Clockwise, left to right: General Secretary and bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson; Jim Brown, Local 1; Dave Barrett, Local 1; Mason Van Luven, GSU staff; Kaylee Kruger, Local 2; and Howard Wilson, Local 2 signed the agreements on March 22.

On March 22, members of the Local 1 Board of Delegates and the Local 2 Executive Committee met at GSU’s Regina office to sign their respective collective agreements. The signed agreements were then delivered to Viterra for signature by company officials and the new agreements and all the entitlements they contain are fully effective.

You can view the agreements using the COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS tab above and clicking on Viterra.

We will be printing booklets for members. As soon as they are available we will work with our elected delegates to get copies into members’ hands.

Grievance v. Executive Grievance

The biggest difference between an executive grievance and an individual grievance is who ‘owns’ it.

• An individual grievance is filed by a member (or a few members) over a specific issue that has impacted them.
• An executive grievance is filed by the Local or union and covers all members who are impacted by the specific issue.

Executive grievances filed over unpaid 4.5% retro, pay increases 

Feb. 29, 2024

GSU Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) have filed executive grievances with Viterra, as follows:

• Local 1 Executive Grievance
• Local 2 Executive Grievance

Each Local is responsible for their own grievance and the elected officers of each Local will manage the process.

We expect a response from the company within a few days. At that point, we will arrange meetings with Viterra to work through the various steps in the grievance process.

Local 1 and 2 members who are on our email list dedicated to these grievances will be kept up-to-date on progress. Elected officers from the Locals will also be updated on the progress of the grievances. Members who want to join the email update list – or those who have questions about these specific grievances or grievances in general – are encouraged to contact GSU’s general secretary Steve Torgerson.

Archives

Enforcing the 4.5% increase, 4.5% retroactive payments

Feb. 2024

It’s become apparent that Viterra isn’t budging on their stance regarding the final offer wording. They have told the media that they’re sticking to a process consistent with past collective agreements to apply the 4.5% increase. The question Local 1 and 2 members are asking is why they aren’t using the process outlined in the new final offer, which states it’s to be paid to all employees effective January 1, 2023, and to active members as of December 31, 2023.

GSU is committed to taking every available step to enforce the 4.5% increase. We are currently gathering information from affected members regarding what they received (or didn’t receive) and the specific details of each case. Members who haven’t received the full 4.5% increase or full 4.5% retroactive payments are asked to complete an information form to help determine the scope of the issue as we fight for the increase and retro pay for all members. Background information is available in Update #44/Feb. 7 available here. 

GSU Local 1 and 2 officers reviewing all available options to fight for entitlements of the Final Offer

Source: GSU bargaining committee update #43 – Feb. 2, 2024

Some members of Local 1 and 2 have been examining their pay stubs and noticing that there are problems with the 4.5% increase they were expecting to receive.

This is happening in various ways.

• Some members get no increase or retro pay.
• Some members getting an increase and retro pay on only some of their pay last year.
• As well as questions about retro pay on overtime and the STIP from last year.
• And other questions and concerns.

In the union’s Feb. 2, 2024 update to Local 1 and 2 members, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson says, “I can confirm that the company has advised that they are taking the 4.5% increase, which they say is not based on performance, and using their pay for performance eligibility to decide who gets it. Even though the language in the final offer states, everyone is to get the 4.5% increase if they were an active employee as of December 31, 2023.”

GSU is committed to fighting for its members to receive the entitlements contained in this final offer. In the coming days, GSU and Local 1 and 2 officers will be reviewing all available options.

GSU will be sending Local 1 and 2 members a to complete if they have issues with the 4.5% increase for 2023. 

“Even though some will say this only affects 25% of members in Local 1 and 2, I would disagree. When a company thinks, it can try to withhold a negotiated wage increase it makes me wonder what is the next thing they will try to get away with?” Torgerson says. “This is why this attack on your collective agreement has to be challenged and fought, and I know all members of Local 1 and 2 will stand together through this.”

Members are experiencing problems getting their Retroactive Pay

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 30, 2024

With the recent vote accepting the company’s final offer at Local 1 and 2, all eyes turned towards finalizing the new collective agreement and when retro pay will be processed and paid to members. With negotiations taking 15 months, the increase of 4.5% effective January 1, 2023 means that a lot of members are looking at substantial retro payments.

All too quickly, Viterra has changed their tune and is now saying that not all employees in the bargaining units will get the 4.5% increase or retro pay for 2023. Members have begun to look at their pay stubs and are not seeing any increase or retroactive payments for the hours of work they put in for 2023.

“I have reached out to Viterra HR to inquire why some members – potentially as many at 80 – did not receive the negotiated increase or any retro for 2023,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson, “I thought it was a simple mistake, but now it appears that Viterra is backing down from their own final offer that members voted on and accepted.”

“It’s a shameful and dirty move if they decide not to follow their own Final Offer.”

GSU and Locals 1 and 2 are waiting for a response from Viterra. If this is not resolved in the manner to which it was negotiated, we will be looking at all options.

Source: GSU bargaining committee update #43 – Feb. 2, 2024

Some members of Local 1 and 2 have been examining their pay stubs and noticing that there are problems with the 4.5% increase they were expecting to receive.

This is happening in various ways.

• Some members get no increase or retro pay.
• Some members getting an increase and retro pay on only some of their pay last year.
• As well as questions about retro pay on overtime and the STIP from last year.
• And other questions and concerns.

In the union’s Feb. 2, 2024 update to Local 1 and 2 members, GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson says, “I can confirm that the company has advised that they are taking the 4.5% increase, which they say is not based on performance, and using their pay for performance eligibility to decide who gets it. Even though the language in the final offer states, everyone is to get the 4.5% increase if they were an active employee as of December 31, 2023.”

GSU is committed to fighting for its members to receive the entitlements contained in this final offer. In the coming days, GSU and Local 1 and 2 officers will be reviewing all available options.

GSU will be sending Local 1 and 2 members a to complete if they have issues with the 4.5% increase for 2023. 

“Even though some will say this only affects 25% of members in Local 1 and 2, I would disagree. When a company thinks, it can try to withhold a negotiated wage increase it makes me wonder what is the next thing they will try to get away with?” Torgerson says. “This is why this attack on your collective agreement has to be challenged and fought, and I know all members of Local 1 and 2 will stand together through this.”

Members are experiencing problems getting their Retroactive Pay

Tuesday Members’ Memo – Jan. 30, 2024

With the recent vote accepting the company’s final offer at Local 1 and 2, all eyes turned towards finalizing the new collective agreement and when retro pay will be processed and paid to members. With negotiations taking 15 months, the increase of 4.5% effective January 1, 2023 means that a lot of members are looking at substantial retro payments.

All too quickly, Viterra has changed their tune and is now saying that not all employees in the bargaining units will get the 4.5% increase or retro pay for 2023. Members have begun to look at their pay stubs and are not seeing any increase or retroactive payments for the hours of work they put in for 2023.

“I have reached out to Viterra HR to inquire why some members – potentially as many at 80 – did not receive the negotiated increase or any retro for 2023,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson, “I thought it was a simple mistake, but now it appears that Viterra is backing down from their own final offer that members voted on and accepted.”

“It’s a shameful and dirty move if they decide not to follow their own Final Offer.”

GSU and Locals 1 and 2 are waiting for a response from Viterra. If this is not resolved in the manner to which it was negotiated, we will be looking at all options.

We’ve confirmed that retro pay will be processed, paid Jan. 31

GSU has confirmed that Viterra will be processing and paying all retroactive payments for 2023 on January 31, 2024. Based on the Company’s Final Offer, all eligible members will receive their 4.5% increases for 2023, retroactive to January 1, 2023. The Final Offer states that eligible members will receive it, and your hire date and what is in your Letter of Offer should determine your eligibility.

Members are asked to do the math and double-check the information and the amount of their pay, and notify their elected delegate or GSU staff representative if there are any questions or problems. Likewise, If you don’t receive any retro pay on January 31, 2024, please reach out to your delegate or staff representative.

GSU is working with Viterra to write the new collective agreements. We expect this should be done within the next few weeks and, when that process is complete, union and company representatives will sign the agreement and that is the date a number of the changes in the agreement will take effect.

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) members vote to accept Company’s Jan. 4, 2024 offer

Jan. 19, 2024 — On Jan. 19, ballots cast by GSU Local 1 (Operations & Maintenance) and 2 (Viterra Head Office) members over the past two weeks were counted by their elected officers. It was determined that Local 1 and Local 2 members independently voted to accept the company’s January 4, 2024, Final Offer.

Following signatures by union and company officials on the appropriate documentation in the upcoming weeks, this round of bargaining will be concluded. 

Background information is available here. 

Vote complete, ballots to be counted Jan. 19

Jan. 18, 2024 – 4:00PM — The GSU Local 1 and Local 2 membership vote on the company’s Jan. 4, 2024 *Final Offer* is complete. Throughout the ratification process, members have adhered to work-to-rule guidelines.

Ballots will be counted by elected GSU officers on Jan. 19, 2024 and results will be released to members.

During their Jan. 5 meeting, elected officers from Local 1 and 2 concluded that there was enough difference between the company’s January 4 Final Offer and the company’s previous November 2023 Final Offer that members should have the opportunity to vote on this most recent offer.

Members of Local 1 and 2, if they have not already, are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the bargaining update newsletters using their personal email addresses. This precaution is advised as company addresses may not be accessible in the event of a labour disruption.

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) members to vote on company’s Jan. 4, 2024 Final Offer

JAN. 5, 2024 – 12:45 P.M. – GSU Local 1 and Local 2 will be voting on the company’s Jan. 4, 2024 Final Offer. They will be working to rule during the ratification process.

At their meeting this morning, Local 1 and 2 elected officers decided that the company’s January Final Offer was different enough from the November Final Offer that members should decide on it for themselves. Accordingly, they have decided to take the January Final Offer to members for a vote.

Additional information will be made available to members shortly, so check your email for updates.

Viterra presents another Final Offer to GSU’s bargaining committees

JAN. 4, 11:00 P.M. – The GSU bargaining committees of Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) met with Viterra representatives on Jan. 3 and 4 with the assistance of the federally-appointed mediator. Late into the evening of Jan. 4, Viterra presented another Final Offer to the bargaining committee.

The company is currently preparing the Final Offer document and it will be presented to the Local 1 Board of Delegates and Local 2 Executive Committee Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Your elected officers will review the offer and decide on next steps regarding ratification and strike action.

Please stay in touch with your elected delegate in the hours to come. They will notify everyone of decisions made at the meeting, and GSU general secretary/bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson will send a follow-up email to all members as quickly as possible.

Members of Local 1 and 2, if they have not already, are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the bargaining update newsletters using their personal email addresses. This precaution is advised as company addresses may not be accessible in the event of a labour disruption.

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra): Notice of strike action served

On Jan. 2, GSU general secretary and chief bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson provided Viterra’s Director of Employee and Labour Relations with 72-hours’ notice of intention to initiate strike action as early as Jan. 5 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

“This strike notice underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation,” said Torgerson. “If significant progress is not made during the upcoming negotiations on January 3 and 4, GSU members are prepared to initiate strike action to secure a fair collective agreement.”

Copies of Torgerson’s letters of strike notice are available here:

• Notice of Strike Action – GSU Local 1 Viterra Country Operations and Maintenance
• Notice of Strike Action – GSU Local 2 Viterra Head Office

The bargaining committees of Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) are scheduled to meet Viterra representatives on Jan. 3 and 4 with the assistance of the federally-appointed mediator. While your bargaining committees express cautious optimism and remain committed to securing the best possible collective agreement, it is prudent to stay prepared for any circumstance.

Members Approve Company’s Final Offer, Paving the Way for Collective Agreement Changes with Viterra

JANUARY 19, 2024, REGINA, SK–This morning, elected officers tallied the results of the recent ratification vote on the Jan. 4, 2024 final offer of Viterra Canada. The members of Grain and General Services Union (GSU) Local 1 (Viterra Country Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Regina Head Office) have given their thumbs up, voting in favour of accepting the final offer from their employer.

The result does not show overwhelming support for the final offer.

“Members of Local 1 and 2 have been living under the company’s so-called pay-for-performance system for 15 years now,” said Steve Torgerson, bargaining spokesperson and GSU general secretary. “While the changes in the final offer achieve part of what members were looking to gain, it doesn’t go far enough. Members will continue to press the company during the term of the new agreement to address their concerns.”

As a result of this approval, the bargaining process will now move into the next phase, where GSU and Viterra will work together to incorporate the agreed-upon changes into the new collective agreement.

“This offer was accepted by the majority of members of both Locals, but members still have their sights set on more improvements next time,” said Torgerson. “It is important to point out that there are improvements gained in this deal. Improvements we have been working on for years. Improvements that will benefit members today and in years to come.”

“As a democratic organization driven by members, I am proud of the members of Local 1 and 2 for their dedication to the process, by holding each other to account and striving for better working conditions for everyone,” Torgerson said. “While the members of these Locals don’t all believe in the same things, they have committed to stick together and continue to do the hard work it takes to build a strong and representative union.”

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For information, contact:

Steve Torgerson, General Secretary
Grain and General Services Union (ILWU · Canada)
Work phone 306.522.6686, ext. 226
Cell phone 306-529-5925

GSU Local 1, 2 (Viterra) officers suspend Strike Action pending ratification vote

JANUARY 5, 2024, REGINA, SK – Grain and General Services Union Local 1 (Country Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Regina Head Office) representing Viterra Canada Inc. employees have decided to suspend the previously-announced strike action scheduled for this afternoon at 2:00 p.m., pending the results of a ratification vote by its members.

After careful consideration, union officers have determined that it is in the best interest of the members to allow them the opportunity to vote on the company’s Jan. 4, 2024 final offer.

Union officials acknowledge the frustration among members and have decided that, during the period leading up to the ratification vote, employees will not be on legal strike but will engage in a “work to rule” approach. This means members will strictly adhere to work-related rules and procedures without undertaking any additional work beyond their contractual and legal obligations.

“Our officers understand the concerns and frustrations of our members. The decision to suspend the strike action is a strategic move to give our members the chance to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard through a ratification vote,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson.

The ratification votes will begin in the coming days and the ballots will be counted on January 19, 2024. The union remains committed to advocating for the best interests of its members and achieving a fair and satisfactory resolution through the negotiation process.

Information will be released as it becomes available.

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MEDIA RELEASE – Viterra presents another Final Offer to GSU Locals 1 and 2

JANUARY 4, 2024, REGINA, SK – Following extensive negotiations that continued into the evening, Viterra presented a new Final Offer to the GSU bargaining committee. The first Final Offer in these negotiations was rejected by our members in November 2023.

The elected officers of Locals 1 and 2 will meet January 5, 2024, starting at 9:30 a.m. to review the offer.

MEDIA RELEASE – GSU Locals 1 & 2 Serve 72-Hour Strike Notice Amidst Vital Negotiations with Viterra

JANUARY 2, 2024, REGINA, SK – After more than a year of tireless negotiations seeking fair wages, improved work-life balance, and workplace respect, members of GSU Local 1 (Viterra Country Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Regina Head Office) are taking a stand to secure a fair collective agreement. Today GSU issued 72-hour strike notice to Viterra Canada Inc. and the Federal Minister of Labour, Hon. Seamus O’Regan of their intent to strike as early as January 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. local time.

Following the rejection of Viterra’s final offer on December 15, 2023, GSU’s bargaining committee engaged in efforts to resume negotiations. An agreement on resuming negotiations has been reached, and talks are scheduled to take place on January 3 and 4, 2024, in Regina.

“This strike notice provides for time for the company to come back to negotiations and address members concerns,” said GSU General Secretary Steve Torgerson, “But members are not willing to give the company much longer. It is time for them to take bargaining seriously.”

GSU is deeply rooted in its commitment that all workers deserve fair and just rewards for their labour. Members are unwilling to wait any longer for a resolution that addresses their legitimate concerns. “This strike notice given by GSU members underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation,” Torgerson said. “If significant progress is not made during the upcoming negotiations on January 3 and 4, GSU members are prepared to initiate strike action to secure a fair collective agreement.” 

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MEDIA RELEASE – GSU members reject Viterra’s Final Offer

DECEMBER 15, 2023, REGINA, SK – After more than a year of negotiations, the members of Grain and General Services Union (GSU) Local 1 (Viterra Country Operations and Maintenance) and Local 2 (Viterra Regina Head Office) in Saskatchewan have reached a critical juncture in their bargaining relationship with Viterra. Frustrated by the lack of progress and seeming disregard for their concerns, union members in both Locals have overwhelmingly voted to reject the company’s final offer. Ballots on the offer were counted in Regina on Dec. 15. This was preceded by a vote and resounding message of unity in Nov. 2023 when members expressed their dissatisfaction with the company’s actions and overwhelmingly voted to authorize strike action should it become necessary. 

“The strong rejection vote across both Locals is no real surprise,” said GSU general secretary and bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson. “Members have been clear from the beginning that they need real wage increases written into their collective agreements. This final offer from Viterra does not provide that.”

The key issues at the heart of these negotiations include reliable wage increases, better work-family balance, health and safety and greater respect in the workplace. Despite the union’s repeated attempts to engage in meaningful dialogue, the company’s lack of movement or concern has left members disheartened and disappointed.

“With the Bunge acquisition of Viterra, I thought Viterra would come to the bargaining table prepared to reach a deal. I’m surprised these negotiations are still dragging on,” said Viterra employee and union bargaining committee member Kaylee Yanoshewski. “We’re asking for what is being seen in other recent contract settlements, and we want language in our collective agreement that clearly states what we will be earning.”

The rejection of the final offer comes right before the holiday season and near the end of a good harvest in parts of Western Canada.

“It is disheartening to see a company that boasts billions in profits and a large stake in Canadian grain handling fall short in valuing its most important asset – its employees,” Torgerson said. “For the past 70 years, GSU members have been the backbone to Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and now Viterra’s success. They have witnessed the shift from a company deeply invested in farmers and communities to Viterra, which seems more focused on profit and consolidation.”

“Our members are asking their employer to recognize that their commitment and contributions significantly contribute to Viterra’s profit margins, and that there is an important balance between profitability and the well-being of its workforce.”

The decision to authorize a strike was not taken lightly by the union members, who remain hopeful that the company will reevaluate its position and return to the bargaining table in good faith. The union emphasizes its commitment to finding a fair and equitable resolution that benefits both parties. It is also not lost on GSU members that any disruption in grain handling and shipping will have an affect on local producers.

“We work directly with Viterra’s customers and producers. We know what a strike or lock out might mean for them and we don’t want things to reach that point,” said Viterra employee and GSU bargaining committee member Dale Lysitza. “GSU members have been talking to the customers and producers they serve since bargaining began last year. They know what our issues are, what we are fighting for and what’s at stake for us. We value those relationships and are counting on their support and understanding if it comes to a point where we have to take a stand for what’s right and fair for our coworkers.”

As Local 1 and 2 prepares for a potential strike, the ball is now in Viterra’s court to address the concerns of its workforce and demonstrate a genuine commitment to its employees and customers.

“All Canadians have been struggling these past few years with rising prices on food and housing. Our members are not asking for high wage increases that are out of touch. We want what everyone wants: contract language that ensures employees know what they will be paid and not have to trust that a multinational agriculture company will take care of them,” said Torgerson. “All working people deserve their fair share in return for their labour, and that is always worth fighting for.”

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For more information, contact:
Steve Torgerson, General Secretary
Grain and General Services Union (ILWU · Canada)
Phone  306.522.6686, ext. 226

GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Broc Goodwin (Moose Jaw) and Dale Lysitza (Lloydminster); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger with assistance from GSU staff representatives Steve Torgerson and Mason Van Luven.

On March 15, 2023, Viterra announced that the annual bonus paid to their employees would be paid to everyone except Local 1 and 2 members. Their excuse? The union wouldn’t agree to the company’s pay system.

Let’s not kid ourselves. This move was intended to influence members to back down at the bargaining table.

The members of Locals 1 and 2 were not going to be pushed off their goal of making some significant improvements to their collective agreement. In fact, the STIP issue became a rallying point to have members speak up, show their solidarity and demand the STIP be paid.

Over 70 percent of Local 1 and 2 members signed a petition demanding the STIP be paid and stating they wouldn’t let the company use the STIP against them. The members shared personal stories of how the company’s actions were harming them and the jobs they do. They spoke out and told their managers they deserved their STIP, and they refused to go above and beyond if the company didn’t value their work. The Locals also filed an unfair labour practice challenging the company’s decision as it took place during negotiations.

Nearly three months after their March announcement, last week Viterra announced that they would release the STIP and pay it to all eligible members.

This victory for Local 1 and 2 members is no small feat and is the result of actions taken by members to demand what was owed to them.

“While the dollar value of the STIP is well into the seven figures, the true significance lies in the additional value to members as they stood shoulder to shoulder to fight for what was theirs and what is right,” said GSU general secretary and Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee spokesperson Steve Torgerson.

“When someone asks you why you need a union, or what the benefits of belonging to a union are, use this story as an example,” Torgerson continued. “Members did everything they could, from a legal challenge to not going above and beyond, but what ultimately made the difference was that the vast majority of members acted together and supported each other.”