Category Archives: convention

GSU’s 15th biennial policy convention recap

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GSU’s 15th biennial policy convention took place March 23-25 at Moose Jaw’s Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa. Nearly forty delegates were in attendance to represent their peers as they set GSU’s guiding policies and reviewed the union’s operations, finances and plans for the future.

Delegate participation was high as they asked questions and requested the information they needed to speak to the issues, express their points of view, and vote on matters that would set the path for the union over the next two years and beyond.

GSU affiliates from RWDSU Sask. Joint Board, RWU BC, GWU, Sask. Federation of Labour and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (Canada) were also in attendance to observe and bring greetings to the convention. Their presence didn’t go unnoticed among GSU’s delegates, many of whom commented that it was eye-opening to learn that through GSU they were connected to other powerful organizations, and they enjoyed hearing the history of how those relationships had benefited each union and its members.

This connection to the greater labour movement bolstered Locals 1 and 2 (Viterra), 5 (Western Producer), 7 (Heartland/Northern Livestock Sales) and 18 (Lloydminister & District Co-op) as they are in various states of negotiations. Bargaining reports highlighting the many tactics and ploys that employers have to influence negotiations refocused delegates at convention. Negotiating a collective agreement shouldn’t be taken lightly and members should always be prepared to fight for what they have and organize to make a push for improvements. 

Throughout three days, the audited financial reports and operations budget were approved, nearly 30 resolutions were considered, and the Joint Executive Council’s annual report to members was approved for release to GSU members. Members also got up and moving when they participated in a getting-to-know-you icebreaker and a Truth and Reconciliation exercise.

Elections are an important part of convention, and this one was no different. Delegates voted to appoint Wilfred Harris (Local 1 – Viterra), Barry Zimmer (Local 1 – Viterra), Doug Kampman (Local 8 – Advance), Craig Reiman (Local 14 – Richardson) and Lynn Shaw (Local 15 – Nutrien) to two-year terms as GSU’s Defense Fund Board directors. Elections also saw incumbents Jim Brown (president), Michelle Houlden (vice president), and Sheila Tran (vice president) each return to their positions on the union’s executive committee for another two-year term.

The impending March 31 retirement of Hugh Wagner as GSU’s general secretary was also acknowledged throughout convention as ILWU president Rob Ashton, SFL president Lori Johb, RWDSU general secretary Gary Burkart and others shared kind words and well wishes during their time bringing greetings to convention delegates. Wagner was also honoured at the convention banquet Friday evening as he was presented with an honourary GSU lifetime membership and a long-term service award acknowledging his 48 years of service for GSU.

Congratulations were also extended to GSU’s new general secretary Steve Torgerson who officially accepted the appointment following a resolution to convention that was carried unanimously.

“The convention was a success,” Torgerson reflected. “We appreciate everyone who made time to attend, and we’re looking forward to acting on the resolutions and direction of the members.”

 

(Top l-r) vice president Sheila Tran, former general secretary Hugh Wagner, president Jim Brown, vice president Michelle Houlden, general secretary Steve Torgerson.

Hugh Wagner accepts a token of gratitude presented by ILWU president Rob Ashton.

General secretary Steve Torgerson leads delegates through a Truth and Reconciliation exercise.

Attend GSU’s policy convention (March 23-25, 2023 – Temple Gardens Spa, Moose Jaw, SK) Getting down to business: Review of the 2022 audited financial statements

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The Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.

The location of the March 23-25, 2023 policy convention is the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa.

Getting down to business: Review of the 2022 audited financial statements

Tuesday Members Memo – Feb. 21, 2023

Reviewing financial statements isn’t exactly a big seller to get people to convention, but involving members in the administration of their union is an important part of this gathering of union members and officers.

GSU prides itself on practicing democracy and transparent administration on behalf of the union’s members. Each year, the union’s financial statements are audited on behalf of the members by MWC Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.

Delegates to convention will receive and review the draft 2022 audited financial statements that will form part of the 2023 annual report to GSU members this spring.

Join us at convention and claim your GSU shirt

While it’s not reason enough alone to come to convention, it is a nice bonus. Each convention delegate will receive one of our new 2023 t-shirts designed by GSU vice president, Local 5 (Western Producer) member, and graphic artist extraordinaire Michelle Houlden.

Mark Crawford from the Unemployed Workers’ Help Centre will address convention delegates

TMM – Feb. 7, 2023

We have confirmed that Mark Crawford from the Unemployed Workers’ Help Centre will be addressing convention delegates. The centre provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan and they are a great resource for anyone struggling with EI issues.

“The Unemployed Workers Help Centre is a very valuable source of support that’s been utilized by GSU members numerous times over the years. Under the very able leadership of Mark Crawford, workers who have trouble with the EI program have a one-stop place to go for assistance,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “GSU supports the Unemployed Workers Help Centre with an annual donation from the union’s solidarity account. It’s money well spent.”

The Unemployed Workers Help Centre has offices in Regina and Saskatoon. They are an incorporated non-profit, community-based organization which provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan.

Register now and join us at GSU’s biennial policy convention in Moose Jaw

Registration is now open to all GSU members. If you become a convention delegate we will cover your wages, meals and travel costs, and assist you with requesting a leave of absence.

Delegate registrations are rolling in and we’re excited to see a great group who are ready to represent their peers at convention.

Just this morning we confirmed that Mark Crawford from the Unemployed Workers’ Help Centre will be addressing convention delegates. The centre provides information, advocacy, and representation for Employment Insurance claimants throughout Saskatchewan and they are a great resource for anyone struggling with EI issues.

Registration will close Feb. 28 or sooner in the event all delegate credentials are filled.

If you think you might be interested in attending and you want to learn more, contact your GSU staff rep or send an email to GSUconvention@gsu.ca.

Five of many reasons you should come to GSU’s policy convention:

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 31, 2023

  1. To learn more about your union and your fellow union members.
  2. To represent your co-workers and the priorities and concerns in your workplace.
  3. You’ll also represent fellow union members who work in the same job classification you do.
  4. To make the changes you want to see and set the course for your union.
  5. You’ll meet some great people!

We will cover your wages, meals and travel costs, and assist you with requesting a leave of absence.

Registration opens to all GSU members on Feb. 1.

If you think you might be interested in attending and you want to learn more, contact GSUconvention@gsu.ca.

GSU’s biennial policy convention offers members and officers opportunities for change, education

GSU’s Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.

The policy convention is the coordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote. Delegates to convention consider the business of GSU, including resolutions submitted by the Locals, members, Joint Executive Council and delegates at convention. Resolutions, policy statements and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU.

“If there are changes you want to see within the union, the policy convention is the place to make them happen,” said GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson. “It marks an opportunity to set policy, adjust course, debate, replenish, rebuild and learn. It also offers sufficient time for socializing and networking in a friendly and supportive environment of working people.”

GSU’s president, two vice-presidents, and Defense Fund board of directors will be elected at the March 23-25, 2023 policy convention being held at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa in Moose Jaw, SK.

Delegate registration is currently limited to elected officers and shop stewards, but will open to the membership on Feb. 1.

If you have questions about the convention or if you are interested in becoming a delegate at convention, please contact your GSU staff rep.

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.

GSU CONVENTION UPDATE: Delegates make the best of new convention format to take care of union business

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GSU delegates gathered in Regina and online March 18 and 19 to participate in GSU’s 14th biennial policy convention. The convention was originally scheduled for March 2020 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While GSU conventions are known for being in person, highly interactive and social, this year’s convention observed government regulations for gatherings with an option for delegates to participate via Zoom if they preferred. The usual getting-to-know-you session, educational component, banquet and accompanying social were set aside this year in favour of a lean agenda which strictly addressed required business and kept meeting time to a minimum.

Delegates made the best of the new convention format by patiently and diligently working through the business of the union, including approval of the Joint Executive Council’s annual report* to members, the union’s audited financial statements, and a budget estimate for 2021. A wide variety of resolutions were also considered and approved, and election of GSU’s top officers and five directors to GSU’s Defense Fund took place. Serving GSU members for the next two years are:

President – Jim Brown
Vice Presidents – Curtis Cousins / Michelle Houlden
General Secretary – Hugh Wagner
Defense Fund Directors – Wilfred Harris, Barb Healey, Doug Kampman, Darryl Knelsen, and Sheldon Reiss.

“The conditions for holding a convention were unusual and they made things cumbersome to say the least,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “We played the cards we were dealt and it wouldn’t have been possible to conduct the essential business of GSU without the patience, participation, and support of the convention delegates.”

“We are looking forward to a return to our familiar convention format in 2023.”

*The Annual Report of the Joint Executive Council with accompanying audited financial statements is being prepared for distribution to GSU members. Contact your GSU staff rep if you would like additional details about the work accomplished at GSU’s convention.

GSU convention delegates gather in person, via Zoom to debate resolutions, approve reports, and tend to union business

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GSU delegates gathered in Regina and online March 18 and 19 to participate in GSU’s 14th biennial policy convention

The convention was originally scheduled for March 2020 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While GSU conventions  are known for being in person, highly interactive and social, this year’s convention observed government regulations for gatherings with an option for delegates to participate via Zoom if they preferred. The usual getting-to-know-you session, educational component, banquet and accompanying social were set aside this year in favour of a lean agenda which strictly addressed required business and kept meeting time to a minimum.

Delegates made the best of the new convention format by patiently and diligently working through the business of the union, including approval of the Joint Executive Council’s annual report* to members, the union’s audited financial statements, and a budget estimate for 2021. A wide variety of resolutions were also considered and approved, and election of GSU’s top officers and five directors to GSU’s Defense Fund took place. Serving GSU members for the next two years are:

President – Jim Brown
Vice Presidents – Curtis Cousins / Michelle Houlden
General Secretary – Hugh Wagner
Defense Fund Directors – Wilfred Harris, Barb Healey, Doug Kampman, Darryl Knelsen, and Sheldon Reiss.

“The conditions for holding a convention were unusual and they made things cumbersome to say the least,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “We played the cards we were dealt and it wouldn’t have been possible to conduct the essential business of GSU without the patience, participation, and support of the convention delegates.”

“We are looking forward to a return to our familiar convention format in 2023.”

*The Annual Report of the Joint Executive Council with accompanying audited financial statements is being prepared for distribution to GSU members. 

Contact your GSU staff rep   if you would like additional details about the work accomplished at GSU’s convention.

GSU CONVENTION 2021: Delegates to elect GSU president, two vice presidents, general secretary and the five-person board of the GSU Defense Fund

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Delegates to GSU’s biennial policy convention will elect the union’s president, two vice presidents and general secretary as well as the five person board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund. Accordingly convention delegates who wish to be a candidate for any of these offices are asked to be guided by the following procedure approved by GSU’s executive Committee:

  1. Candidates for president, vice-president and general secretary must be delegates to the GSU biennial policy convention where the elections are being held and may be nominated by another delegate or they may nominate (volunteer) themselves for office and need not have a nominator.
  1. Candidates for the GSU Defense Fund board of directors need not be delegates to the GSU policy convention, but they must be GSU members in good standing. Candidates may be nominated by another GSU member or they may volunteer themselves for office and need not have a nominator.
  1. Since GSU’s 2021 policy convention will consist of in-person delegates as well as delegate participating remotely via a video link, the following election and voting process has been adopted for the 2021 GSU policy convention.
  2. Delegates to the 2021 policy convention who wish to be a candidate for an elected office(s) are asked to do the following:

– to announce their candidacy ahead of time,
– to identify the office(s) they are running for,
– to provide a brief bio, and
– to provide a photo of themselves.

Candidates who wish to have their information distributed to convention delegates ahead of time are asked to send their announcements and information to GSU’s Assistant General Secretary by email to Lynn@gsu.ca for arrival by March 10, 2021.

Candidate information received by March 10, 2021 will be circulated to all of the delegates in advance of the convention call to order on March 18, 2021.

  1. Candidates who do not announce in advance will still be able to declare their candidacy during convention on March 18 at 4:00 p.m., but they will sacrifice the advance opportunity to connect their information with delegates.
  1. Since the 2021 policy convention consists of in-person and video link delegates, all voting in the elections will be conducted electronically. This will allow instant and confidential tabulation of results.
  1. Beginning with election of president, the delegate chairing the convention session at 4:00 p.m. on March 18, 2021 will declare nominations to be open and will identify the candidates who have announced their intention to run for the office in advance of convention.
  1. The chairperson will ask if there are any additional candidates and will then ask each candidate to confirm that they are running for the office in question.
  1. Each candidate will be given an opportunity to speak to convention delegates for two minutes before the election process proceeds.
  1. If there is only one candidate for an office they will be asked to confirm their candidacy and, after ensuring there are no other candidates, the candidate will be declared elected by acclamation.
  1. If there are two or more candidates for an elected office there shall be an election in which delegates cast a secret ballot in favour of the candidate(s) they choose.
  1. In elections with three or more candidates for the position(s) in question the candidate with the lowest vote total will drop out of the next round of voting.
  1. An election will be declared once a candidate(s) has received fifty (50) percent plus one of the votes cast.
  1. The elections will be conducted in descending order starting with the office of president. The election for each office will be completed before moving on to the next.

Would you like to be a GSU Defense Fund director? Learn more here

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GSU convention delegates will elect five Defense Fund directors

When delegates to GSU’s biennial conventions meet they elect five union members to two-year terms on the board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund.

The elected directors oversee the administration and investment of the GSU Defense Fund assets (current market value of $5.2 million) and set policy for payment of strike/lockout pay for union members engaged in collective bargaining disputes. The board meets three or four times a year (or more often, if required) to review the Fund’s financial position, investment strategy and other administrative matters. Most meetings are held via conference call or video technology and paid union leave is arranged for participation in the meetings.

Every GSU member in good standing is eligible to be a candidate for a seat on the Board of Directors, although three seats are reserved for members from GSU Locals 1 (Viterra), 2 (Viterra), 14 (Richardson) or 15 (Nutrien). Union members who represent their Local on GSU’s Joint Executive Council cannot also be a director of the Defense Fund .

Candidates do not have to be delegates to the GSU biennial policy convention where the elections are conducted.

“It is useful to have knowledge of financial markets, but the main criterion to be on the board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund is a commitment to support union members’ welfare and collective bargaining rights when they get into a dispute with their employer,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Over the years GSU members have built up a sizeable resource to defend their interests, and the responsibility of Defense Fund directors is to ensure the money is managed well so it’s available when needed.”

Would you like to be a director on the Defense Fund Board?

GSU members who want to be candidates for the board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund are asked to notify assistant general secretary Lynn Woods by email to Lynn@gsu.ca.

 

What will a GSU convention look like during a pandemic? We’re working toward figuring that out

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The beginning of 2021 finds us all attempting to keep our heads above the so-called second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is no less the case at GSU where plans are underway to hold the union’s 2021 policy convention currently scheduled for March 18 to 20.

GSU’s options are limited. It’s important to hold our policy conventions before the end of March so members who are engaged in ag retail and related jobs are available to participate before they face the annual spring rush to get new crops planted.

It seems unlikely that health restrictions on gatherings will be lifted or loosened much by mid-March. Taking everything into account, GSU’s Executive Committee will meet on Jan. 6 to consider a recommendation to proceed with the 2021 policy convention from March 18 to 20 under pandemic restrictions. The committee will discuss a format that involves a core gathering of up to 25 delegates/officers in Regina (if gatherings of that size are still allowed) plus remote participation by an additional 25 to 35 delegates.

“A lot of convention details need to be filled in and we don’t have a lot of time to spare before the March dates. Decisions about format, priority content and facilitating participation have to be made sooner rather than later,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Clearly the situation isn’t ideal, but GSU has a history of adapting, and we’ll do so again to get the members’ business done in 2021.”

Convention delegates set union’s course for the next two years

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GSU members, officers, staff, and guests gathered in Humboldt from March 22 to 24 for GSU’s biennial policy convention. Most notably, convention delegates:

  • adopted the Joint Executive Council’s annual report and GSU’s audited 2017 financials statements, and authorized distribution of same to GSU members,
  • authorized establishing a family crisis benefit for union members, and
  • defeated a resolution that would see additional membership dues being paid into the GSU Defense Fund reduced from $10 to $5 per member per month effective July 1, 2018.

GSU’s general secretary, president, vice presidents, and Defense Fund board of directors are elected at GSU biennial policy conventions. Congratulations to the following newly-elected officers:

  • Hugh Wagner will remain as GSU’s general secretary,
  • GSU president Jim Brown, vice presidents Michelle Houlden and Brett North were re-elected, and
  • Ron Gerlock, Wilfred Harris, Brian Lark, Dennis Piasta and Sharlene Tetrault were re-elected and will return as Defense Fund Directors for another two-year term.

“As expected, convention was productive, informative and entertaining,” said general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Our convention delegates spurred some great discussion, suggestions, and they have positioned us to move forward.”

If you have questions or would like more information about the convention, contact your GSU staff rep.

Changes and updates to the $4+ million Defense Fund will be discussed at convention

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In addition to reviewing amendments and changes to GSU’s Defense Fund, GSU convention delegates will elect five of their peers to serve as the Defense Fund Board of Directors. (Learn more about the Defense Fund, the Board, and their responsibilities here.)

Would you like to be a Defense Fund director? Do you have changes you would recommend to the Defense Fund or defense fund dues structure?

Join us at convention or talk to your GSU staff rep.

Join GSU members, officers and staff at convention.

Come to convention and represent the hard-working members of GSU. It is union members who set the direction for the union, and convention is the place to tell us what we are doing well and to set sights on what we need to do in the future.

If you are interested in learning more or attending convention, contact your GSU staff representative .

Wages and expenses of GSU members in attendance will be covered by GSU.

GSU members are getting together March 22-24 to review union finances, operations, and to chart the course for the union for the next two years 

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Attending the convention doesn’t mean you have to become the GSU president or a Defense Fund director, but it does mean you can vote for the people you think would do a great job. 

You won’t be coming up to the front of the room to make a speech, but if you see an opportunity for improvement in the way we are doing things, you can let us know. 

You won’t have to lead the discussion, but if you have insight or experience on a topic that affects you and your co-workers, your comments would be valuable and welcomed. 

We need people just like you to attend convention and represent the hard-working people of GSU.

The policy convention is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote.  Resolutions, policy statements, and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU.

Wages and expenses of GSU members in attendance will be covered by GSU.

If you are interested in learning more or attending convention,  contact your GSU staff representative.

We’ve done the site tour for GSU’s biennial policy convention

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GSU members, officers and staff will be gathering in Humboldt from March 22 to 24 for GSU’s biennial policy convention.  Staff rep Steve Torgerson and assistant general secretary Lynn Woods-Nordin headed to the Bella Vista Inn to meet with hotel staff and take a tour of the hotel’s facilities. As a result of their tour, GSU has reserved a block of guest rooms, a spacious meeting room, a smaller break-away room, and a hospitality room to socialize in after convention adjourns in the evenings.

Convention attendees who attended previous GSU conventions at Cedar Park Lodge will be pleased to hear that the Bella Vista rooms offer convention delegates the same relaxed atmosphere with some additional amenities that weren’t available at the Lodge.

“We’ve traded rustic surroundings and scenic views for guest rooms with televisions, microwaves, fridges, and free wi-fi,” Lynn mused. “We’re pretty sure our hockey fan delegates will be pleased they can catch the final minutes of the game on a large screen in their room rather than a single tube TV in a small room intended for Lodge staff.”

The Bella Vista Inn is conveniently located by several fast food restaurants and a grocery store for guests to grab a late-night snack or load their mini-fridge. There is even a Tim Horton’s down the street for those who can’t imagine starting the day without their double-double.

“GSU convention delegates are always an inclusive, friendly group of people,” Steve added. “The Bella Vista really suits our group and I think this year’s delegates are really going to feel at home during the convention and the activities we have planned.”

Everything is on track for an interesting, informative, interactive, and productive convention. All we need is you.

Would you like to attend convention?

If you are interested in learning more or attending convention, contact your GSU staff rep.

Did you receive your invitation to attend GSU’s policy convention?

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GSU members, officers and staff will be gathering in Humboldt March 22 to 24 for GSU’s biennial policy convention.

This gathering is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote. If you have suggestions for the union or changes you would like to see made, this is the place to do it.

A general convention call was sent out by email on January 15. If you did not receive a convention call and you are interested in learning more or attending convention,  contact your GSU staff representative.

Join us for GSU’s policy convention March 22 – 24 in Humboldt

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GSU’s Joint Executive Council convenes a policy convention of GSU delegates once every two years prior to May 31.  This gathering of union members and officers is the co-ordinating and governing representative body of GSU and its decisions are made by majority vote.

The policy convention considers the business of GSU, including resolutions submitted by the Locals, members, the Joint Executive Council, and by the delegates at convention. Resolutions, policy statements, and reports adopted by the policy convention become the policy of GSU. 

GSU’s president, two vice-presidents, and general secretary are elected at the policy convention.

In addition to the business of convention you’ll have opportunities for socializing, getting to meet great people, and having some fun. 

If you have questions about the convention – or if you are interested in attending, running for office, or learning more about the union – contact your GSU staff representative.