Category Archives: FYI posts
Do you have what it takes to be happier at work?
Being happy takes work, but if you decide you are going to be happier and commit to taking steps to make it happen, happiness can be yours. So what can be done to make us happier? Try slowing down and … Continue reading
Ontario moves to ban employers from demanding sick notes
There is a certain irony in being too sick to be at work but sitting in the doctor’s office waiting to request a sick note. An Ontario physician believes the proposed labour legislation banning Ontario employers from demanding sick notes … Continue reading
SaskForward releases video challenging budget cuts
SaskForward, a coalition of Saskatchewan-based civil society groups, has released a new video that challenges the Saskatchewan government’s claim that deep cuts to public services and programs are inevitable. By reversing the 1% corporate tax cut announced in the … Continue reading
Personal space: how close is too close?
You may not have an exact measurement for the physical distance you prefer between you and those around you, but you are certainly aware when that space becomes violated. A number of factors determine an acceptable amount of personal space, … Continue reading
ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: extra duties
GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson assisted a member who was being paid to take on extra duties. The member had no issues with taking on the majority of newly assigned tasks, but decided to call the union office for advice … Continue reading
Jade Dulle is riding her bike 1,300 kms across Saskatchewan for mental health
Learn more about the ride and how to donate here. Today (May 23, 2017) a young woman and past Saskatchewan Federation of Labour camper, Jade Dulle, starts a 1,300 kilometre bike ride across-Saskatchewan to raise awareness for Mental Health. Grain … Continue reading
Changing vacation leave to sick leave: can it be done?
A member became sick while on vacation and contacted the union to ask if the collective agreement had any provision for changing vacation leave to sick leave. GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson advised that once you are on vacation it … Continue reading
GSU members: did you know you can view your collective agreement online?
You can access, view and print a copy of your collective agreement using the Collective Agreement tab in the menu bar, above. What is a collective agreement? Your collective agreement is a contract that describes the terms and conditions of … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Members under constant pressure to make themselves available “in case” car loading becomes necessary during time off shift, weekends.
Members at Country Elevator locations are under constant pressure to make themselves available “in case” car loading becomes necessary during time off shift or on weekends. This can result in working excessive hours on days off, or being unable to … Continue reading
SIMON ENOCH ARTICLE: Saskatchewan’s Cruel and Unusual Budget
Simon Enoch (Director of the Saskatchewan Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) assesses the province’s 2017-2018 provincial budget: Saskatchewan’s Cruel and Unusual Budget Saskatchewan’s Cruel and Unusual Budget
March 21 – International Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day
Everyone is entitled to human rights without discrimination, and everyone has an obligation to combat racial discrimination. March 21 is the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination and it is the perfect time to make a personal commitment to … Continue reading
Does your open-mouth-chewing, pen-clicking, foot-tapping co-worker drive you wild? You may suffer from Misophonia
Certain sounds that are simple background noise to you may trigger anxiety, insomnia, feelings of rage/fear, and even depression in others. Misophonia is defined as the hatred of sound, but you don’t need to hate all sounds to suffer from … Continue reading
The Birth of an Activist: The Early Years of SFL President Larry Hubich
Larry Hubich has served as the president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour for the past 15 years. Prior to taking on the SFL’s top position, Hubich worked for GSU as a staff representative and as a computer programmer at … Continue reading
The worst passwords of 2016
Major data breeches in 2016 exposed log-in information and passwords for millions of people. A number of companies made the best of a bad situation by evaluating the passwords and compiling lists of the most commonly used – and worst – … Continue reading
SaskTel sale proceeds may only eliminate a quarter of the province’s operating debt, says author
As Saskatchewan’s $1.2 billion provincial deficit soars, the government is talking about possible wage freezes and job cuts for public-sector workers. There are also whispers about selling SaskTel. Legislation proposed by the Saskatchewan Party last autumn would allow the government to … Continue reading