goal setting with your manager.
  • Can you do the extra work and still perform your job fully and effectively? Make sure you can always do your job to the best of your ability. Better to do your job at 100 percent than piling on extra duties and doing everything at 85 percent. 
  • Do the extra duties fall within the job description of your current job, or should you expect Temporary Performance of Higher Duty (TPHD) pay as set out in your collective agreement?

Whether extra goals are added to your expectations for the year or you are being asked to take on additional tasks or responsibilities, talk to your manager and have a written record of what is expected.

If you need assistance or have questions, contact your GSU staff representative.

GSU staff reps will answer your questions and offer advice so you can talk to your manager effectively. At your request, your staff rep can also assist by working with the company to ensure that your best interests are looked after. 

Your inquiry will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. GSU staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for our staff reps is available here. 

Rider ticket winners … and some of our favourite contest entries

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Alix Rejean (CPS Moose Jaw) and Leon Martineau (Richardson – Maple Creek) will be at Mosaic Stadium to cheer the Riders on when they face the BC Lions on August 13.

Last week’s web page contest asked for your favourite vacation spot in Saskatchewan.

  • Alix’s favourite summer destination is Cypress Hills where he enjoys zip lining and many other activities.
  • Leon entered our Tuesday Members’ Memo contest by telling us his first summer job was pumping gas – and he loved it.

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who played along and entered last week’s web page and Tuesday Members’ Memo Rider ticket contests. There were so many interesting and entertaining entries that we shared a few of our favourites below.

Labour Day tickets are up for grabs next. 

Watch your email inbox this week for a GSU survey. Complete the survey by the deadline date and you could be one of two lucky winners of two tickets to the upcoming Labour Day Classic. 

 

Contest entries:

First summer jobs:

My first summer job was washing dishes at the local restaurant. The best thing about my job besides finally getting a pay check was all the free food I would get.

My first summer job was working for a farmer. There were two good things about this job. #1 – His tractor had a cab back in 1969. #2 – If I remember right I was making $4.00 per hour!

My first summer job was yard maintenance. My brother and I did it all, grass cutting (we would haul the clippings home and feed them to the horses), shovel the manure and sell it back to them for the gardens. Worked, sowed, weeded gardens and flower beds. Trimmed hedges and cut trees, raked leaves. The best part of the job was we didn’t have to learn anything as we did it all the time at home and we got to spend the summer together. Worst part of the job was having to work while your friends were out having fun in the sun!

My first summer job was working in a food booth at the Western Development Museum’s “Those were the days” in the summer. Worst thing about the job was the heat from the summer and the food being cooked in the booth.  Best thing was eating the funnel cakes!

My first summer job was at the family farm sweeping out grain bins. The best thing about this job was that I got to work with my family. The worst thing about this job was that I had to work with my family.

My first ‘summer’ job was at the Hudson’s Bay Mining & Smelting Company (HMB&S) in Flin Flon, as an Electrician’s helper. This was in June, 1969 after high school.  Pay was $2.34(?) / Hr.  Pretty good wages at that time. Made enough to pay for the following year tuition at University, and residence, as well.

First summer job was roofing. Worst thing about the job was the heat; best thing was when it was over.

My first summer job was working as a waitress. The best part about it was the friends I made while working there, the worst part about it was cheap tippers lol

My firs summer job was working at a drive in, cooked food and served ice cream. The best part about it was that I got one free ice cream every day that I worked, and the worst thing about it was having to get a ride into work cause I wasn’t quite old enough to drive!

First Summer Job? Vet clinic
Best thing? Working with animals and learning about their anatomy
Worst thing? Washing surgical equipment/ livestock pens

Favourite holiday destination:

The best place to vacation in Saskatchewan is a little lake somewhere south nowhere. Its got it all, great fishing, a nice beach, wild blueberries, you name it. Unfortunately, not even free rider tickets could convince me to tell you what its called or where to find it.

 

 

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Using benefits before retiring/terminating your employment

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A GSU member contacted GSU regarding an issue with benefits. The employee had given notice of termination, but in the week leading up to their retirement date they used their benefits for medical issues. The insurance company rejected the claims. Lawrence Maier contacted the employer and, after going through all of the facts, it was determined that all of the bills were for the period during which the member was still an employee. The correct payments were sent to the employee. 

Make sure you take full advantage of your benefits before retiring or terminating your employment. Don’t wait until the last minute, as this can create problems. And for those with a Health Care Spending Account, don’t forget to claim what is allowed under the plan.

Do you have questions about retiring or terminating your employment? 

Call a GSU staff rep.

Your inquiry will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. GSU staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for our staff reps is available here. 

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) services

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GSU staff rep Dale Markling was contacted by a member who was concerned that their workplace Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) wasn’t providing the level of service that was provided under the previous provider, such as a one-on-one meeting with a counselor. Dale spoke to employer representatives who confirmed with the provider that this service is still available.

The EFAP is an employment-related program which allows employees or their dependents to access counselling types of services. The use of these programs are confidential and the providers do not give the employer the names of who has used the service or the service provided. If employees or their dependents have any need for these services or what services are provided at the cost to the company, they can contact a GSU rep for more information on a confidential basis.

EFAP programs in GSU-represented workplaces originated as a result of bargaining between the employer and the union.

Do you have a question about your employer’s EFAP program? Contact a GSU staff rep.

Your inquiry will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff reps is available here. 

Want to learn more about our affiliate – ILWU Canada? Learn more and sign up for their e-news, here

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Union members and their unions throughout Canada have similar goals to GSU’s, so it is logical that unions work together to achieve these goals. 

Through these alliances we can have greater strength in areas such as labour law reform, improvements to occupational health and safety, education, and strike and picket line support.

The GSU is affiliated to the Canadian Area of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). 

If you are interested in learning more about the ILWU, you can sign-up for their e-newsletter by visiting their web page at www.ilwu.ca, scrolling down, and completing the SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER section – listing GSU as your Local.

What can you expect in the WaterFront e-news? Check out the headlines from their latest issue:

1)   Watch: World’s largest container ship maiden voyage.

2)   Swedish dockworkers dispute with APMT continues.

3)   Cabotage still an issue in Australia.

4)   Broke sailors adrift in UAE waters.

5)   Seafarer dead after tanker sinks.

6)   Manitoba unions fight wage freeze in court.

7)   2 Vietnamese sailors beheaded by kidnappers. 

8)   Modern Slavery “Alive and Kicking”.

9)   Container accident kills worker.

10) The Fight for $15. 

Do you have what it takes to be happier at work?

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Being happy takes work, but if you decide you are going to be happier and commit to taking steps to make it happen, happiness can be yours.

So what can be done to make us happier? Try slowing down and taking a moment to appreciate something good that happened in your day. Or make a point of instigating positive interaction with someone you know – or even a complete stranger.

There are changes you can make to be happier at work, too. Learn more here: 5 scientifically proven ways to be happier at work.

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.

Investigation meeting with your employer? Call your GSU staff rep. Learn more here!

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The following article from GSU legal counsel Ronni Nordal provides valuable advice for GSU members. 

Investigation meeting with your employer? Call your GSU staff rep

When you are called into an investigation meeting with your employer, it is natural to be worried (even if you have done nothing wrong).

  • Talk to your union representative before the meeting. 
    He/she may be able to find out some details regarding what the meeting is about and can assist you in preparing for the meeting.
     
  • You should ask to have a union representative present at investigations that may lead to discipline and at discipline meetings.  
    There are many reasons why:

    • Your union representative can ensure the questions asked are fair;
    • Your union representative can ensure the questions asked are clear;
    • Your union representative can also assist you in making sure your answers are clear;
    • Your union representative will have notes of the meeting to refer back to;
    • Your union representative can discuss matters privately with you if there are concerns about how the meeting is going;
    • Your union representative helps balance the power, so to speak, as there are usually at least two if not more employer representatives in the room;
    • Your union representative can ensure your rights are protected.
       
  • Employers are entitled to ask questions during investigations and except in limited circumstances, employees are required to answer those questions (if they are clear, fair and relevant). However, there are questioning techniques intended to draw out the answer(s) the employer wants rather than the truth.  Your union representative can assist in avoiding these interrogation style traps.
     
  • What is said in an investigation meeting cannot be erased and, if there is subsequent discipline, may be relied upon by the employer. It is an uphill battle to say after discipline has been given that you misunderstood the question or were mistaken in your answer.  

By not contacting a GSU staff representative when being summoned to an investigative meeting, employees are putting themselves in a potentially bad situation before the meeting even starts.  

At a minimum, contact your GSU staff representative to ensure you understand the process and your rights and to discuss whether a GSU staff representative should attend the meeting with you.   

Taking advantage of the services of a staff representative is a right you have as a union member and accessing those services is not an admission of wrongdoing or guilt, it is simply a smart action to take. 

Even low-level discipline – such as a verbal warning – should be discussed with a GSU staff representative.  There may be no reason to challenge the discipline, but in certain circumstances there is and that challenge must be done within the time limits set out in the collective agreement.  It doesn’t work to have received a written warning for misconduct in January, for example, but not raise it with a GSU staff representative and/or not challenge it until a one-day suspension is handed out for the same misconduct in October since the employer will say the suspension was warranted because of the prior written warning (progressive discipline). It is too late at that point and GSU will be unable to challenge the written warning which means the employer is entitled to consider your “prior record”.

Why wouldn’t a GSU member take advantage of the input and advice of a GSU staff representative when called into an investigation meeting with the employer?  As a member of GSU there is no need to “go it alone” and I encourage GSU members to take advantage of the knowledge and support of GSU staff representatives.

Ronni Nordal, LL.B. 
NORDAL LeBlanc Law Office 
www.nordalleblanc.ca

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: members who are struggling with a difficult workplace environment

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GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner is working with a group of GSU members who are struggling with a difficult workplace environment. Meetings have been held and the work is ongoing as Wagner has proposed a process to the employer for addressing the members’ concerns.

GSU is very concerned about the workplace environment and will do whatever it can to help union members address workplace issues. The right to a safe and healthy workplace is and should be a priority for all.

Do you have a question, comment or concern? Call a GSU staff rep.

Your inquiry will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff reps is available here. 

Congratulations to our 2017 GSU scholarship recipients

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Grain and General Services Union is pleased to announce our 2017 GSU scholarship recipients as chosen by our GSU scholarship committee.

The following five students have received a $2,000 scholarship based on their demonstrated ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their communities, and on their written essay on the following topic:

“Using an example from your own experience or from a recent news item, what could you and your friends do as ordinary citizens to help someone who has been targeted because of his/her race, sexual orientation, gender or age?”

Thank you to everyone who applied. And thank you to our scholarship committee – Jim Brown (Local 1 – Viterra), Michelle Houlden (Local 5 – Western Producer), and Brett North (Local 1 – Viterra) – for reviewing this year’s scholarship applications and selecting our recipients. 

Giovanni Bacchetto

Giovanni recently completed high school at Bedford Road Collegiate and the International Baccalaureate (IB)  Diploma program. He also received the IB History subject award as well as achieving high honors.

Giovanni will be attending the University of Saskatchewan, taking first year Engineering with a goal of specializing to become a Computer Engineer.

“I am so grateful to have been considered and chosen for the GSU scholarship as it will help me achieve my goals.” 

Giovanni is the son of GSU member Roberto Bacchetto – Local 15 (CPS).

Read Giovanni’s essay here.

Carley Matechuk

Carley Matechuk is a fourth-year education student at the University of Regina. She is currently in the Elementary Education program and excited about heading into her internship in the fall with a Grade 3 and 4 split class. After graduation Carley hopes to travel and cross some items off of her bucket list before beginning a full-time teaching position.

Carley is the daughter of GSU member Kevin Matechuk – Local 15 (CPS).

Read Carley’s essay here.

Sarah Nilsen

Sarah grew up in Saskatoon and graduated as an honour roll student from Centennial Collegiate.

Having trained at some of the top ballet schools across the country (Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Quinte Ballet School of Canada and Alberta Ballet) Sarah chose to pursue a three-year teacher training program at Canada’s National Ballet School after graduating high school. Following this program Sarah transferred her credits to pursue two concurrent degrees at York University; a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education.

While in school Sarah is also working full-time as a dance teacher, sharing her talent and passion for dance and music with students throughout Toronto.

Sarah is the daughter of GSU member Karen Morrison – Local 5 (Western Producer).

Read Sarah’s essay here.

Jordan Schutz

Jordan hails from Grenfell, SK. He graduated high school in 2016 and is currently enrolled at the University of Regina.

This spring Jordan completed his first of four years in the Faculty of Education, Middle Years program and he is looking forward to becoming a teacher. When he completes his degree in three years he plans to teach Grades 6-9 in rural Saskatchewan.
“I am honoured to be chosen as this year’s recipient for the Grain & General Services Union scholarship. This scholarship will help tremendously in paying for my tuition for this upcoming school year.”

Jordan is the son of GSU member Cory Schutz – Local 15 (CPS).

Read Jordan’s essay here.

Joshua Schutz

Joshua is from Grenfell, SK. He is currently a carpenter for Kim Steininger Construction with plans to attend his third of four years of schooling to become a Journeyman carpenter. After graduation, Joshua plans to open a carpentry business with his cousin who is a Journeyman carpenter.

“I am thankful to be chosen a recipient of this GSU scholarship. This scholarship will help greatly in paying my next two years of tuition for school.”

Joshua is the son of GSU member Cory Schutz – Local 15 (CPS).

Read Joshua’s essay here.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Rate of Pay

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Earlier this year a GSU member contacted general secretary Hugh Wagner with regard to the rate of pay she was receiving. Wagner checked into the matter and discovered that the member was being paid significantly less than most of her co-workers in the same job classification despite being senior to many.

The matter was raised with the employer and for a couple of months the parties argued back and forth. Eventually the member received a significant adjustment in her rate of pay.

“Not every pay dispute is resolved in favour of union members, particularly since some employers have substantial discretionary power in relation to setting employees’ rates of pay within a pay range,” said general secretary Hugh Wagner. “In this case we were able to establish a solid argument based on the facts of the situation and the active involvement of the affected union member.”

“Successfully resolving many employment issues for union members comes down to fact gathering and critically measuring employers’ behavior against reasonable standards,” said Wagner. “Things won’t change unless we make arguments in favour of change and are willing to get involved in the struggle. This needs to happen at the individual level, as in this case, and especially at the collective level when we go into agreement renewal bargaining.”

Have a question, comment or observation? Call a GSU staff rep.

Staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff reps is available here. 

Calgary man challenges people to think differently about Canada’s past 

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On July 1 some people will be celebrating and others will be protesting Canada’s 150 years of colonization. Michael Broadfoot isn’t inclined to do either.

Broadfoot wanted to create an inclusive event that would leave people thinking differently about Canada’s past, so he created the Trading Post 150 event which took place June 25 in Calgary.

“What we wanted to do was engage with Canada’s 150 by bringing people together,” he said. “We wanted people to feel included in a way that maybe some of the other events weren’t.”

Learn more here.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: out-of-pocket health plan expenses

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Recently, a GSU member mentioned in passing he was out-of-pocket for some health plan expenses that exceeded his coverage. A nearby GSU officer asked if the member had used the health spending account which was part of their benefit plan. 

The member was not aware he had access to a health spending account. After some encouragement from the GSU officer, the member called Manulife and found out that he was able to use the current year’s credit and the previous year’s credit which hadn’t been claimed, and his reimbursement cheque would be in the mail immediately.   

Have a question, comment or observation? Call a GSU staff rep.

Staff rep services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff reps is available here.