Category Archives: general interest – GSU members

Local 1 (Bunge Operations & Maintenance) bargaining survey is active and open until Sept. 30

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The Local 1 member survey is active, and your bargaining committee needs your voice.

Member feedback will directly shape our bargaining package and guide our proposals for this fall’s agreement renewal negotiations. High participation gives us maximum leverage at the table to push for what matters most to you.

Take the Survey: Share your workplace priorities and ideas today.

Spread the word: Make sure your co-workers complete it before it closes on September 30th.

Reach out to any bargaining committee member if you have questions. 

Bargaining committee members are David Barrett  Sub-Local 1.16 – Swift Current | Operations; Wrehn Kaysin  Sub-Local 1.3 – Moose Jaw | Operations; Broc Goodwin  Sub-Local 1.3 – Moose Jaw |Maintenance; Dale Lysitza  Sub-Local 1.22 – Lloydminster | Customer Account Rep; Shannon Antonenko  Sub-Local 1.22 – Lloydminster | Sales & Admin.

Congratulations to our 2026 GSU Scholarship Recipients

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We are pleased to introduce the individuals selected to receive scholarships through our 2026 scholarship program. To ensure a completely fair and unbiased evaluation process, all applicant identities and identifying information were redacted before review. Our scholarship committee—GSU President Jim Brown, 1st Vice President Sheila Tran, and 2nd Vice President Brian Cowan—evaluated these anonymized applications and selected our recipients.

We extend our sincere thanks to the committee for their work, and we wish all of our 2026 recipients success in their upcoming academic year.

You can read more about this year’s recipients and the program at GSU.ca.

If you are planning ahead for next year, applications for the 2027 scholarship program will open in March 2027.

GSU leaders visit members ahead of upcoming autumn vote on union dues

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Tuesday MEMBERS’ MEMO – Sept. 1, 2026

Ahead of the Fall AGM vote on the Joint Executive Council’s proposed 0.25% dues increase, council reps hit the road over the summer. They visited work locations, answered questions, and heard directly from GSU members. The visits were a success—proving just how powerful direct, in-person connection really is.

“Having face-to-face time with elected leaders has always been a GSU cornerstone, but over the years, tight budgets forced us to scale back on sending officers out to meet members across different Locals and locations,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson. “GSU staff handle day-to-day operations, but having your elected officers—coworkers who face the exact same daily realities you do—out in the field engaging with members brings an important connection and a needed workplace perspective to the table.”

With adequate funding, GSU can reimplement its officer visitation program, and those elected officers will also be able to organize local events and initiatives designed to bring members together across workplaces, bridge the gaps between locations, and build a stronger network where people know and support one another.

Information and updates on the JEC-led 0.25% dues increase have been shared throughout the summer. You can learn more about the proposed dues increase and upcoming vote here.

Local 1 & 2 (Bunge) 4.5% pay and retro grievance arbitration to be held Sept. 14-16

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On Aug. 17, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson sent the following email to GSU Local 1 & 2 members affected by the 4.5% pay and retro grievances

“Good news to share, we now have arbitration dates locked in. The hearing for our Local 1 & 2 executive grievances is less than a month away, scheduled for September 14–16, 2026.

A quick refresher on what this is about

When we ratified our renewed collective agreement, it included a 4.5% wage increase effective January 1, 2023, along with retro pay. The company did not apply that increase and retro pay to all eligible members the way the agreement — and our discussions at the bargaining table — called for. Some members got nothing, some got only part of what they were owed. So Locals 1 & 2 filed executive grievances on behalf of every member to make this right.

Why it took this long to get here

We know it’s been a long road, and we appreciate your patience. Grievances that head to arbitration slow down once lawyers on both sides get involved. On top of that, this case affects a lot of members, which makes it more complex than a typical grievance.

What’s happening now

We’re preparing for the hearing. That means pulling together our evidence, finalizing the records and dues remittance data that show who did and didn’t receive the full increase, and getting our case ready to present.

One thing worth mentioning, even with the company now operating as Bunge, they remain bound by these grievances and by whatever the arbitrator decides. The change in ownership does not let anyone off the hook.

What to expect

An arbitrator is a neutral third party who hears both sides and hands down a binding decision — one that both the union and the company have to follow. We’ll keep you posted as September approaches, and we’ll let you know the outcome once we have it.

If you have questions in the meantime, reach out to me, your Local 1 Board of Delegates, or your Local 2 Executive.

In solidarity,
Steve Torgerson
GSU General Secretary”

Stronger representation starts at your Local Annual General Meeting

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It will soon be time for our Annual General Meetings (AGMs) across our locals and sub-locals, and with them comes the important responsibility of electing our union officers.

GSU’s strength is driven by active engagement and workplace democracy. Electing fellow members to step up as local officers ensures that every member and workplace is represented by people who do the work and truly understand what happens on the shop floor every single day.

Getting members involved is a priority

Increasing member engagement and participation has become a key focus of the Joint Executive Council’s (JEC) ongoing work. The JEC recognizes that GSU’s strength is its active members. To effectively defend worker rights, negotiate solid collective agreements, and address workplace concerns, we need members involved at every level—starting right in your local work area.

Improving communication

Elected local leadership is the essential connective tissue of our union and an important line of communication:

  • Bringing Issues Upward: Your day-to-day challenges, safety concerns and workplace needs get direct attention when you have a dedicated local officer on site in the workplace and advocating for you at union meetings.

  • Bringing Information Back: Effective representation also means transparency and connection. Officers take updates, strategy, policy decisions, and bargaining progress directly from council and committee meetings and bring them back to members.

Strong, workplace representatives power our communication loop, driving our collective bargaining power and effectiveness.

Show up and participate!

Whether you are considering standing for an elected officer position, nominating a colleague who demonstrates strong leadership, or simply casting your vote, your participation is an important part of ensuring you and your coworkers are represented and your issues are addressed.

Watch for details on your Local’s AGM date, time, and location. Attend your meeting and choose leadership that reflects your needs so we can continue to build an active, informed, and united GSU.

Michelle Houlden receives GSU 90th Anniversary Commemorative Coin

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As we celebrate 90 years of solidarity and strength, GSU continues to present its 90th Anniversary Commemorative Coins to the people who have helped shape our history.

Earlier this month, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson awarded past GSU vice president Michelle Houlden with a commemorative coin. Michelle was an active leader who also brought her creative talents to help build GSU’s visual identity over her years in the union.

Learn more about our commemorative coin program here.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Banked time issues resolved (without formal grievances)

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Recently, GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven stepped in to solve banked time discrepancies for two members—one at Bunge and another at Nutrien.

  • Local 1 (Bunge): Banked time was incorrectly deducted instead of coding the hours as regular time under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Mason contacted management, resulting in the member’s banked hours being fully restored and their regular pay adjusted.

  • Local 15 (Nutrien): Time off was incorrectly deducted from banked time instead of being covered under Personal Leave. Mason reached out to management to fix the error, ensuring the proper leave category was applied and all banked time was credited back.

Both issues were resolved quickly through direct communication with management—no formal grievances were required.

“Always check your paystubs, and if you ever notice an error on your pay or banked time total, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSU rep,” Van Luven said. “We are here to ensure your contract is respected and your hard-earned time is protected.”

GSU helps sort things out

When there are problems in the workplace there are many factors to consider. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated. 

GSU services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you, there is no limit on the number of times you can seek advice and no appointment is needed—just call!

 

GSU’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY: GSU has shaped Western Canadian Labour History

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From organizing during the depths of the Great Depression in 1936 to leading landmark strikes and tackling toxic grain dust in elevators, the Grain Services Union (GSU)—originally the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Employees’ Association—has shaped Western Canadian labour history for nearly a century.

Learn more about how a group of grain employees fought for basic rights we take for granted today, including company pensions, the eight-hour workday, and essential workplace safety standards.

👉 Read the full history in The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan

Local 9 (Trouw Nutrition Chilliwack) members vote, accept tentative agreement

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On July 26, the final day of the conciliation window, Local 9 members voted to accept the tentative agreement reached with their employer on July 17.

Work will now begin on incorporating the terms of the tentative agreement into the new two-year collective agreement. All provisions of the previous collective agreement remain in effect until the new document is finalized and signed.

Conciliation results in tentative agreement for Local 9 (Trouw Nutrition Chilliwack)

July 22, 2026

During conciliation meetings held on July 16 and 17 in Chilliwack, the Local 9 bargaining committee—with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Jordan Cousins—has successfully reached a tentative settlement with company representatives.

This tentative agreement breaks the deadlock following the impasse reached on April 21. Details of the proposed settlement are currently being finalized for member review.

A ratification vote has been scheduled for July 26, which coincides with the end of the conciliation window.

All provisions of the expired collective agreement remain in full effect until a new agreement is officially ratified.

Local 9’s bargaining committee members are Robert Macken and Jordan Jefferson, assisted by GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Jordan Cousins.

ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Worn out work boots (and this year’s boot voucher already used)

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At GSU, we look out for the details that keep our members safe.

Recently, a Local 15 (Nutrien) member ran into an issue when their work boots were worn out but they had already used their boot voucher for the year. Staff Rep Donna Labelle stepped in to help, confirming that under their collective agreement, Local 15 members are entitled to replacement boots if their boots deteriorate from regular, on-the-job use—even if the yearly boot voucher is gone.

Your safety shouldn’t have a calendar deadline.

If your boots are no longer fit for work due to normal wear and tear, notify your manager immediately to request a replacement voucher—and if you run into any issues getting it, reach out to your GSU staff rep.

Local 14 (Richardson): New collective agreement signed, retro pay scheduled for July 17

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The following schedule has been confirmed for your next regular pay and retroactive payments:

  • Thursday, July 16 (Regular Pay): Next week is a regular bi-weekly pay cycle. Employees will receive their normal pay on this day.

  • Friday, July 17 (Retroactive Pay): Retro calculations are nearly complete, and it has been confirmed that these funds will be deposited on Friday.

Review your payment details on these dates. If you notice any issues or have any questions about your deposit, reach out to your GSU staff rep for assistance.

New collective agreement, retro payments being scheduled

Tuesday MEMBERS MEMO – June 23, 2026 

Union and company officials have signed the new collective agreement. You can view it under the COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS > RICHARDSON tabs in the navigation menu, above.

New Pay Rates & Premiums: Richardson has confirmed that the new pay rates and premiums are now active in the system, effective June 7. You will see these updates reflected on your upcoming July 2 deposit.  Please review your July 2 pay stub carefully to ensure your rates are correct. If you notice any discrepancies or have immediate questions, please reach out to your local representative.

Retro Pay: The employer is currently calculating retro pay. While there isn’t a set payout date just yet, we will share an update as soon as it is locked in.

Collective Agreement: The new terms of the ratified settlement have been integrated into the collective agreement. GSU will be printing new collective agreement booklets for all Local 14 members. Contact your GSU staff rep if you would like a copy mailed to you.

Participating in the union (without ever having to think about the union itself)

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The Invisible Presence and Strength of GSU

When a workplace has strong, established protections, it is incredibly easy to take them for granted. But there is a catch.

When you walk into your workplace every day, certain things feel standard, like your wage structure, your health benefits, your scheduled breaks, and the protocols keeping you safe and employed. It is easy to assume these things exist simply because the company is ‘one of the good ones.’ The reality is that this consistency is maintained quietly in the background by your union.

You are participating in a unionized ecosystem without ever having to think about the union itself.

GSU doesn’t have physical union offices or staff representatives standing beside members on the shop floor, and there isn’t always an elected officer or shop steward onsite at the workplace. Without these visible reminders that you are in a union shop, the collective agreement and the work behind the scenes keeping the system running becomes invisible.

Your membership is like a high-tech safety shield.

You may not see a strong union presence when things are going smoothly, but it is constantly working to maintain the standard of your daily work life. The collective bargaining agreements, the behind-the-scenes advocacy, and protection baselines did not happen by accident—and they don’t stay active by accident. They require continuous, often quiet maintenance that is most often conducted away from membership view.

The best part of an invisible shield?

It is there the exact moment you need it. Whether you are facing an unfair disciplinary issue, need clarification on your contract rights, or require representation during a workplace dispute, you are never flying solo.

We do the heavy lifting in the background so you can work with peace of mind.

But remember: the shield only stays strong because we stand together to power it.

First GSU 90th Anniversary Commemorative Coins Awarded

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As we celebrate 90 years of solidarity, hard work, and collective strength, we are pleased to announce that we have officially begun awarding our 90th Anniversary Commemorative Coins.

This program was launched to look back at the people who have shaped GSU into the organization it is today. Whether their impact was epic or simply steady and kind, we want to celebrate those who built our union’s legacy. We are incredibly proud to announce our first two very worthy recipients.

Hugh Wagner

A commemorative coin has been awarded to former GSU General Secretary Hugh Wagner. Hugh’s name is synonymous with the very fabric of our union. Upon his retirement, GSU members, officers, and staff shared words that still ring true today:

“We offer our deepest gratitude to Hugh for 48 years of dedication and service. His leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment to working people have made an immeasurable impact on our organization and province… He has led us through good times and bad, and his unwavering vision has been a constant source of strength.”

Hugh was presented with his coin by GSU President Jim Brown at the recent RWDSU Convention in Humboldt.

(Below: L-r) Hugh Wagner pictured with GSU President Jim Brown at the June 2026 RWDSU Convention in Humboldt, SK.

Rob Ashton

A coin was also awarded to Rob Ashton, former president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada. As an affiliate of ILWU Canada, GSU, its officers and staff worked closely with Rob throughout his leadership. Rob has been a steadfast ally, a fierce defender of the labour movement, and a true friend to GSU over the years.

Rob was presented with his coin at the Spring 2026 ILWU Canada convention in Vancouver. 

(Below) Rob Ashton (center) pictured with GSU General Secretary Steve Torgerson on the left and GSU President Jim Brown on the right.

Keep Your Nominations Coming!

Hugh and Rob represent two of many incredible individuals who have built and sustained GSU for nearly a century, and we look forward to honouring others who have left their positive mark on GSU.

Nominees do not need to be current members or officers. It could be the colleague who always explains the collective agreement to new hires, or a member who consistently showed up for their coworkers over the decades.

We are accepting nominations throughout 2026. If you know someone—past or present—who has helped make GSU what it is today, please put your nomination in writing.

Conciliator appointed to assist in Local 9 (Trouw Chilliwack) bargaining impasse

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Following an impasse reached between the union bargaining committee and company representatives on April 21, a conciliator has officially been appointed to help break the deadlock.

A Local 9 membership meeting is being scheduled to take place before official dates with the conciliator are secured.

Member solidarity and involvement is crucial as we move into this next phase.

The current collective agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2025, but all provisions remain in full effect until a new agreement is reached and ratified.

Background information is available here. 

Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) Members to vote June 10 on Employer’s Final Offer

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Tuesday MEMBERS’ MEMO – June 2, 2026

The democratic process is in full swing for GSU Local 6. On Wednesday, June 10, all Local 6 members will have the opportunity to vote on the employer’s final one-year contract offer.

“Throughout these negotiations, your bargaining committee members Logan, Vishal, and Andrew have brought knowledge, dedication, and strength to the table,” said GSU staff rep and bargaining committee spokesperson Donna Labelle. “They’ve been fully committed to getting the best possible outcome for the members they represent.”

Now, the final decision rests with the members.

Background information on Local 6 bargaining is available here.