Author Archives: Grain and General Services Union

Nutrien to make cash award, GSU applauds employer generosity

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Every so often, but not often enough, employers will give employees bonuses to acknowledge business results. In other instances it might be to address exceptional circumstances such as the COVID pandemic. Last week GSU received notice that Nutrien that will be giving employees a one-time award of $3,000 to frontline employees in recognition of the Company’s very good financial results.

Payment of the $3,000 award will be made to all regular employees, including GSU members, provided they were employed as of March 31, 2022 and continue to be employed on December 9, 2022. Unfortunately, the award does not extend to temporary or seasonal employees.

“GSU does not stand in the way of employer generosity or recognition efforts,” says GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “We do our best to bargain solid and above-average benefits, wages and working conditions and if an employer wants to go above and beyond GSU has no objection nor restriction.”

GSU had previously urged Nutrien to take steps to recognize the rising cost of living even though the collective agreement is not open for renewal. In replying senior management did not make any specific commitments. Nonetheless, actions speak louder than words.

“A number of GSU’s collective agreements explicitly acknowledge the ability of the employer to implement employee retention and incentive plans,” Wagner said. “However, I’ve seen it happen where an employer will say to GSU members that they would give their employees a bonus, but falsely claim the union won’t allow it.”

“When all is said and done, I believe it is important to give credit where credit is due and in this instance Nutrien management is doing a good thing. Hats off to them,” Wagner said.

GSU Local 7 (Heartland Livestock/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining to resume Dec. 20

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(L-r) The bargaining committee comprises Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson/GSU staff).

Dec. 20 set to resume negotiations

Posted Nov. 25, 2022

Dec. 20 has been set to resume negotiations between the GSU Local 7 (Heartland Livestock Services/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining committee and their management counterparts. This will be the second bargaining meeting for the parties.

The union committee had hoped for an earlier resumption of negotiations and they are ready to continue addressing the significant gap in monetary and non-monetary issues between the parties.

Updates will be issued directly to members after each bargaining session and as new information is available. Contact Mason@gsu.ca if you are not receiving updates and would like to be added to the list.

GSU Local 7 (Heartland Livestock/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining now underway

Posted Nov. 1, 2022

Bargaining got underway on Oct. 28 in Regina. The two sides will meet again Nov. 4 and the additional bargaining date of Nov. 18 has been tentatively scheduled to meet, if required.

“We are taking a practical and fair approach to improvements to your collective agreement and workplace by stating clearly what Local 7 members want and what we believe is reasonable,” said GSU staff rep and union bargaining committee spokesperson Mason Van Luven. “We’re backing that up by providing examples of workplace experiences from our Local 7 members.”

Bargaining proposals, a web page password and additional information were sent to Local 7 members by email on Oct. 31. You can learn more on GSU’s web page under the BARGAINING menu tab at the top of the page.

Updates will be issued directly to members after each bargaining session and as new information is available. Contact Mason@gsu.ca if you are not receiving updates and would like to be added to the list.

Are you interested in becoming a delegate to GSU’s 2023 Policy Convention?

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Our 2023 policy convention will be held at Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa in Moose Jaw on March 23, 24 and 25, 2023.

Delegate entitlement at GSU conventions is assigned to Locals on the basis of one delegate for every 25 members or major fraction (13) thereof. Each Local – no matter how small – is entitled to at least one convention delegate.

Delegates to GSU conventions must be approved by their Local and the boards of delegates of Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance), Local 7 (Heartland/Northern Livestock), Local 14 (Richardson) and Local 15 (Nutrien) are responsible for electing/selecting their Local’s delegates and alternates to GSU conventions.

Members who are interested in being a delegate to GSU’s 2023 convention in Moose Jaw are asked to follow up by contacting their Local executive committee members, a GSU staff representative or by sending an email to GSUconvention@gsu.ca.

If you are a member of GSU Locals 1, 7, 14 or 15, act quickly because the election/selection of delegates will be made early in the New Year.

BARGAINING: Local 5 (Western Producer)’s second round of negotiations with management complete; next session set for Dec. 2

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GSU Local 5’s bargaining team met with company representatives on Nov. 18 via video conference.

Revised bargaining proposals were exchanged, but the two sides remain significantly apart on key issues. With bargaining ongoing and Dec. 2 tentatively scheduled to meet again, details are not being disclosed at this time.

 

Local 5’s bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Hugh Wagner (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson is assisting a member with a position elimination

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“Having your position eliminated is different than being terminated for cause because it has nothing to do with work performance. That said, being told your position is being eliminated is still difficult,” Torgerson said. “It’s important to know your rights and what you are entitled to as part of a position elimination so you don’t miss out on money or benefits simply because you didn’t know to ask for them.”

Your GSU staff reps will walk you through the position elimination process, answer any questions you have and address any concerns that arise.

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. 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 here. 

Have you seen people wearing a small patch of hide pinned to their clothing?

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The Moose Hide Campaign stands up against violence towards women and children.

Those wearing a small patch of hide pinned to their clothing you are participating in the Moose Hide Campaign and committing to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in their lives. In addition, this patch demonstrates that the wearer commits to work to end violence against women and children.

The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians standing up to end violence against women and children. Women, girls and all genders are also very much welcome to support the campaign and its goals.

In joining the campaign as men and boys, a promise is made to:

  • stand up with women and children and speak out against violence towards them,
  • support each other as men and hold each other accountable,
  • teach young boys about the true meaning of love and respect and be healthy role models for them, and
  • heal as men and support our brothers on their healing journey.

To learn more or order your own moose hide pin, visit moosehidecampaign.ca

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: “My employer wants to extend my probationary period …”

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GSU staff rep Brian Lark assisted a member when the employer wanted to extend their probationary period.

“There are reasonable reasons to extend probation periods but there can also be unreasonable extensions implemented by employers,” GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven said. “Probationary employees are dues-paying union members, and they have full access to the assistance of a staff representative. If they are questioning an extension to their probationary period or another workplace issue they should give us a call.”

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.

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.

Related:

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.