GSU Local 4 (Grain Millers) members are currently filling out a bargaining survey to help their committee better understand what matters most heading back into negotiations on May 13 and 14.
If you’re a Local 4 member, check your email for the survey and details. Your input is essential!
Need help or didn’t get the email? Contact Brian at brian@gsu.ca or (306) 384.7314.
Above: Perry Scott (left) and Doug Kampman (right) pictured just after taking their Oath of Office as newly elected Directors of the GSU Defense Fund during the March 2025 GSU Policy Convention.
The GSU Defense Fund is governed by a five-person Board of Directors made up of GSU members in good standing who are not elected representatives to the union’s Joint Executive Council. The Board plays an important role in overseeing the Defense Fund, which exists to support the continued operation of GSU and to provide strike or lockout pay to members in the event of a labour dispute.
At GSU’s March 2025 biennial policy convention, the following members were elected to serve a two-year term from March 2025 to March 2027:
Congratulations to all the newly elected Directors, and thank you for stepping up to serve your fellow union members.
At GSU’s recent biennial policy convention, delegates elected Jim Brown as President, Sheila Tran as 1st Vice President, and Brian Cowan as 2nd Vice President. Jim and Sheila were both re-elected to their positions, while Brian is stepping into the 2nd Vice President role for the first time, bringing with him a wealth of experience from other union roles.
As GSU’s chief elected representative, the President leads the union’s work on behalf of the Joint Executive Council—ensuring GSU fulfills its collective bargaining, representation, and constitutional responsibilities while maintaining a strong and viable organization. The 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents support this work and step in as needed to keep GSU functioning effectively and in line with its constitution and member priorities.
Together, Jim, Sheila, and Brian form GSU’s Executive Committee. Congratulations to all three, and thank you for your dedication to GSU and its members.
UWHC representative Mark Crofford addressing delegates at GSU’s biennial policy convention in Regina.
At GSU’s recent convention, Regina’s Mark Crofford spoke about UWHC’s vital work and the key role unions play in funding its services. While open to all workers, union support ensures the Centre continues advocating for those struggling with EI claims.
EI Guidance: Eligibility, special benefits, quitting/dismissal impacts, EI while in school.
Claim Assistance: Contacting Service Canada, resolving delays, employer issues.
Appeals Support: Challenging EI denials, tribunal representation.
Referrals: Job search help, financial aid, mental health, housing support.
Thanks to unions like GSU, UWHC remains a free, trusted resource for workers in need.
Learn more here: unemployedworkerscentre.org
Delegates at GSU’s recent policy convention said the Moose Hide Campaign presentation was one of the most impactful presentations and they appreciated its powerful message and important cause.
This video (left) was shown as part of the presentation.
At GSU’s recent biennial policy convention, members had the opportunity to learn about the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led movement dedicated to ending violence against women and children.
What started in British Columbia as a grassroots initiative in 2011 has grown into a nationwide movement, uniting Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians in the fight against gender-based violence. Schools, workplaces, governments, and organizations across the country have embraced the campaign’s message of respect, healing, and action.
A key symbol of the campaign is the moose hide pin, worn to signify a personal commitment to standing up against domestic and gender-based violence. Over four million pins have been distributed for free to communities across Canada.
We encourage all GSU members to learn more and get involved.
Contact your GSU staff rep or visit moosehidecampaign.ca/
By GSU General Secretary Steven Torgerson Last week, from March 20-22, GSU members, officers and staff gathered in Regina for the union’s 16th biennial convention. Delegates from across the province—and beyond, including representatives from our newest Local, Trouw Nutrition in Westlock, Alberta (Local 10)—joined us for three days of discussions, debates, guest speakers, and presentations. While not an official theme, the message of ‘Standing Together’ resonated throughout the convention as we welcomed speakers from our close allies in the labour movement. We learned about the shared goals that unite us, and how our affiliations make us stronger and more effective in advocating for working people. Guest speaker Milton Tootoosis shared his personal story and the history of his ancestors, emphasizing a shared belief between Indigenous peoples and unions: that we must work for the greater good of the community, not just individual success. His message of reconciliation and collective progress left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. Delegates also waded into the realities of power dynamics in the workplace, acknowledging the inherent imbalance between workers and employers. We reaffirmed our commitment to the ongoing struggle for fairness and equity, a struggle we have proudly carried for over a century. Our employers may have more power than us, but that won’t stop us for fighting for improvements in our workplaces. Beyond the formal proceedings, the convention was also about our community. During breaks and evening events, delegates forged new friendships and strengthened existing bonds with their fellow GSU members. As one speaker aptly noted, “Unions are a place for working people, and GSU is as welcoming a union as I have ever seen.” The convention floor was alive with vigorous debate as delegates considered, amended, and approved resolutions, passed reports, and cast ballots in elections. In the end, it was clear that everyone left with a renewed sense of connection to their union and a shared determination to move forward. I would like to extend a thank you to all members, officers, and staff who contributed to the success of our 16th Biennial Convention. The next two years will undoubtedly fly by as we continue our important work, and we look forward to gathering again in 2027. Together, we are stronger. |
Bargaining is a complex process that goes far beyond just attending the actual negotiation meetings with company representatives. It involves thorough preparation, strategy, and coordination.
Our staff representatives work closely with the elected bargaining committees, which are comprised of union members and officers chosen by their peers. Together, they review proposals, analyze employer offers, and strategize on the best approach to secure a fair agreement. This preparation ensures that every step of the process aligns with the goals and priorities of our members.
In addition to preparing for negotiation meetings, staff representatives are gathering important data and conducting research to ensure our bargaining committees have the information they need to make informed decisions and reach agreements that reflect the best interests of members.
As we navigate economic challenges like tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the call to buy and shop local has never been more relevant. Supporting local businesses and producers isn’t just a reaction to economic pressures—it’s a long-term strategy to strengthen our communities and economy.
The Difference Between Buying and Shopping Local
Buy Local: Focuses on purchasing goods produced within your region, such as locally grown food or handcrafted products.
Shop Local: Centers on where you make purchases, such as choosing locally owned stores and restaurants, regardless of where the products originate.
Both contribute to economic resilience by keeping money circulating within the community, generating jobs, and reducing environmental impacts. If buying local isn’t an option, shopping local still supports small businesses and fosters a vibrant local economy.
Why Local Matters
Investing in local businesses means reinvesting in your community. Money spent locally supports public services, infrastructure, and local employment. Historically, communities thrived on strong local supply chains and cooperative efforts, and we can benefit from revisiting that mindset today.
The Cost Factor and Thinking Long-Term
While cost-conscious decisions are necessary, consistently choosing the cheapest option can erode local supply systems and hurt small businesses. Large retailers and online giants often undercut local enterprises, leading to economic stagnation. A shift toward sustainable purchasing, coupled with advocacy for fair wages and social protections, can create a more balanced and resilient economy.
Building a Better Future
Prioritizing local economies is more than a trend—it’s a pathway to stronger communities. By supporting local businesses and producers, we fuel job creation, strengthen public services, and reduce environmental impact. While systemic changes are needed, each choice to buy or shop local makes a tangible difference.
Support your community. Choose local whenever you can.
On February 13, 2025, GSU hosted an online training session for newly elected officers and stewards. The training focused on understanding GSU’s Local structure, the roles of officers and stewards, and how they fit into the union. Participants learned about their rights and responsibilities, how to address workplace issues, and ways to support their fellow members in creating a fair and worker-friendly environment.
When you’re a member of GSU, you don’t have to face workplace issues alone. You elect your peers to represent you—right in your workplace and on union boards and committees—so you know that the people speaking up for you understand your job and challenges. Plus, you have dedicated union GSU staff representatives who are there to assist and support you when you need it. With both elected leaders and staff on your side, you’re never alone.
GSU is now an affiliate of the Alberta Federation of Labour. We’re proud to stand together for workers’ rights, including our newest members at Trouw Nutrition in Westlock, AB.
Unions like GSU work together with provincial federations of labour—like the Alberta Federation of Labour—and the Canadian Labour Congress to amplify workers’ voices. These organizations unite unions from different sectors to push for fair wages, better working conditions, and strong labour laws.
By standing together, we have a bigger impact at the bargaining table, in the workplace, and in government. Solidarity across unions makes all workers stronger.
On February 7, 2025, the union’s Local 1 Board of Delegates met at GSU’s Saskatoon office to discuss workplace issues affecting their members in Viterra operations and maintenance. These elected delegates focused on topics such as staffing, hours of work, sick leave procedures, and the potential impact of the Bunge Ltd. takeover on members.
A key issue was the company’s sick leave policy. Currently, members must call in sick before their shift, while the company sends text notifications for schedule adjustments, which delegates argued is inconsistent.
Another concern raised was a company-requested safety pledge for employees. Delegates questioned if there would be consequences of refusing to sign, or failing to meet the pledge’s conditions.
The meeting underscored the value of solidarity and empowerment in achieving common goals and resolving workplace challenges. GSU staff rep Brian Lark also emphasized the importance of gathering in person and open communication.
“Members are always encouraged to discuss the toughest workplace issues and work to find cooperative solutions. It’s equally important to share positive experiences, because if something works at one station, it might work at another.”
On February 3, the GSU Local 14 board of delegates convened to discuss key workplace issues affecting members throughout Saskatchewan. The meeting, led by Staff Rep Donna Labelle, focused on addressing challenges within members’ workplaces while also planning for the future.
During the session, delegates elected Josh Kraft and Mark Zacharias as Local 14’s representatives to the GSU Joint Executive Council, representing GSU members who work for Richardson International Inc.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions on the upcoming negotiations set for 2026. Delegates emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication among members to ensure a unified, informed approach during the negotiations process. In response, proactive measures are being taken to keep all members fully engaged and up-to-date in the lead-up to the negotiations, ensuring the union’s commitment to transparency and effective representation.
By GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson
Some people still proudly claim that Donald Trump supports workers and unions. But his recent actions tell a very different story. If we look beyond his words and focus on his deeds, it becomes clear that Trump’s loyalties lie not with working people, but with the corporate elite who seek to increase their wealth and power, at the cost of weakened worker protections.
This past week, Trump fired National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) acting chair Gwynne Wilcox, despite the fact that her term was set to run until 2028. His actions didn’t stop there—he also fired NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. These decisions effectively shut down the NLRB, as the board now lacks the three members required by the Supreme Court to issue rulings. And there is no word from the US government on who will fill this role or when.
The consequences of this move are profound. The NLRB is the federal agency responsible for enforcing labour laws and protecting workers from illegal firings and unfair labour practices. Without leadership and a functioning board, the NLRB is, for all practical purposes, nullified. Employers now have free rein to exploit their workers with little fear of consequences.
This is not an isolated attack—it is part of a broader pattern. Corporate giants like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, both of whom have a history of violating labour laws and opposing unionization, have consistently benefited from Trump’s policies. Musk has openly stated his opposition to unions, while Amazon has fought tooth and nail against organizing efforts. When Amazon workers in Quebec voted to unionize, the company responded by shutting down all its warehouses in the province—an unmistakable act of union busting.
We must stop listening solely to the words coming out of Trump’s mouth and start paying attention to his actions. His consistent attacks on workers and labour protections prove that he is no ally to working people. He has actively tipped the scales in favor of big business, undermining the very institutions that are meant to provide some balance between employers and employees.
This isn’t just an American problem.
These attacks on labour rights have real consequences for Canadian workers as well. We’ve already seen how Amazon’s anti-union tactics have impacted workers in Quebec. Meanwhile, here at home, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), Canada’s equivalent of the NLRB, has also been leveraged against workers. Late last year, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) locked out ILWU Local 514 members on the West Coast, only to turn to the CIRB to order those very workers back to their jobs. This is a clear example of employers using the system to strip workers of their power.
The legal system that was designed to protect workers can just as easily be misused to benefit corporations and governments at our expense. That’s why we, as union members, must remain vigilant.
GSU will continue to utilize the CIRB and provincial labour relations boards, when necessary, but we do not rely on legal avenues alone. Real power lies in collective action. We must continue to flex our muscles, organize, and stand together to protect our rights.
The fight for fair working conditions has always been about more than just laws—it’s about people, solidarity, and the willingness to take action. If we allow ourselves to become overly dependent on legal frameworks that can be manipulated, we risk losing the very power that makes unions effective. Now more than ever, we need to show our strength and ensure that working people—not corporate interests—dictate the future of labour rights.
