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

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 1 and 2 (Viterra) members can expect to receive a bargaining survey, soon

The current Local 1 (Operations/Maintenance) and Local 2 (Head Office) collective agreements with Viterra are set to expire Oct. 31. That means GSU members in these locals can anticipate our requests for input to help prepare for the upcoming negotiating process that determines their pay, rights and working conditions.

The first item Local 1 and 2 members can expect to receive is a bargaining survey. Elected officers at our June 23/24 delegates meeting are finalizing the survey and we anticipate sending it to members soon.

“If you are a GSU member working for Viterra, this is the perfect time to contact us with your preferred email address,” said GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. “That way we can be certain everyone has an opportunity to participate in the survey and share their thoughts.”

Local 5 (Western Producer) prepares for bargaining

Local 5 members met on May 18 to prepare for upcoming negotiations and begin the process of putting their proposals together with assistance from their negotiating committee and GSU staff rep Donna Driediger. Front of mind for all members are wage rates, job security, the rapid changes in the world and drastic increases to inflation rates.

Notice to bargain was served to the employer on May 5. The bargaining process is expected to begin over the summer.

The negotiations committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia and Donna Driediger (GSU staff and bargaining spokesperson). 

LOCAL 14 (Richardson) VOTE: Ballots counted, majority of 56 percent voted to accept company’s “best offer”

GSU Local 14’s bargaining proposals are available here.

GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven will be providing GSU bargaining updates to members of Local 14 as bargaining proceeds.

Our Tuesday Members’ Memo database is our contact information source, so members who aren’t currently receiving our e-newsletter won’t receive bargaining updates. Please share this information with your co-workers and encourage them to contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our email list.

GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee comprises Jerid Clark (White City), Curtis Shiels (Melville), Hugh Wagner (GSU general secretary and union bargaining spokesperson), Donna Driediger (GSU staff), and Mason Van Luven (GSU staff).


Members vote, accept company’s “best offer” by slim majority

Email update to Local 14 members – March 31, 2022

Members of GSU Local 14 have held meetings over the past two weeks to vote on a bargaining settlement offer made by Richardson International on March 9.

“92.6 percent of eligible members cast ballots in the voting process and we thank all for their participation,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “The ballots have been counted and a slim majority of 56 percent have voted to accept the proposed settlement.”

As a result of the democratic decision by the members, GSU will inform the employer and proceed to finalize a renewed collective agreement with Richardson International.

Your new collective agreement is a result of collective bargaining between your elected GSU representatives and your employer, and a ratification vote by members in your local. We are pleased that so many members participated during the bargaining process and made their thoughts known, particularly so during the vote on the company’s “best offer”.

Thank you to Jerid Clark and Curtis Shiels for their time and hard work as they served as the voice of Local 14 members at the bargaining table. Their participation was invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Work will now begin to incorporate the terms of the company’s “best offer” into your new collective agreement. Once the wording of the new agreement has been agreed to and duly signed by company and union representatives, GSU will print new collective agreement booklets for distribution to all Local 14 members.

Please contact any member of your bargaining committee or your GSU staff representative if you have any questions, observations or concerns.

 



Zoom bargaining report call held March 21

March 21, 2022

GSU general secretary and Local 14 bargaining committee spokesperson Hugh Wagner hosting this call. He presented the bargaining report and responded to members’ questions.

Information on the settlement and the call was sent to Local 14 members by email last week. 


GSU Local 14 bargaining report / notice of vote sent to members March 16

March 16, 2022

GSU has sent a bargaining report and notice of a membership vote for your review. Packages of information were sent to your facility contact for distribution to union members.

GSU staff representatives are also going to be arranging meetings at the work locations to give members and opportunity to discuss the bargaining and cast their votes in person. In addition, GSU will hold town hall Zoom meetings where general secretary Hugh Wagner will present the bargaining report and response to members’ questions.

Watch for notice of a meeting at your location and Zoom meeting notices or contact your GSU staff rep for details.


Local 14 (Richardson) members to vote on offer

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 15, 2022 

On March 9 GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee met with Richardson International representatives to resume agreement renewal collective bargaining.

The meeting did not produce a tentative bargaining settlement. Instead, Richardson management made what they described as their best offer to settle a renewed collective agreement with GSU Local 14.

Although Richardson’s offer does not provide for wage increases that the union bargaining committee was willing to sign off on and recommend, the offer is being taken to the members of Local 14 for a vote.

“It is our sincere belief that union members should have the opportunity to weigh in on the matter and have the final say,” said GSU general secretary and union bargaining committee spokesperson Hugh Wagner

A notice of vote and bargaining report are being prepared and will be sent to Local 14 members by March 16.

Work is also underway to arrange information sessions as well as in-person union meetings where members can cast their ballots.

Further updates will follow.


Bargaining with Richardson International resumes March 9

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 1, 2022

“When we meet management again on March 9, we will continue to do our best to bring about a settlement for Local 14 members to vote on,” said union bargaining committee spokesperson and GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner.

The parties last met on Feb. 16.


Local 14 (Richardson) members may soon assess, vote and determine next step in process

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 22, 2022 

When GSU local 14’s bargaining committee last met with their counterparts from Richardson International on Feb. 16, some additional progress was made in narrowing the differences on the issues of sick leave and wage increases.

“The bargaining session paused at the end of the day on February 16 so that GSU’s committee could assess where things stand,” said union bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner. “The next day I proposed meeting again on February 23 but management advised that scheduling prevents their committee from meeting again until March 9 or 10.”

“The delay isn’t optimum and we’ll continue to look for an earlier resumption of the bargaining,” Wagner said. “Even if we don’t meet until March 9, I think one more session will bring things to a point where union members will be able to assess, vote, and determine how the bargaining is going to turn out.”

“The Local 14 bargaining committee is doing its level best to bring about negotiated wage increases in line with members’ expectations,” said Wagner. “The final word goes to union members.”


Follow-up meeting being planned for week of Feb. 21

Source: Feb. 16 Email Update to GSU Local 14 Members

GSU’s Local 14 bargaining committee met with their counterparts from Richardson International for the better part of Wednesday, February 16.

The bargaining discussions are ongoing and a follow-up meeting is being planned for the middle of next week.

Updates will be shared as information is available.

An email update was sent to members on Feb. 17. If you are a Local 14 member and you didn’t receive the update, you are not in our database list. Please contact GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca to update your contact information.


Bargaining to resume Feb. 16 with Richardson International

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 8. 2022

GSU’s Local 14 bargaining committee will resume agreement renewal bargaining with Richardson International management on Feb. 16. The parties last met on Jan. 12 although they have been communicating in the meantime.

The union bargaining committee used the break to consult with members at the locations. Members’ consistent response emphasized the importance of paid sick leave and wage increases for every employee in keeping with the rising cost of living.

“When we meet management on February 16 we will be guided by the views of Local 14 members and do our level best to bring about a settlement that addresses their concerns,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner.


GSU Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining committee awaits company reply

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 1, 2022

At GSU’s Local 14 bargaining committee’s request, GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner spoke with Richardson’s spokesperson on Jan. 28 about resuming bargaining meetings. It is expected that the employer will reply later this week regarding a meeting date(s).

“A wage increase for every employee that is consistent with the rising cost of living is a major issue to be resolved as we work toward settling a new collective agreement,” said Wagner.

Further updates will follow.


GSU Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining committee receives update on member consultations

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 25, 2022

GSU’s Local 14 bargaining committee convened on Jan. 17 for a report on GSU agreement renewal bargaining consultations with union members at their various locations. Although the process of sounding-out members’ views on bargaining issues is not complete, the emerging message is concern over the rising price of inflation and obtaining a wage increase for all employees that addresses their cost of living concerns.

Late last week GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner contacted Richardson’s bargaining spokesperson to convey union members’ cost of living concerns and the importance of an across-the-board wage increase for every employee in the union bargaining unit.

Follow-up discussion regarding the direction of bargaining is anticipated later this week.


Union and Company sides to review, reflect on differences before touching base again

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 18, 2022

Your GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) bargaining committee met with Richardson International Limited representatives in Regina on Jan. 11 and 12 to resume agreement renewal negotiations.

While considerable progress was made, a difference in perspective remains on the question of wage increases.

GSU is consulting with Local 14 members

When bargaining adjourned Jan. 12, both sides agreed to review and reflect on the differences standing in the way of a tentative settlement and touch base in the near future.

GSU staff representatives are reaching out to Local 14 members to provide an update and answer questions about agreement renewal negotiations. These updates will take place after hours or during members’ scheduled break(s).

If you would like to speak to a GSU staff representative when they visit, contact your sub-local union representative or your GSU staff rep to confirm the day and time of your scheduled visit. If you aren’t available or have questions that arise after your rep’s visit, don’t hesitate to contact us by email, text or phone.


Some progress made in Local 14/Richardson bargaining; committees will meet again in Regina, Jan. 11, 12

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Dec. 21, 2021

(L-r) GSU’s Local 14 bargaining committee members Curtis Shiels, Hugh Wagner, Jerid Clarke and Mason Van Luven. Missing from photo: Donna Driediger.

GSU’s Local 14 bargaining committee met with their counterparts from Richardson International on Dec. 20 and 21 as both sides reviewed and revised the bargaining proposals they tendered during their first bargaining meeting the previous week.

“While we made some progress, there are key matters to be resolved and a significant difference between the two parties on the subject of wage increases. The union committee is continuing to press for across-the-board wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living,” said GSU general secretary and union bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner. “When the Dec. 21st bargaining meeting ended, it was evident that more work needs to be done to find the basis for a settlement, and we agreed to meet again on Jan. 11 and 12.”


Local 14/Richardson bargaining to begin Dec. 14, continue Dec. 20 and 21

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Dec. 7, 2021

Agreement renewal bargaining with Richardson International will begin with an exchange of bargaining proposals on Dec. 14. Bargaining will continue when the two sides meet again on Dec. 20 and 21 in Regina.

“It’s taken awhile to nail down dates, but soon we will begin to work on renewing the collective agreement covering GSU members working for Richardson,” said GSU general secretary and union bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner. “As reported in earlier updates, I anticipate the main focus will be on wage increases that address the rising cost of living.”

The union bargaining proposals assembled by Local 14 delegates will be published in conjunction with their presentation to company management on Dec. 14. Further reports will be released as the bargaining proceeds.


We’re pressing Richardson Pioneer for new bargaining dates; Local 14 members should watch their email for updates

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Nov. 16, 2021

When Richardson Pioneer asked to postpone what was to be the first bargaining session on Nov. 10, GSU’s committee agreed to the postponement and decided to use the day to meet, review the bargaining process, and fine-tune the proposals. We continue to press the company to set a new date to begin bargaining.

 As previously reported, there are four members on GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee. GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner will once again serve as the union’s bargaining spokesperson. GSU Local 14 members Curtis Shiels and Jerid Clark are new to bargaining and Nov. 10 was their first opportunity to meet each other and GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven. As a relatively new staff member of the union, this is Van Luven’s second opportunity to participate at a GSU bargaining table.

 Van Luven previously worked for an access to justice organization, so while he is new to sitting at a bargaining table, he is familiar with the challenge of opposing sides seeking common ground and the importance of careful phrasing of proposals.

 “I’ve had experience with two very different parties with different interests coming together to find a compromise that doesn’t undermine anyone’s position, and I’ve seen how just one word can change the entire meaning of an article,” Van Luven said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the bargaining committee as a union staff member and seeing how the process unfolds.”’

Van Luven has been tasked with providing GSU bargaining updates to members of Local 14 as bargaining proceeds.

Our Tuesday Members’ Memo database is our contact information source, so members who aren’t currently receiving our e-newsletter won’t receive bargaining updates. Please share this information with your co-workers and encourage them to contact GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven at Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our email list.


Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining postponed; GSU committee meets to prepare

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Nov. 9, 2021

Agreement renewal bargaining between GSU Local 14 and Richardson International was set to kick off with an exchange of bargaining proposals on Nov. 10. The meeting has been postponed at the request of the employer in order for them to address some internal administrative processes. GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee of Jerid Clark (White City), Curtis Shiels (Melville), Mason Van Luven (GSU staff) and Hugh Wagner (GSU staff) are using the opportunity to meet on Nov. 10 to review the union’s proposals and prepare for the first bargaining meeting.

“Bargaining with Richardson is about to begin as Canadians are experiencing significant rises in the cost of living, “ said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “I have no doubt that wage increases and related matters will be front and center when we meet with the employer’s representatives.” 

Local 14’s bargaining proposals will be posted on GSU’s web site following their being presented to Richardson’s representatives.


Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining committee elected, proposals assembled, tentative meeting dates sought

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Oct. 19, 2021

Delegates representing GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) met on Oct. 13 to review the priorities identified by members and to put together a series of proposals for agreement renewal bargaining with the employer. Meeting delegates also elected Jerid Clark (White City) and Curtis Shiels (Melville) to be on the GSU bargaining committee along with general secretary Hugh Wagner.

The collective agreement between GSU and Richardson expires on Dec. 31, 2021. Notice to bargain was served by GSU at the beginning of September.

“I’ve been in touch with Ms. Heather Dezan, who is Richardson’s lead on this file, and we discussed the logistics of bargaining as well as tentative meeting dates,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “I anticipate that bargaining will begin in the second or third week of November.”

Bargaining reports will be released by GSU as agreement renewal bargaining progresses.


Local 14 (Richardson) delegates to meet, review bargaining priorities, and elect bargaining committee

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Oct. 12, 2021 

Delegates representing GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) will meet via Zoom on Oct. 12 to review bargaining priorities identified by members and assemble bargaining proposals to raise with company management.

The collective agreement between GSU and Richardson expires on Dec. 31, 2021. Notice to bargain the amendment and renewal of the collective agreement was served by GSU at the beginning of September.

“Union members have pointed to a number of key areas to address in bargaining with the employer and it won’t surprise anyone that wage increases are at the top of the list,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “The delegates meeting on Wednesday will sort out the issues and put together a series of bargaining proposals as well as elect a bargaining committee to meet with company representatives.”

“We hope to begin meeting with our counterparts in Richardson management in the near future,” Wagner said. “We’ll provide update reports to members as the bargaining proceeds.”


Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) collective agreement expires Dec. 31, notice to bargain served

Sept. 8, 2021 

GSU served notice to bargain Sept. 7 to Richardson International Limited on behalf of the members of the union’s Local 14.

When notice to bargain the amendment and renewal of a collective agreement is served under the Canada Labour Code, the employer and the union are required to meet and make a good faith effort to negotiate a renewed collective agreement. The collective agreement between GSU and Richardson currently covers 10 locations in Saskatchewan.

In this instance, the collective agreement expires on Dec. 31. However, even if the parties haven’t reached a new agreement by the expiry date, the existing collective agreement lives on until the parties agree on a replacement or they exhaust the bargaining dispute process under the Canada Labour Code and end up in a legal strike or lockout situation.

“GSU’s relationship with Richardson management is open, straightforward and respectful,” says GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “So far we’ve always been able to find the basis for bargaining a renewed collective agreement without too much difficulty and I anticipate this time around will proceed along the same lines.”

“We’ve just completed receiving bargaining surveys from Local 14 members and work is underway to distill the results for sharing with the Local’s union delegates. From there, a series of bargaining proposals will be put together and eventually presented to the employer,” Wagner said. “We will be working with the Local 14 delegates to take a solid set of bargaining proposals to the employer.”

“Not surprisingly, a substantial wage increase topped the list of priorities identified in the surveys returned by Local 14 members,” said Wagner. “We’ll do our best at the bargaining table to achieve the aspirations identified by union members. Ultimately the outcome is in their hands as any settlement or other action is subject to a vote by union members.”

Updates will be provided as agreement renewal collective bargaining proceeds.

Congratulations to Tim Kachmarski – winner of an iPad in our Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) bargaining survey draw

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our bargaining survey. The insight you have provided is important and appreciated.

 


Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) delegates to meet early Sept., prepare bargaining proposals, elect bargaining committee

August 4, 2021

Members of GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) are being asked to complete a GSU bargaining survey to help focus efforts on negotiating a new collective agreement with their employer this autumn. Union delegates will meet in early September to review member priorities, prepare a bargaining platform, and elect a committee to meet with company management.

Surveys were distributed by union delegates and sent by email to individual Local 14 members on Aug. 3. If you are a Local 14 member and you didn’t receive a survey, contact us at gsu@gsu.ca.

Surveys returned to GSU’s Regina office by Aug. 31 will be entered in a draw to win an iPad.

Local 14 members who complete the contact information section on the survey will be automatically entered into the draw.


GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) members urged to complete bargaining survey

July 28, 2021

Today we began distributing a GSU bargaining survey to members of GSU Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer). The survey is intended to help focus efforts on negotiating a new collective agreement with the employer this coming autumn.

“Regardless of whether people have one or a number of issues they’d like to see addressed at the bargaining table, completing the Local 14 bargaining survey is the first step in the process of securing a new and improved collective agreement with Richardson,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Perhaps a wage increase and inflation are top of mind issues for people as the Bank of Canada is predicting an annual increase of 3 percent in the consumer price index. Whatever the priorities might be, we’d like to know the top-of-mind issues when a series of bargaining proposals is assembled.”

“The ideas and priorities identified by union members form the basis of the material we take to the bargaining table, “ Wagner said. “Delegates from the locations will meet in early September to put together a bargaining platform and elect a committee to meet with Company management. The first thing we need is the input of union members.”

If you are a Local 14 member, watch your email for your copy of the survey. If you don’t receive your copy, contact us at gsu@gsu.ca.

GSU Locals 1 and 2 begin agreement renewal bargaining with Viterra [view bargaining proposals here]

View and download a copy of the union’s bargaining proposals here:
GSU Local 1 (Viterra Country Ops and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining proposals [Dec. 5, 2018]

GSU’s bargaining committee representing members of Local 1 (country operations and maintenance) and Local 2 (Regina head office) met with representatives of Viterra to begin agreement renewal bargaining on Dec. 5, 6 and 7, 2018.

The bargaining began with an exchange of proposals to amend and renew the collective agreements between GSU and Viterra. Explanation and initial comments on the respective bargaining proposals followed. On Dec. 7 the GSU bargaining committee met with senior representatives of the Viterra’s HR department to receive a presentation on management’s proposals for amending the structure of the pay plan and salary grades. Viterra has not yet disclosed its proposals for general wage increases.

The bargaining proposals for GSU Locals 1 and 2 can be viewed and downloaded here.

Bargaining is scheduled to resume on Jan. 15, 16, and 17, 2019.

The GSU bargaining committee for Locals 1 and 2 is comprised of Jim Brown (Balgonie), Brett North (Moose Jaw), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Sheila Tran (Regina head office), Howard Wilson (Regina head office), GSU staff rep Donna Driediger and general secretary Hugh Wagner.

BARGAINING UPDATE: Richardson, Viterra (Nov. 13)

Updated Nov. 13, 2018

GSU and Richardson International Bargaining

GSU Local 14’s bargaining committee met with Richardson International representatives on Nov. 1 and 2. Bargaining proposals were exchanged and some progress was made in resolving a number of issues. Bargaining is scheduled to resume on Nov. 19 and 20.
A further update will be issued following the Nov. 19 and 20 meetings.

GSU and Viterra Bargaining

GSU Locals 1 and 2 bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with Viterra representatives on Dec. 5 and 6.

“It’s taken some time to nail down bargaining dates,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “When we meet GSU’s committee will be presenting union members’ bargaining proposals as well as pressing for expedited results.”

An update will be issued following the meetings with Viterra management in December.

Local 7 bargaining committee reaches tentative settlement with Heartland Livestock Services 

On May 10, the bargaining committee of GSU Local 7’s Heather MacKay, Larry Worobetz, and lead negotiator/staff rep Donna Driediger  reached a tentative agreement renewal bargaining settlement with Heartland Livestock  Services. The tentative settlement is subject to a membership vote.

A memorandum of agreement is being prepared and the settlement details will be provided to Local 7 members before they vote whether to approve or reject the tentative settlement.

The  bargaining committee will be  recommending members vote to approve the settlement which, among other things, provides for a two-year agreement with the equivalent of 2.5 percent wage increases to payroll in each year – including retroactivity  in the first year to January 1, 2018. 

Local 7 members are urged to watch their email for details about the settlement and ratification vote. 

Notice of Vote on Tentative Settlement of Agreement Renewal Bargaining – GSU Local 15 (CPS – Saskatchewan)

The following information is available here as a PDF format.

 

NOTICE OF VOTE
On Tentative Settlement
of Agreement Renewal Bargaining
GSU Local 15 (CPS – Saskatchewan)

May 13, 2016

GSU Local 15 Members (CPS Saskatchewan),

This is notice that GSU members employed by CPS in Saskatchewan will soon be able to vote on the tentative settlement of agreement renewal bargaining reached on April 22, 2016 between the union and company.

The tentative settlement is subject to approval by GSU members and CPS.

Each union member is entitled to vote on the tentative settlement. The question on the ballot is as follows:

I have reviewed the terms of the April 22, 2016 tentative collective bargaining settlement between GSU and CPS and I approve same as the basis for renewing the collective agreement between the employer and my union. __X__

I have reviewed the terms of the April 22, 2016 tentative collective bargaining settlement between GSU and CPS. I reject same. ___X__

Recognizing that this is an extremely busy time of year for all members, a mail-in ballot system will be used to enable each member to vote on the tentative bargaining settlement.

GSU’s administration is sending settlement information, including copies of this notice, to each Ag retail branch and seed plant in the union bargaining unit. An information package will also be sent to Brian Cowan for distribution to members working in Ag R&D.

The GSU voters’ list will be based on the latest union dues remittance provided by CPS. A ballot and voting instructions will be mailed to the home mailing address of each member on the voters’ list.

When you receive your ballot via Canada Post please mark your choice and place the ballot inside the small unmarked envelope which you will also receive. Then place the envelope containing your ballot inside the larger self-addressed/postage-paid envelope and mail it to GSU.

The deadline for ballots to be returned will be three weeks from the date GSU mails the ballots to members on the voters’ list. The return deadline will be identified in the voting instructions accompanying the ballots mailed to members. It will also be announced by email and advertised on GSU’s web site.

Members who do not receive a ballot and voting instructions at their home are asked to call GSU toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 to rectify the situation.

GSU’s Local 15 bargaining committee is recommending approval of the April 22, 2016 tentative settlement with CPS. If a majority of members voting approve the tentative settlement, a renewed collective agreement will be finalized. If a majority of members voting reject the tentative settlement, the Local 15 bargaining committee will invite the Company to return to the bargaining table and/or serve notice of a collective bargaining dispute under the provisions of the Saskatchewan Employment Act.

Hugh Wagner, Bargaining Committee Spokesperson
ON BEHALF OF GSU LOCAL 15 BARGAINING COMMITTEE

BARGAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Carolyn Illerbrun, Brian Cowan, Brent Pelechaty, Lynn Woods-Nordin and Hugh Wagner

 

Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Contact a bargaining committee member directly by calling the GSU Regina office at 1.866.522.6686, or email bargaining committee spokesperson Hugh Wagner at gsu.regina@sasktel.net.

 


Background information:

Ballots counted – Locals 1 and 2 (Viterra) settlements approved

The ballots cast by GSU members have been counted and the tentative agreement renewal bargaining settlements reached between Viterra and GSU on April 15, 2016 have been approved by a majority of union members who voted.

Steps will now be taken to amend the two collective agreements based on the terms of the bargaining settlement. As soon as that work is completed GSU will arrange for printing of collective agreement booklets for distribution to union members.

Thank you to all who voted and offered comments about the settlement. Thank you to GSU’s bargaining committee and staff for their hard work, and thank you to Viterra management for accommodating the GSU vote in the country operations and maintenance workplaces.

Background information: