Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

GSU delegates attend 66th SFL convention

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Twenty-one GSU delegates joined 340 delegates from other unions as they attended the 66th convention of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour held in Regina from October 26 to 28.

Convention activities began on the evening of Oct. 25 with delegate registration and the KAIROS Blanket Exercise which is designed to be an interactive teaching tool exploring the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now call Canada. On Oct. 26 the formal convention agenda kicked off with the call to order, greetings from various dignitaries, the president’s address and secretary-treasurer’s report. The convention agenda also included presentations focusing on contemporary issues and challenges confronting working people in Canada.

Central to the convention was the debate on a variety of policy resolutions focused on improving the circumstances of working people across the province. Delegates also took time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, including the pioneering leadership of Bob Sass.

GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner and Jackie Lazar (COPE 397) were awarded the Larry Hubich Lifetime of Service Award for their contributions to the labour movement and tireless advocacy for working people.

The theme of the convention was, “Speaking Up” for labour rights and better working conditions for workers in all sectors. Delegates put the theme in action by speaking up at a demonstration in support of the labour movement’s agenda which was held at the Saskatchewan Legislature on Oct. 27.

Lori Johb (SEIU West) was elected to her third term as SFL president and Kent Peterson (CUPE Saskatchewan) was elected to his second term as secretary treasurer. Delegates also voted overwhelmingly to change the SFL constitution to provide for biennial as opposed to annual conventions going forward.

GSU’s Joint Executive Council meets, selects Steve Torgerson as next General Secretary

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Tuesday Members’ Memo – Nov. 1, 2022

GSU’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors) held their semi-annual meeting on Oct. 25 in Regina where they received an update on union administration and finances. Updated financial control and asset policies were also approved.

Council members also discussed the scheduling and location for GSU’s 2023 policy convention. While it was decided to hold the convention at the Temple Gardens Hotel in Moose Jaw on March 30, 31 and April 1, 2023, subsequent communication with hotel management has resulted in selecting March 23, 24 and 25 as the convention dates.

The main item on the meeting agenda was the appointment of GSU staff representative Steve Torgerson as the next general secretary of GSU. Council members received a report on the recruitment process and voted unanimously to approve the executive committee’s recommendation to appoint Steve to the position when current general secretary Hugh Wagner steps down at the end of March 2023.

The general secretary succession process is in motion as Steve has the whole-hearted support of the elected officers and staff of GSU. The Council also approved the executive committee’s recommendation to move Mason Van Luven from his term position into a regular staff representative position at GSU.

“I am extremely happy with the decision that Steve Torgerson will be GSU’s next general secretary,” said Hugh Wagner. “Steve brings creativity and solid experience to the role. He is a tireless advocate for GSU members and an excellent choice for the job.”

The Joint Executive Council is GSU’s governing body between policy conventions. You can learn more about the JEC here.

Our Joint Executive Council meets today in Regina

Oct. 25, 2022

This group of elected officers formulates policy and oversees the business of GSU between policy conventions.

Today’s semi-annual meeting will review business that includes financial and Defense Fund updates, an administration report from the general secretary, constitutional and bylaw issues, a decision on the location of the upcoming March 2023 GSU policy convention and more.

The JEC comprises the representatives elected by each of our Locals. Every Local is entitled to at least one representative on the JEC except in the case of Locals 13, 16, 17, 18 and 19 whose delegates caucus at GSU policy conventions to elect one representative and an alternate to represent them. GSU’s president and two vice-presidents are also elected to two-year terms at GSU policy conventions.

Watch next week’s Tuesday Members’ Memo for a detailed meeting update or contact your GSU staff rep for an update.

Hey, Local 15 (Nutrien) members! What are your thoughts on observing Stats on different dates?

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Nutrien Ag Solutions has advised they plan to adjust the observation dates of statutory holidays provided to you in your collective agreement – specifically those which land on a Saturday or Sunday. Some dates will be observed on the Monday following the holiday while others will be observed on the Friday before the holiday. Either way, Local 15 members will receive the same number of holidays as bargained in the collective agreement, even though the dates observed will be different.

GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner replied to Nutrien indicating the union would discuss the planned changes with Local 15 delegates and reply with any information, acceptance or rejection.

You can find the proposed changes here: 2023 Nutrien Holiday Schedule [PDF]

If you have any questions or comments, please share them with us at gsu@gsu.ca by Oct. 25.

Sask. minimum wage now the lowest in Canada

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On Oct. 1 Saskatchewan’s minimum wage increased to $13 per hour and moved from second last place to a last place ranking in Canada.

With the country’s lowest minimum wage is it any wonder that employers in some sectors are having difficulty in recruiting workers? Undesirable working conditions are also major factor in quite a number of sectors, so all-in-all it’s time employers stepped up their game.

As calculated by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the new minimum wage in Saskatchewan is a around $3.50 per hour lower than a living wage. Much more needs to be done to improve the lot of wage earners in the face of rising costs of living and declining standards of living.

Band aids won’t fix low wages in Saskatchewan and Canada.

We need consistent long-term solutions and securing the right to bargain over wages and working conditions by joining as union is one of them.

Employers who are committed to scheduled wage increases of 2 to 3 percent need to do a reality check and boost wages by considerably more to retain employees. There’s a significant shift underway in the labour market and employers who aren’t ahead of the curve will end up crying for workers.

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WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Member did not receive an interview for a position

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When a GSU member didn’t receive an interview for a position they had applied for, they contacted staff rep Steve Torgerson to discuss the situation. Torgerson is pursuing discussion with the employer in an attempt to find a resolution.

Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance.

Sometimes a brief comment, email or meeting is all that’s needed to address a situation. GSU is here to assist members in any way we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you.

No problem is too small! Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you or a limit on the times you can seek advice. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at GSU.ca.

BARGAINING: new GSU Local 4 (Grain Millers) collective agreement has been signed and is in effect

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On Sept. 27 GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson was in Yorkton for the signing of the new Local 4 and Grain Millers collective agreement by union and company representatives. There are still a couple of signatures to be added, but the effective signing date of the agreement is Sept. 27, 2022.

The following new benefits began Sept. 27, 2022:

  • Begin earning sick leave at 10 hours per month.
  • Weekend Shift premium is $1.75 an hour.
  • $300 annual safety eyewear is company paid, and the employee has to provide a receipt.
  • The Supplementary Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plan must be registered with Service Canada before payments can begin. The registration process is underway and employees will be advised when it is in effect.
  • Dual Ticket Premium is in effect.

Other benefits to come:

  • Night Shift premium increases from $1.50 to $1.75 per hour on April 1, 2023.
  • Vacation accrual of 160 hours will move from 8 years to 7 years on April 1, 2023.
  • Medical Benefit improvements should take effect as soon as the details with Sunlife are worked out. Watch for your new benefit book, possibly arriving as early as Oct. 1.

As your new agreement is in full effect and you begin to benefit from the changes it brings, take a moment to reflect on what you and your fellow Local 4 members have accomplished.

In the last few years you have worked hard in your jobs and within your Local. You have exercised your rights as Local 4 members and participated by talking and listening to each other’s ideas, talking to your managers about what needs to change, and standing up together as we approached bargaining. That is what made the difference. A bargaining committee can only do so much, but when the will and involvement of its members is strong the Local is powerful. Keep it up and be proud of what you all accomplished.

Bargaining collective agreements happens every day

We will not rest on our laurels and sit back for the next three years. We have to continue to uphold the rights in your agreement every day and work to make workers’ rights a priority at Grain Millers.

Please participate however you are able. Join the health and safety committee, become an elected Local executive member, stand up as a contact person for your department, or participate in GSU events and education.

Your bargaining committee will stand down shortly once all signatures are put to paper. If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact your bargaining committee members or your GSU staff reps.

On behalf of your Bargaining Committee,

Steve Torgerson

Your bargaining committee comprises Glen Wlasichuk, Ryan McNabb, Brandon Allin, Carter MacKay, Tyler Chorneyko (alternate), Brian Lark (GSU staff), Steve Torgerson (bargaining spokesperson and GSU Staff)

 

GSU’s Local 4 members have voted to accept the tentative settlement reached with their employer. Union and company representatives are working to incorporate the terms of the settlement into the final wording in the new collective agreement.  Once the new collective agreement has been finalized and duly signed, GSU will prepare and print collective agreement booklets for distribution to members.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact your bargaining committee or GSU staff reps Steve Torgerson and Brian Lark.

Thank you and congratulations to bargaining committee members Brandon Allin, Carter MacKay, Ryan McNabb, Glen Wlasichuk, Brian Lark (GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff) for their hard work reaching this settlement.

Local 4 members vote YES to new collective agreement

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Aug. 23, 2022

The July 21 tentative settlement between GSU’s Local 4 bargaining committee and employer representatives was voted on during two membership meetings held Aug. 17 and 18. After ballots were counted, results were reported to members that 89 percent of those voting had voted in favour of accepting the tentative settlement. The employer was notified of the vote results and work is underway by union and company representatives to incorporate the settlement terms into the wording of a new collective agreement.

Details of the settlement can be found in the articles below.

GSU will prepare and print collective agreement booklets for distribution to members as soon as the wording of the new collective agreement has been finalized and signed by union and company officials. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact your GSU bargaining committee members or GSU staff reps if you have any questions about the new agreement.

Congratulations and thank you to GSU Local 4 bargaining committee members Glen Wlasichuk, Ryan McNabb, Brandon Allin, Carter MacKay, Tyler Chorneyko, Brian Lark (GSU staff) and Steve Torgerson (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff) for their successful conclusion of these negotiations.

Tentative settlement reached, members to receive update and vote Aug. 17

Tuesday Members’ Memo – July 26, 2022

Union and company committees reached a tentative settlement when they met in Yorkton last week. Details of the settlement are being finalized and prepared for distribution to Local 4 members by email, text and printed copies posted on the union bulletin board. 

A membership bargaining update and vote meeting is being scheduled in Yorkton on August 17. Watch your email and text messages for additional information.

Membership meeting scheduled for June 13; Bargaining scheduled for July 20, 21 and 22

Movement toward a tentative settlement continued when the two sides met in Yorkton on May 24, 25 and 26. As a result, GSU’s bargaining committee has scheduled a meeting on June 13 to give Local 4 members an opportunity to receive an in-person bargaining update and ask any questions they have before bargaining resumes in July.

Bargaining held May 24, 25, 26; membership update meeting to be held June 13

This was the third bargaining session between the parties and now it’s time to check in with the members.

A bargaining update meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 13, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. at the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining held April 26; scheduled for May 24, 25 and 26

Tuesday Members’ Memo – May 3, 2022

The Local 4 bargaining committee met with the company representatives on April 26 to resume bargaining. This was the second bargaining session after the opening round of negotiations on March 22, 23 and 24.

Employee medical benefits (prescription, dental, life insurance, etc.) were the focus at this bargaining meeting. Your committee made headway in understanding the costs of current coverage, what costs are associated with increased coverage and how it all fits in with the entire bargaining package.

Bargaining is scheduled to continue May 22, 23 and 24 in Yorkton.

If you have any questions please reach out to a member of your bargaining committee. 

Progress made in first three days of bargaining

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 29, 2022

Bargaining got underway March 22, 23 and 24 in Yorkton with both sides introducing their bargaining proposal package.

“Over the three days there was good discussion, and progress was beginning to be made,” reports bargaining committee member and GSU staff rep Brian Lark.

Bargaining dates have been tentatively set for April 25 and 26.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargain underway

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 22, 2022

Bargaining began today with GSU Local 4’s bargaining committee meeting company representatives to introduce and exchange bargaining proposals. Bargaining is scheduled for March 22, 23 and 24 in Yorkton.

 

 

Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining set to begin March 22

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 8, 2022

Local 4’s bargaining committee will be sitting down with company representatives to introduce and exchange bargaining proposals on March 22, 23 and 24 in Yorkton.

 

On Jan. 14, GSU staff representatives Steve Torgerson and Brian Lark met with the Local 4 (Grain Millers) bargaining committee to discuss bargaining proposals. These proposals were developed from member suggestions to the local executive during the duration of the current collective bargaining agreement and ideas that were shared during the Local’s annual general meeting held in Oct. 28, 2021.

Current proposals address:

  • annual wage increases,
  • improvements and clarification on current benefits,
  • clarification on some work-related duties and hours of work,
  • housekeeping additions/changes in the current collective agreement language.

GSU’s detailed bargaining proposal package will be shared with Local members as soon as it has been presented to the company’s bargaining committee.

GSU served Grain Millers Canada Corp. with notice of collective bargaining on Jan. 17, 2022. The current collective agreement between Grain Millers and GSU Local 4 is set to expire March 31, 2022. As with all GSU collective agreements, the current agreement remains in place until a new agreement is reached.

We will keep you updated and share new information and updates as bargaining proceeds. If you have questions at any point, contact GSU staff reps Steve Torgerson or Brian Lark, or any member of your bargaining committee.

GSU Local 4 Grain Millers bargaining committee members are Glen Wlasichuk, Ryan McNabb, Brandon Allin, Carter MacKay, Tyler Chorneyko (alternate), GSU staff rep Brian Lark, GSU staff rep and bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark.

Local 4 (Grain Millers) settlement breaks mould, sets new high-water mark

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The agreement renewal settlement ratified by GSU Local 4 members in August represented a sharp break from a trend of settlements dominating collective bargaining and wage increases generally for the last decade.

On general wage increases alone, the Local 4 settlement with Grain Millers in Yorkton set a new high-water mark of 6 percent in the first year, 5 percent in the second year and 4 percent in the third year. The compound increase in pay is 15.75 percent over the life of the three-year collective agreement.

Added to the general wage increases are improvements to shift premiums, vacations, sick leave, a new safety eye wear allowance, dual ticket premiums and improvements to group health and insurance plans.

Altogether, the Local 4 settlement is testimony to the results possible through collective bargaining when union members are united and determined to stand their ground for better wages and employment conditions.

“From the get go, Local 4 members were determined to bargain hard toward their objectives,” said GSU staff representative and bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson. “Hats off to the members and the Local 4 bargaining committee for a job well done.”

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Interviews and final preparations for an arbitration

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Last week general secretary Hugh Wagner conducted interviews with the grievor and a former GSU staff in preparation for this week’s Sept. 29 and 30 arbitration of a Local 7 member’s grievance challenging their employer’s calculation of severance pay in the aftermath of eliminating their job.

The member in question was notified in mid-May that their job was to be eliminated effective at the end of the month along with the closure of the employer’s Regina head office. When GSU followed up on the job elimination notice it soon became clear that the employer intended to pay substantially less severance pay to the affected member than called for by the union’s interpretation of the collective agreement.

Subsequent communication with the employer did not resolve the disagreement and grievance action was commenced on behalf of the affected employee. When grievance action did not resolve the disagreement over the amount of severance pay owing to the employee the grievance was referred to arbitration.

Hugh Wagner will serve as counsel for GSU at the arbitration hearing.

The results of the arbitration of this dispute will be reported once the arbitrator has issued a decision.

No problem is too small! Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is never an additional charge for assisting you or a limit on the times you can seek advice. Contact one of our GSU staff representatives if you have questions or a problem you would like assistance with.

GSU members and staff attended the annual Sask. Federation of Labour’s OH&S conference last week

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The act and regulations regarding OH&S were born in Saskatchewan 50 years ago.

Since then, Canada and many other countries have come to Saskatchewan to observe and adopt our laws and regulations regarding OH&S.

To learn more about GSU’s contribution CLICK HERE.

Among the GSU attendees staff rep Brian Lark who chose the Saskatchewan Employment Act and Regulations Regarding OH&S class.

“As great as it was to see so many safety-orientated people, it was disheartening to hear that a safe workplace didn’t always seem to be the main priority for all employers,” Lark said. “Too many participants confirmed that the employer didn’t always follow the rules and regulations when it came to safety, the committees, and the employee contributions to safety.”

“The right to safe workplaces is a right that we are all entitled to and one that we all must participate in,” Lark continued. “If you see unsafe work, say something. If you are involved in an unsafe situation, speak up. If you are unsure if your workplace has a committee or if you want to know more about the rules and regulations regarding safety in your workplace, ask a shop steward, your manager or Human Resources.”

“The only way to effect change is to hold ourselves and our employers responsible for safety. Saskatchewan was the birthplace of safety laws and regulations, but we continually lead the country in workplace injuries and fatalities,” Lark concluded. “We need to make safety top of mind for everyone and ensure all workers go home in the same or better condition than they arrived at work.” 

The newly-printed Local 14 (Richardson) collective agreements are now in the hands of GSU members

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The new collective agreement booklets have been printed and they were sent to GSU Local 14 members by bulk mail last week. If you have not received your agreement booklet – or if more booklets are needed at your workplace – don’t hesitate to contact your GSU staff representative.

The agreement is also available to view or print from GSU’s web page at GSU.ca.

Local 14 (Richardson) collective agreements are on their way to members

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The new Local 14 agreements have been mailed in bulk to members at their workplaces. Watch for yours by early next week.

Your collective agreement included information on working conditions such as hours of work and overtime pay, leave of absence provisions, vacations, general holidays, seniority, transfers, resignation, termination, protection against arbitrary disciplinary action, access to your personnel file and much more. Take an opportunity to familiarize yourself with your new agreement and don’t hesitate to contact a GSU staff rep if you have any questions.

 

Congratulations to our 2022 GSU scholarship recipients

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It’s September and everyone is back at school, including our five scholarship recipients.

Each year GSU is pleased to offer $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community. The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent children who have not previously won.

Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients and thank you to GSU scholarship committee members Jim Brown (GSU president), Michelle Houlden (GSU vice president) and Sheila Tran (GSU vice president) for their work reviewing scholarship essays and selecting our recipients.

GSU 2022 GSU scholarship recipients

 

dependent scholarship

Josephine Burgess-Leon

Dependent of GSU Local 9 (Trouw) member Roger Leon

Psychology Bachelor of Arts, University of Fraser Valley

dependent scholarship

Aden Kearns

Dependent of GSU Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) member Raelee Kearns

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Regina

member scholarship

Jordyn Kramer

GSU Local 15 (Nutrien) member

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, University of Saskatchewan

dependent scholarship

Orlin Pratt

Dependent of Local 5 (Western Producer) member
Sean Pratt

Bachelor of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan

member scholarship

Matthew Rapin

GSU Local 16 (Lake Country Co-op) member

Bachelor of Science, Keyano College

 

 

Happy Labour Day, workers! Join the labour-movement-sponsored celebrations in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw on Sept. 5

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Labour Day is a day to celebrate workers. Join your local Labour Day celebrations in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw!

Regina – Labour Day Family Picnic

Join the Regina and District Labour Council, the Saskatchewan Building Trades, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, and Regina trade unions to celebrate Labour Day! Free food, entertainment, and fun. Bring your family and friends!

Date: Monday, September 5
Time: 11:30 AM- 3:30 PM
Location: Pat Fiacco Plaza (City Square Plaza) on the North side of Victoria Park in downtown Regina.
Click here for more information   [Facebook link]

Saskatoon – Labour Day BBQ

Join the Saskatoon and District Labour Council for a free community BBQ.

Date: Monday, September 5
Time: 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Location: Victoria Park (by Riversdale Pool), Saskatoon

Moose Jaw – Labour Day BBQ

Join the Moose Jaw and District Labour Council for a free community BBQ.

Date: Monday, September 5
Time: 11:30 AM until the food runs out
Location: 1402 Caribou Street, Moose Jaw
Click here for more information   [Facebook link]

GSU’s executive committee met Aug. 31

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GSU’s executive committee met Aug. 31 to review union administration, finances and applications received for the general secretary position. They also discussed arrangements for the autumn 2022 Joint Executive Council meeting and the 2023 GSU biennial policy convention.

The executive committee is comprised of Jim Brown (president), Michelle Houlden (vice president) and Sheila Tran (vice president). The executive committee is responsible for overseeing GSU administration and finances between meetings of the union’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors). GSU’s general secretary is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the union and reports to the executive committee.

It’s important to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st

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The most recent Regina Police Commission report shows that in 2022 more than 10 lives have been lost each month in Regina alone.

Take a careful look at the pictures of loved ones who have been lost – think of them, and think of those who are missing them (collage provided by the Canadian network of families Moms Stop The Harm).

Join today’s Regina event at the Mâmawêyatitân Centre, 3355 6th Avenue, Regina – 3PM to 5PM to Remember and to Prevent.

  • MEMORY PATH – display a picture of loved ones who have been lost (place a ribbon/flower in memory of those lost and remember)
  • PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL DANCERS, SINGERS, MUSICIANS
  • SHARE IN A MEAL (all welcome – no cost, donations welcome to be used for 2023 event)
  • NALOXONE TRAINING
  • EDUCATION AND AWARENESS TABLES
  • TAKE WHAT YOU NEED AND LEAVE THE REST TABLE