Category Archives: general interest – GSU members

GSU’s Joint Executive Council Annual Report is now available online for GSU members

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The 2021/2022 Annual Report to GSU members by the union’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors) is available to be read and/or downloaded.

The Annual Report contains important information for GSU members about the business of your union, including the 2021 audited financial statements. GSU prides itself on practicing democracy and transparent administration on behalf of the union’s members.

Reports were recently distributed to members during our spring visitations, but members wanting a hard copy of the report can call 1.866.522.6686 or send an email request to gsu@gsu.ca.

If you have questions, comments or concerns about this report, don’t hesitate to contact a Joint Executive Council member or your GSU staff representative.

Wagner to attend SLRB annual meeting

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GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner will attend the annual meeting of the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) in Regina on May 25.

The SLRB was first established in 1944 to administer the Trade Union Act of Saskatchewan which was the first comprehensive legislation in Canada recognizing the right of workers to belong to and be represented by the union of their choosing. The SLRB is a quasi-judicial body comprised of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and twenty part-time board members. Wagner is one of the ten part-time SLRB members representing workers along with another ten part-time board members representing employers.

Currently the SLRB is primarily responsible for administering Part VI of the Saskatchewan Employment Act which replaced the Trade union Act in 2014. Amongst its mandates the SLRB has exclusive jurisdiction to certify unions as the collective bargaining representative of workers whose employment falls under provincial jurisdiction in Saskatchewan.

The annual meeting of the SLRB oversees the board’s role in carrying out its mandates. Wagner was first appointed to the SLRB in 1995.

Rising long-term interest rates and lower commuted values

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It’s hard to miss the news about rising interest rates as central banks react to strong inflationary pressures around the world. Canada is no exception.

By GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner

While raises in the interest rates charged by central banks such as the Bank of Canada grab headlines, a less well-known fact is that interest rates on bonds have been ticking upwards in the markets for some time as investors hedge against inflation. In addition to a rising cost of borrowing, higher long-term interest rates also have a collateral effect on the commuted value of pension benefits in defined benefit pension plans. Higher long-term interest rates translate into lower commuted values for defined benefit pension plans since less money is needed to purchase or pay the monthly pension promised to the pensioner by the pension plan.

GSU members who have not retired and who have a deferred pension benefit in the defined benefit pension plan known as the Viterra Inc. Pension Plan for Grain Services Union (ILWU) Members (or by another name if administered for former Viterra employees on behalf of Nutrien Ag Solutions Ltd or Richardson International Limited) have experienced sticker shock recently as they’ve seen the commuted values of their deferred pension decline significantly, particularly in the last six to 12 months.

The monthly pension guaranteed to the deferred plan members hasn’t declined, but the amount of capital required to purchase their monthly pension benefit has declined in conjunction with rising long-term interest rates.

“Members who were expecting to take a transfer amount instead of a monthly pension when they retire have seen that transfer amount decline and this has caused considerable consternation,“ said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “While long-term interest rates were at historic lows, commuted pension values and therefore transfer amounts were substantially higher than they are at the present time or will be for the foreseeable future.”

“It is hard to say with any certainty how long the upward trend in long term interest rates on bonds will continue, but it is likely to be with us until there is a significant decline in inflationary pressure on the prices we pay for goods and services,” said Wagner. “The best and the only advice I can give to members considering whether and when to cash out the commuted value of their defined pension benefit or to take the monthly pension is to talk to their financial planner.”

It’s spring visitation time! GSU staff reps are heading out to see GSU members

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Questions? Concerns? Here’s another opportunity to share them with us

It’s spring visitation time for GSU members! GSU staff reps are hitting the road in May and June with a goal of checking-in with as many GSU members as possible.

Conversations will vary between Locals, but at a minimum you can expect to receive a physical copy of the Joint Executive Council’s annual report to members and an opportunity to tell your staff rep what challenges you are facing in your workplace and address any concerns you may have.

We don’t anticipate a shortage of topics and questions from members as a number of Locals are finalizing negotiated bargaining settlements and others are preparing to hit the bargaining table later this year; Board meetings are being planned in June for Locals 1 (Viterra) and Local 14 (Richardson); and clarification of collective agreement application is always requested. Nothing is off the table for discussion, so start lining up questions for your staff rep.

If you have a preferred date or time you and your co-workers would like to meet with your GSU staff rep, reach out to us by email, phone or text and reserve a time and place that works for you.

MENTAL HEALTH TALK: Is it stress? Anxiety? Or both?

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By GSU staff rep Donna Driediger

We often hear coworkers, family and friends talk about stress and anxiety as a normal part of a day, but do we understand the difference between the two? And do we really know what a normal amount of stress or anxiety is?

The difference between Stress and Anxiety

Stress is any demand placed on your brain or physical body. An event or scenario that makes you feel frustrated or nervous can trigger it.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. While it can occur as a reaction to stress, it can also happen without any obvious trigger.

Both stress and anxiety involve mostly identical symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • trouble sleeping
  • digestive issues
  • difficulty concentrating
  • muscle tension
  • irritability or anger.

People experience feelings of stress and anxiety at points in time in their lives.

Stress and anxiety can be a helpful motivator to accomplish daunting tasks or do things you’d rather not (but really should do). Unmanaged stress and anxiety can interfere with daily life and take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Stress and anxiety produce a range of physical and psychological symptoms.

The big difference between stress and anxiety is the presence of a specific trigger.

Stress is typically tied to a specific situation. Once that situation resolves, so does your stress. That doesn’t mean stress is always short-lived, though. Chronic stress refers to long lasting stress that occurs in response to ongoing pressure, like a demanding job or family conflict.

Anxiety, by contrast, doesn’t always have a specific stressor.

Not sure whether stress or anxiety is behind your symptoms?

Step back and think of what’s going on in your life right now. What kinds of things do you worry about? Are they specific threats or events? If you can tie your feelings back to a specific trigger, they’re likely the result of stress. If the exact cause isn’t clear, or your symptoms stick around after the initial trigger goes away, it may be anxiety.

An example:

Consider car troubles. Maybe you know you really need new brakes, but you can’t afford to replace them just yet. For the next few weeks, you feel uneasy about driving. What if your brakes fail going down a hill?

What if a cat jumps out and your brakes don’t’ engage? A few weeks later, you have a fresh set of brakes and you’ve stopped worrying about driving safely. In this case, your nervousness was due to stress, triggered by having bad brakes.

Maybe you get your new brakes and don’t really notice a change in your symptoms. You’re still nervous about driving and feel a vague sense of unease that you can’t quite put your finger on. Or, your brakes were never an issue in the first place, but you can’t shake an overall feeling of nervousness about getting on the road. That would be anxiety.

Is feeling stressed or anxious impacting your work life?

Know that GSU is here to assist you in ensuring you have the tools available to have a safe workplace. Work and life stressors and anxiety are a delicate walk to navigate. If you need help, please reach out.

If you are stressed or anxious in your workplace or getting to a point where it is no longer manageable, contact Donna Driediger at Donna@gsu.ca.

BARGAINING – AEA/GSU Local 8: Strike averted as slim majority of members vote to accept revised offer

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GSU bargaining committee members are Doug Murray (president), Steve Holliday (vice president), Dion Elliott (OH&S chair), Doug Kampman (secretary treasurer), Mason Van Luven (GSU staff) and bargaining spokesperson Hugh Wagner (GSU staff).

Strike averted as slim majority of members vote to accept revised offer

April 28, 2022

A strike by members of AEA/GSU Local 8 at Advance Tank Production/Advance Tank Centres in Regina is not occurring on April 28 as planned.

On the afternoon of April 27 a very slim majority of Local 8 members (53 percent) voted to accept a revised offer from the employer. As a result, settlement of a new collective agreement was reached and notice of strike action that was to take effect the following morning was withdrawn.

Key sticking points in the bargaining dispute were retroactivity of a wage increase to Nov. 1, 2021 and the amount of the wage increases.

The offer that lead to the settlement was received from the employer during the afternoon of April 27 and provides for an across-the-board wage increase of 3 percent effective May 1, 2022 with payment of the equivalent of 3 percent retroactive pay for the period Nov. 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. A second across-the-board wage increase of 3 percent will apply effective April 30, 2023. The new collective agreement will expire on April 27, 2024.

“This round of bargaining went right to the brink,” said Local president Doug Murray. “Members stood strong and united in their determination to make significant changes to the employer’s position and two so-called final offers were rejected before the settlement was reached.”

“When push came to shove, the members’ succeeded,” Murray said. “The new collective agreement document will be drawn up in the near future.”

Bargaining resumes with mediators as GSU Local 8 (AEA) members authorize strike action

Tuesday Members Memo – April 19, 2022

On April 12 members of Local 8 voted overwhelmingly in favour of authorizing strike action in the collective bargaining dispute with their employer when 92 percent of the Local’s members cast ballots and 98 percent of those voting authorized the executive committee of the Local to call strike action. In the aftermath of the vote, the employer was invited to return to the bargaining table.

“The April 25 bargaining meeting was arranged by the mediator after talking with representatives from both sides,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “I had previously informed the Company that union members had overwhelmingly approved strike action and I invited management to resume bargaining.”

“Local 8’s executive committee will hold off on implementing a call to strike in order to give the mediation process a reasonable amount of time. Strike action by union members or a lockout by the employer can commence following 48 hours’ notice to the other side,” Wagner said.

 

Union executive holds off implementing strike action as bargaining resumes

April 14, 2022

Agreement renewal bargaining between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance Tank Production/Advance Tank Centres will resume on April 25 with the assistance of a provincial mediator.

On April 12 members of Local 8 voted overwhelmingly in favour of authorizing strike action in the collective bargaining dispute with their employer when 92 percent of the Local’s members cast ballots and 98 percent of those voting authorized the executive committee of the Local to call strike action. In the aftermath of the vote, the employer has been invited to return to the bargaining table.

“The April 25 bargaining meeting was arranged by the mediator after talking with representatives from both sides,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “I had previously informed the Company that union members had overwhelmingly approved strike action and I invited management to resume bargaining.”

“Local 8’s executive committee will hold off on implementing a call to strike in order to give the mediation process a reasonable amount of time. Strike action by union members or a lockout by the employer can commence following 48 hours’ notice to the other side,” Wagner said.

Further updates will be issued as matters unfold.

Local 8 members vote, authorize strike action

April 13, 2022

Members of AEA/GSU Local 8 have voted overwhelmingly in favour of authorizing strike action in their collective bargaining dispute with Advance Tank Production/Advance Tank Centres.

A special membership meeting to receive a bargaining report from the union executive committee and vote on the question of strike action was held at the Uplands Community Centre in Regina on Tuesday, April 12.

Ninety-two percent of the Local’s members cast ballots and 98 percent of those voting authorized the executive committee of the Local to call strike action. In the aftermath of the vote, the employer has been invited to return to the bargaining table.

“The members have spoken and the way forward is clear,” said AEA/GSU Local 8 president, Doug Murray.

If an acceptable settlement isn’t achieved in a reasonable amount of time, strike action by union members or a lockout by the employer can commence following 48 hours’ notice to the other side.

GSU Defense Fund directors meet, approve strike/lockout pay for Local 8 (AEA) members

Tuesday Members Memo – April 5, 2022

The board of directors of GSU’s Defense Fund met April 5 to authorize steps necessary to support members of AEA/GSU Local 8 in the event their bargaining dispute leads to strike or lockout action.

Directors unanimously approved strike/lockout pay of 75 percent of members’ regular hourly wages plus payment of the premiums necessary to continue group insurance coverage during a strike or lockout at Advance Tank Production/Advance Tank Centres in Regina. To be eligible for strike/lockout pay, union members must be active participants in the actions of the union such as refraining from working for the employer during the strike or lockout and picketing the workplace at the times and places set by the Local union executive committee.

The directors’ meeting also gave approval to administrative steps to ensure ease of funds transfers and documentation expenditures.

The GSU Defense Fund has assets in excess of $5.7 million and is administered by an elected board of directors.

 

Conciliation fails to bring about settlement

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 29, 2022

The two sides couldn’t agree. Now a 14-day “cooling off period” will expire at midnight on April 7.

A membership meeting and vote is scheduled for April 12 and union and company representatives have agreed neither side will take action without warning until after the membership meeting has taken place.

AEA/GSU Local 8 conciliation rescheduled to March 23

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 8, 2022 

After the conciliator-requested postponement of the originally scheduled March 3 conciliation, GSU’s bargaining committee is preparing to meet employer representatives from Advance on March 23. If a settlement is not reached on March 23 it is likely the conciliator’s term of appointment will run out around March 28 or a little later.

Once the Minister of Labour and Workplace safety advises that the conciliator has reported out of the process, the bargaining impasse enters a 14-day cooling off period under the terms of the Saskatchewan Employment Act. If a settlement is not reached by the end of the cooling off period, strike or lockout action becomes legal. Members of Local 8 will meet before the end of the cooling off period to vote on their course of action.

When both sides last met, the union position on wage increases was at least three percent per year higher than the employer’s proposals over the life of a three-year agreement. The union committee will continue to push for wage increases in line with the current trends in the rising cost of living.

AEA/GSU Local 8 conciliation date to be rescheduled

Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 1, 2022

The March 3 conciliation meeting between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance has been postponed at the conciliator’s request. Union and management have provided alternative dates and it is hoped that a rescheduled meeting will be nailed down soon.

When both sides last met on Dec. 16, the union position on wage increases was at least three percent per year higher than the employer’s proposals over the life of a three-year agreement.

The union committee will continue to push for wage increases in line with the current trends in the rising cost of living.

Conciliation set for March 3

Tuesday Members’ Memo ~ Feb. 8, 2022

On Jan. 27, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety appointed a conciliation officer who has 60 days to meet with the parties in an effort to settle the bargaining impasse between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance Tank Production Ltd. /Advance Tank Centres Ltd.

The conciliator was in touch with the parties and the first meeting date has been set for March 3.

“When we met management on December 16 the union position on wage increases was at least 3 percent per year higher over the life of a proposed three-year agreement,” Wagner said. “The union committee will continue to push for wage increases in line with the current trends in the rising cost of living.”

If a settlement is not reached on March 3, Local 8 could be well on its way to a strike or lockout since the conciliator’s term of appointment runs out on or about March 28 and the parties will be in a legal strike or lockout situation by early to mid-April.

Local 8 (AEA/GSU) awaiting appointment of conciliator

Tuesday Members’ Memo ~ Jan. 26, 2022

The AEA/GSU Local 8 bargaining is headed to conciliation and the union’s committee is waiting for Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety to appoint a conciliation officer. Once appointed, the conciliator will have 60 days to meet with the parties in an effort to settle the bargaining impasse between Local 8 and Advance Tank Production Ltd./Advance Tank Centres Ltd.

“When we meet with the employer and conciliator, the union bargaining committee will push hard to obtain across-the-board wage increases consistent with members’ concerns about the rising cost of living,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “When both sides last met Dec. 16, we were apart at least three percent per year over the life of a proposed three-year agreement.”

The union served notice of a bargaining impasse on Jan. 14, 2022. It is anticipated a conciliator will be appointed in the next short while.

Bargaining Grinds to a halt, Local 8 (AEA/Advance) bargaining committee issues notice of impasse

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 18, 2022

Agreement renewal bargaining between AEA/GSU Local 8 and Advance Tank Production Ltd. /Advance Tank Centre Ltd. is headed to conciliation as the union has served notice of a bargaining impasse.

The notice of impasse was sent on behalf of AEA/GSU Local 8 to Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety on Jan. 14. It is anticipated the Minister will appoint a conciliation officer who will have 60 days to meet with the union and company bargaining committees in an effort to settle the bargaining impasse.

If the 60-day conciliation process doesn’t produce a settlement, and the conciliator reports out of the process, the parties enter a further seven- to 14-day cooling-off period following which strike or lockout action can legally occur.

Updates will be shared as they are available.

 

Congratulations to GSU Local 1 (Viterra) member Sara Irving – our winner of two tickets to the April 16 Rush game

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We have sent two tickets for the Rush’s April 16 game to Local 1 (Viterra) member Sara Irving. Last week Sara entered our contest by listing swamp pop as something she thought tasted awesome as a child, but considerably less awesome as an adult.

Congratulations, Sara, and thank you to everyone who entered our Rush ticket contests last week and this season. Your answers to our contest questions are always insightful, entertaining and appreciated.

Watch for more contests in the future.

Last week we learned that GSU members love their beef jerky when they entered our contest by telling us their go-to road trip snack. Congratulations to GSU Local 15 (Nutrien) member Chelsea Grimard who can enjoy her favourite pickle/meat/cheese/cracker snack tray on her way to the April 9 Rush game with the two tickets she won in our contest.

We have our last two tickets to give away this Rush season, and they are for the Rush’s April 16 game against the Colorado Mammoth.

Enter our contest and you could win two tickets to the game. To enter, get your answer to the following question to gsu@gsu.ca by noon on April 11.

  • What was something you thought tasted awesome as a child, but you realize tastes horrible as an adult?

Good luck in our contest!

Are you mentally exhausted?

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The world has been overwhelming. COVID has tested our resolve, patience, relationships and more, and any one of the multiple sources of horrific updates from the Ukraine is a lot to take in. Everything that is being thrown at us would be taxing enough before a global pandemic shut us down, but as we ease away from restrictions and try to regain our lives, we find things aren’t simply waiting in place for us where we left them.

If you find yourself constantly exhausted, zoning out, angry or unable to finish simple tasks, you may be mentally exhausted. Learn more about the symptoms and how to cope, here:

Reach out to us, your friends, family, or a mental health professional if you need support.

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Time off – We’re fielding questions on vacation plans, changes and usage

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The past year has been challenging with COVID restrictions and Mother Nature putting a damper on work. Some members saw their work location switch from office to home, others worked short-staffed when fellow members lost their jobs and many members worked under the looming fear of layoff due to a lack of work. In many cases members were taxed trying to take holidays in 2021 and, as a result, they carried hours forward into 2022.

When groups of employees have large banks of unused time, we start getting calls from members who are feeling pressured to take time off. Circumstances vary from employer insistence that time be used to appeals to help the company get through hard times and encouragement to show your loyalty by using up some time. It’s also not unusual for GSU staff reps to hear concerns from members being asked to use up time off to help reduce the likelihood of job loss resulting from a lack of work.

Your time off needs to be mutually agreed upon

All GSU collective bargaining agreements contain language that specifically references “mutual agreement” in regards to time off. When you submit your plan for time off, the company can accept or reject your proposal. The same is true on the other side. The company can approach you and ask you to take the time off and you have the right to refuse.

Whether you use your time off to go sightseeing, camping, help out with harvest or take a sunny winter vacation, you have the right to take time off at a time when it works for you. If you are having problems exercising this right or you have questions or concerns regarding your vacation time off usage or any other workplace issue, don’t hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep. We are always willing to help.

Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues and their is never an additional charge for assisting you. Contact information for GSU staff representatives is available on our web page at gsu.ca.

March 8 is International Women’s Day

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Why is International Women’s Day important?

Because 72 countries won’t allow women to open bank accounts.

Because more than 250 million women alive today were married before their 15th birthday (many against their will).

Because there are fewer women in leadership positions in the USA than there are men named John.

Celebrate women’s achievement.
Raise awareness against bias.
Take action for equality.
#breakthebias

GSU MEMBERSHIP SURVEY: Thank you to everyone who completed our survey

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Our survey is now closed. Watch for the announcement of our survey prize winner in our March 8 Tuesday Members’ Memo.

 

GSU just sent a survey to every member. Now we need your input.

We have come through a tumultuous couple of years which have shone light directly on what works well and what hasn’t worked at all. The value of personal interactions and connections has been confirmed, and we have learned that there are a number of different ways to accomplish the same thing.

As we squeeze out of COVID’s grip, we don’t want to slip back into doing what we have always done simply because it’s familiar. Instead, we are throwing the door wide open, listening closely to what members say is best for them, and preparing to act on it.

This is where you come in.

We have sent a general survey to every GSU member in our database contact list. (If you didn’t receive it, or if you have misplaced it, you can access it here.)

This survey is the beginning of a post-COVID refresh aimed to reflect, review, and improve how we serve you and your fellow GSU members post-COVID. We’re asking you about a wide range of topics including education, member engagement, and communication, and your reply is strictly confidential – meaning none of your information will be shared with your employer.

Your input is important. Tell us what you are thinking, and don’t hold back.

Good or bad, we want to hear from you.

The survey will be open until noon on March 4, so make sure you respond at your convenience and urge your fellow GSU members to respond, too.

As a thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, you have the option of entering our draw to win one of three prizes.

To enter the draw, we will need you to provide the necessary contact information at the end of the survey after selecting which of the prizes you would like to enter to win. The lucky winner of our random draw will be contacted after the survey closes. If you don’t want to enter the draw – or you would prefer your thoughts remain completely anonymous – simply leave the contact information section blank.

Any questions or complications with completing the survey can be directed to staff rep Mason Van Luven by phone or by email (306.552.7987 or Mason@gsu.ca).

Access the survey here: GSU Spring 2022 Survey

WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU members are asking us for information on pension and retirement

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The unseasonably cold weather seems to have everyone wishing they could stay home. That may explain why GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson has had a rush of pension and retirement inquiries cross his desk.

Torgerson can answer your questions, such as who needs to contacted when a member is considering retirement, what options are available to retiring members, and where to begin when everything seems so overwhelming. If you are considering retirement or simply planning for the future, don’t hesitate to contact Steve and ask for our retirement guidebook. It’s free, and it will lead you through the process and help you keep everything straight.

Need an answer? No question is too big or small. GSU staff reps are here to assist you, and their services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.

Contact information for GSU staff is available here.

We’re accepting applications to become a GSU Defense Fund director

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We are accepting expressions of interest from GSU members who are interested in becoming a director on the GSU Defense Fund.

The board of directors of the GSU Defense Fund is responsible for overseeing the administration and investment of the Fund assets (currently $5+ million). The primary purpose of the Fund is to provide income protection and assistance to GSU members who are engaged in a strike or lockout.

The board of directors meets three times a year by conference call and at least once per year in person. Time off work for directors to attend to Defense Fund business is paid for by GSU along with directors’ travel, meal and hotel expenses.

Members who are elected to the Joint Executive Council of GSU are not eligible for election to the Defense Fund Board of Directors. Of the five Defense Fund Directors, three are required to be from Local 1 (Viterra Ops/Maintenance) and/or Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) and/or Local 14 (Richardson) and/or Local 15 (Nutrien).

The current vacancy on the board is open to be filled by a GSU member in good standing who is employed in any certified GSU bargaining unit.

If you are interested in becoming a GSU Defense Fund director or learning more about the responsibilities of a director, contact GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner at Hugh@gsu.ca or 306.536.3414.

When you need someone to talk to, we’re here.

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GSU is listening and here to help.

If you have questions about workplace issues or external problems that are affecting your work, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSU staff rep. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.

Contact our reps directly (contact information here) or by calling toll-free at 1.866.522.6686 in Regina or 1.855.384.7314 in Saskatoon.