Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

GSU vice-president Michelle Houlden recently attended the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour/Canadian Labour Spring School. This is her report.

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“Many thanks to GSU for sending me to this incredible course.”

Greetings,

My mind is still spinning after spending a week studying labour law through the SFL/CLC spring school in Moose Jaw. It was a course I’d been wanting to take for a long time, and after going through another tough collective bargaining process, I seized the opportunity to learn more when I saw it in the list this year.

Effective representation happens on so many levels, whether you’re a new shop steward who can refer members to the right part of their contract, an executive who can attend a grievance or disciplinary hearing or on the bargaining team. At each level, we do the best job we can with the tools we have, but learning more about the laws that set out our rights and responsibilities can really help to sharpen those tools.

I learned a lot about the duty to accommodate workers when they’re dealing with mental or physical illnesses or addictions. How laws have been adapted through test cases like the SFL’s challenge to Bill 6 that eventually saw the Supreme Court decide that the right to strike is protected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. How the duty of fair representation must be met. And how changes to the trade union act – now the Saskatchewan Employment Act – have impacted organized labour and working people.

Many thanks to GSU for sending me to this incredible course. I think it makes me a better shop steward and union member. It makes me appreciate all the hard work GSU does to defend our rights in the workplace and I was proud to represent you in class this week. A big shout out to fellow GSU member Larry Hubich, one of the course facilitators, and our own lawyers, Ronni Nordal and Dan Leblanc, who were co-facilitators along with Crystal Norbeck. It’s a lot of material and a short time to talk about it all, and you made it fun and fascinating. Your passion for helping working people was contagious and I think we all left wanting to do more in our workplace and in our communities.

Spring school is an invaluable learning opportunity, one of many educational opportunities offered through GSU, the SFL and the CLC. If you haven’t checked out what’s available, I urge you to do so, there’s bound to be something that you’d like to learn more about.

That reminds me, if there are any young GSU workers interested in attending an upcoming young workers’ conference offered by the SFL, there’s still time to register! And don’t forget about the Prairie School for Union Women in Waskesiu, or the SFL youth camp at Watrous at the end of August for teens aged 13-17. Go to www.sfl.sk.ca/events for more information.

In solidarity,
Michelle Houlden
GSU Local 5 / GSU Vice-President

Joint Executive Council’s 2016/2017 annual report to GSU members has been released

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View or download your PDF copy of the report here: 2017 Annual Report of the JEC

I am pleased to release the 2016/2017 Annual Report of GSU’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors) which was adopted by the Council at its 2017 annual meeting held in Regina on March 31. The annual report includes GSU’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The 2016/2017 Annual Report is posted here, on our GSU web site. Members wanting to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report can arrange for same by email to gsu.regina@sasktel.net or by calling toll-free to 1.866.522.6686.

Questions regarding the Annual Report or financial statements can be directed to me at gsu.wagner@sasktel.net or by phoning the toll-free number above.

I encourage thorough review of the Annual Report and financial statements. Your questions are welcome.

Sincerely,

GRAIN & GENERAL SERVICES UNION

Hugh Wagner
General Secretary

Congratulations to Samantha Skrudland, GSU’s 2017 First Nations University of Canada bursary recipient

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We are pleased to announce that Samantha Skrudland has been chosen as our 2017 First Nations University of Canada bursary recipient.

You can learn more about Samantha and her career aspirations, below. GSU staff representatives Steve Torgerson will be attending the First Nations University of Canada Scholarship Luncheon on April 11 when Samantha is presented with her bursary cheque. 

This GSU bursary is open to an Aboriginal student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours at the First Nations University of Canada. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (not including ENGL 90/91 and AMTH 001/002/003 classes) to a maximum of 60 credit hours in any area of study leading to a degree. Financial need, leadership, participation and involvement in on-campus and student activities are considered in the selection of recipient.

Dear Grain and General Services,

My name is Samantha Skrudland and I currently reside in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. I would like to extend a huge thank you and my gratitude for being awarded the Grain and General Services Bursary. Because of your generosity, I am now able to put the bursary towards my educational aspirations. As of April 2017, I will have successfully completed my second year of the Elementary Indigenous Education Degree Program.

Student funding is limited for undergraduate students. By receiving this award, I have gained a tremendous amount of financial support that would have rather been hard to make up for. With this generous bursary, I will be able to pay both my Fall 2017 tuition, as well as it will assist me with my living expenses.

I am of Métis descent and I am a member of the Métis Nation, Local 7. Currently, I am enrolled in the Indigenous Elementary Education Degree Program at the First Nations University of Canada at the Prince Albert Campus. I enrolled into post- secondary school to pursue my passion for teaching. In two years, I will complete school and obtain my bachelors in education. Upon establishing myself as a teacher in Prince Albert, I aspire to receive my teaching certificate in Special Needs Education and aim to receive employment working with First Nations youth with Special Needs around Prince Albert and Area. Once I have gained experience, I aspire to pursue a Masters of Education. By becoming an educator, I am aiming to inspire youth today to be excited about learning within the classroom and create a space that accepts all different types of learners.

Thank you once again,

Samantha Skrudland”

 

Agreement reached and ratified, GSU Local 17 (Discovery Co-op) negotiations

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On April 7 GSU Local 17 members voted to accept the terms of a new collective agreement.

After conciliation ended in early March, union and company representatives continued to work together to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to bargaining. Ultimately, a tentative settlement was reached, voted on, and ratified.

Terms will be implemented immediately.

Congratulations and thank you to GSU’s Local 17 bargaining committee members Shelbi Prescesky, Glen Morrison, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling for the time and commitment they put in to negotiate this settlement.

 
March 6 update:

Union and company representatives met in North Battleford on March 3 with the assistance of conciliator Ken Eckert. Although each side proposed a compromise, ultimately they were not able to reach an agreement. 

The conciliator will be reporting out of the negotiations and the parties will begin a two-week waiting period before either side has the right to lock out or strike.  The parties are free to continue negotiations during this two-week period, if they choose.

February 9 update:

The two sides have agreed to meet with conciliator Kevin Eckert on March 3.

Details will be reported as they become available.

February 7 update:

Union and company representatives are working to find available dates to meet with conciliator Kevin Eckert prior to the February 28 expiry of his mandate.

When Company representatives previously indicated they weren’t prepared to meet until the end of March, the union’s bargaining committee advised they were not prepared to agree to an extension of the conciliator’s 60-day mandate.

The conciliator’s mandate can only be extended by the agreement of both parties.

January 31 update:

Company representatives aren’t prepared to meet with the union committee and federal conciliator Kevin Eckert until the end of March, and the union committee says that isn’t good enough. Union bargaining committee spokesperson Dale Markling has also indicated that the union isn’t prepared to agree to an extension of the conciliator’s 60-day mandate.

“If the company can’t find dates before the end of March, we will be asking the government to bow out,” Markling said.

The Minister of Labour Relations previously appointed conciliator Kevin Eckert to assist the parties. The conciliator has a 60-day mandate which can only be extended by the agreement of both parties.

January 24 update:

In response to the Notice of Impasse which was served to the Minister of Labour Relations, Conciliator  Kevin Eckert has been appointed to assist the parties. 

Dates for conciliation continue to be considered. 

The Conciliator has a 60-day mandate which can only be extended by the agreement of both parties.

January 5, 2017 update:

A Notice of Impasse has been served to the Minister of Labour Relations with a request that a conciliator be appointed.

Union and company representatives last met November 22 and were unable to reach an agreement, even though they previously came very close to reaching a tentative settlement when they met on October 14. 

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Rates of Pay

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Recently two employees from different parts of CPS’s unionized operations in Saskatchewan approached GSU in connection with their rates of pay. Each of the employees had transferred into GSU membership from employment with CPS outside the scope of the GSU bargaining unit. Both employees discovered that they were being paid an annual salary considerably lower than co-workers in the same job classification or pay grade.

Although the facts of each situation are quite different, it appears that each of the employees has a sound claim to upward adjustment of their rate of pay. The two complaints have been taken up with CPS’s HR Manager and are being worked on by GSU general secretary, Hugh Wagner.

Your GSU staff reps are here to assist you in any way they can.

Don’t hesitate to call us with your work-related questions and concerns. Staff reps can be reached toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 (Regina) or 1.855.384.7314 (Saskatoon) or through additional contact information available  here.

March 21 – International Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day

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Everyone is entitled to human rights without discrimination, and everyone has an obligation to combat racial discrimination.

March 21 is the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination and it is the perfect time to make a personal commitment to do your part to eliminate racism.

What can you do? Check out these simple ways to make a big difference in the fight against racism.

Labour movement applauds bill that supports victims of domestic violence

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On March 15, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) representatives were at the Saskatchewan legislature to witness the introduction of a private member’s bill that would see necessary supports put into place for victims of domestic violence.

“The SFL has worked a long time with community organizations and the national labour movement to fight for more supports for victims of domestic violence in the workplace,” said Lori Johb, Secretary-Treasurer of the SFL and Chair of the SFL’s Women’s Committee, “we hope the provincial government will agree to pass Bill 603 – An Act to Provide Critical Supports for Victims of Domestic Violence,” she added.

If passed, the bill will allow victims of domestic violence to take paid and unpaid leave from work. Such leave can be taken to seek medical attention for the victim or their child, to obtain services from a victim services organization, to obtain counselling, to relocate, and to seek legal or law enforcement assistance.

The bill requires accommodation by employers to protect workers if an employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that domestic violence that would likely expose a worker to physical injury may occur in a workplace.

Bill 603 also allows the termination of tenancy – breaking leases – for victims of domestic violence that believe their safety, or the safety of their child, is at risk.

“These additional supports are so desperately needed for victims of domestic violence in Saskatchewan,” said Johb, “if passed, Saskatchewan will become a leader in Canada on this important topic,” she added.

Saskatchewan has the highest rates of domestic violence by intimate partners amongst all Canadian provinces, and victims of domestic violence are often forced to leave their homes quickly to escape dangerous situations. Furthermore, financial stability and a supportive work environment are vital for a victim of domestic violence.

Legislation that supports victims escaping circumstances of domestic violence has already been enacted in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta.

Does your open-mouth-chewing, pen-clicking, foot-tapping co-worker drive you wild? You may suffer from Misophonia

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Certain sounds that are simple background noise to you may trigger anxiety, insomnia, feelings of rage/fear, and even depression in others. 

Misophonia is defined as the hatred of sound, but you don’t need to hate all sounds to suffer from this sound-sensitivity syndrome. The most common triggers of misophonia are background noises encountered in daily life, making them difficult or impossible to avoid. And ignoring or simply tuning-out an irritating sound is not an option for those with misophonia.

While misophonia isn’t considered a psychiatric condition, psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat those who suffer. 

You can learn more about misophonia and common trigger noises using the link below, but be warned: some people with misophonia find that reading a list of triggers can actually create new triggers.  

Learn more here: The Symptoms & Triggers of Misophonia

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.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: maternity leave, paternity leave, and how to divide it between parents

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GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson assisted a GSU employee who was expecting a child. The member had a number of questions about maternity leave, paternity leave, and how the leave could be divided between the member and his partner. 

Do you have a question about maternity leave, paternity leave, or other situations where you require a leave from work? Contact your GSU staff representative.

Rally for Saskatchewan shows huge support for crowns, investments in public services

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SFL logo 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2017

RALLY FOR SASKATCHEWAN SHOWS HUGE SUPPORT FOR CROWNS AND INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC SERVICES

People from across the province came together to Rally for Saskatchewan – and say NO to the Sask. Party government’s cuts and sell-offs of our Crown corporations.

“The Rally for Saskatchewan is a tremendous show of opposition to the Sask. Party government’s public service cuts, layoffs, and privatization agenda,” said Larry Hubich, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL).

Saskatchewan people, community groups, and the labour movement all came together to show a unified voice in response to the Sask. Party government’s attacks on workers, services, and Crowns. People travelled to the rally by bus from: the Battlefords, Prince Albert, Melville, Melfort, Tisdale, Yorkton, Weyburn, Estevan, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon.

Speakers at the rally spoke from a variety of perspectives, all of which highlighted the impact on real people that the Sask. Party government’s plans have.

Bob Bymoen, president, SGEU:

“Attacking public services, and the frontline workers who deliver them, is not the answer to our economic problems,” says SGEU President Bob Bymoen.  “We need better management at the top, and that should start with an independent review of all third party contracts with consultants, private contractors and P3 consortiums, to assess the real cost, and value of the money government has been spending.”

Barbara Cape, president, SEIU-West:

“The people of this province built the public services we enjoy today – we all know that the growing deficit of over a billion dollars is not because of public sector workers – it’s because of a resource boom that went flat,” said Barbara Cape, president of SEIU-West. “Saskatchewan people know the boom/bust cycle – we also know the true test of good government is how you manage the bad times.”  

Tom Graham, president, CUPE Saskatchewan:

“It is important that the Sask. Party government knows that people have grave concerns about their reckless spending – not to mention their blatant disregard for public services and working people,” said Tom Graham. “The people of this province deserve world class health care, education, and social services, and a government that will in invest in the people who provide these services.”

Lori Johb, secretary-treasurer, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour:

“People spoke loudly today, so I hope the Sask. Party government is listening: we reject your plans to sell SaskTel or any Crown, and we reject your cuts, waste, and mismanagement,” said SFL Secretary-Treasurer Lori Johb, “we also know cuts and privatization disproportionately impact women, a fact not lost on rally participants on International Women’s Day,” she added.

Joie Warnock, Western Director, Unifor:

“Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations are like the Goose that Laid Golden Eggs,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor’s Western Director. “Selling off the Crowns would be foolish and short-sighted.”

Kim Wilson, president, COPE Local 397:

“COPE 397 is asking the people of Saskatchewan to stand up to the current government and say NO to privatization, no to Bill 40, no to cuts, no layoffs, and no roll backs,” said Kim Wilson, president of COPE397, which represents workers at SGI, “the Crown corporations generate millions in dividends back to the province to pay for schools, roads, and hospitals. Public Sector employees did not cause the current deficit, and should not have to pay for the current government’s mismanagement,” she added.

People across the province have demonstrated a desire to keep the pressure on the Sask. Party government to withdraw Bill 40, protect our Crowns, invest in public services, and respect workers. As such, going forward the Own It! campaign, community groups, and the labour movement will be providing opportunities for Saskatchewan people to make their voices heard.

For additional information, contact:

Kent Peterson

Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
o: 1 (306) 525-0197
m: 1 (306) 570-1855
e: k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca

Happy International Women’s Day!

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IWD 2017

#Be Bold For Change!

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

We still have a long way to go to achieve gender parity in Canada. 

In fact, there are only five countries that have closed 80% of the gap or more (Canada is not one of them). Learn more here.

The Birth of an Activist: The Early Years of SFL President Larry Hubich

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Larry Hubich

Larry Hubich has served as the president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour for the past 15 years. Prior to taking on the SFL’s top position, Hubich worked for GSU as a staff representative and as a computer programmer at Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.

 Learn more about Larry Hubich and his life before the SFL here.

The worst passwords of 2016

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123456

Major data breeches in 2016 exposed log-in information and passwords for millions of people. A number of companies made the best of a bad situation by evaluating the passwords and compiling lists of the most commonly used – and worst – passwords leaked over the internet in 2016. 

Tied for top honour for a sixth straight year on Splash Data’s worst password list are the passwords “password” and “123456”. Fellow contenders “passw0rd” and “password1” ranked slightly lower at numbers 18 and 25, respectively, and Star Wars received two nods with “solo” and “princess” cracking the top 15 at numbers 13 and 9. 

Don’t make a hacker’s job easy. 

Make sure your passwords are secure by using a variety of numbers, symbols, and upper- and lower-case letters. Make it a point to update your passwords regularly and use unique passwords for each site to decrease the chance of having multiple accounts hacked or your identity stolen. 

Check out 25 of the worst passwords for 2016 and learn more about how to keep your on-line identify safe: Worst passwords of 2016.

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.

SaskTel sale proceeds may only eliminate a quarter of the province’s operating debt, says author

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As Saskatchewan’s $1.2 billion provincial deficit soars, the government is talking about possible wage freezes and job cuts for public-sector workers. 

There are also whispers about selling SaskTel. Legislation proposed by the Saskatchewan Party last autumn would allow the government to sell up to 49 per cent of a company without it being considered privatization.

Author Simon Enoch has evaluated the desirability of privatization and whether Saskatchewan would fare better under a privately-owned or publicly-owned telecom.

Read Enoch’s findings here:  Behind the numbers: Brad Wall, SaskTel, and the terrible horrible no-good, very bad idea.