Category Archives: We’re working on it
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Staff reps are receiving more discipline-related calls regarding safety
Employers are taking firmer stances on safety in the workplace and GSU staff reps have noticed an uptick in discipline-related calls regarding safety. GSU believes a safe working environment preserves the well-being of our members and fosters a culture of … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Vacation and banked time aren’t the only options when personal circumstance affects the ability of GSU members to report for work
Vacation and banked time aren’t the only leave options available to GSU members. We work with our members to ensure they are aware of the full-slate of leaves in their collective agreements. GSU staff reps Mason Van Luven and Brian … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Assisting a member on long-term disability
GSU staff rep Donna Driediger has been assisting a member who is on long-term disability. The member has been away from the workplace for over 15 years and they recently contacted GSU to have commuted value calculations prepared as they … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: STIP update – Here’s what has taken place since the STIP was withheld by Viterra in March
Here’s what has taken place since the STIP was withheld by Viterra in March Tuesday Members’ Memo – May 9, 2023 In March 2023, Viterra announced the Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for 2022 would be paid to eligible members … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Potential harassment in the workplace
GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven was contacted about potential harassment taking place in the workplace after management ignored a member’s request for union representation. The subject matter of the meetings is under consideration. “Workers are entitled to a safe … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: If you manager wants an investigatory or disciplinary meeting, you have the right to union representation
If your manager wants to have a chat with you about something, they absolutely have that right. Depending on the circumstances, you have the right to have a union rep present. “Members have a right to union representation when the … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Member finds they hadn’t been paid for a year’s worth of double-time
GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven has been assisting a member who recently discovered they hadn’t been paid for a year’s worth of double-time. “Your collective agreement is a contract that describes the terms and conditions of employment for employees … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Work requirements cause vacation cancellation concerns
GSU staff rep Brian Lark was contacted by a member who was concerned that their long-standing approved vacation time would be cancelled due to work requirements. Brian contacted human resources who advised that while management had indicated that it would … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson is assisting a member with a position elimination
“Having your position eliminated is different than being terminated for cause because it has nothing to do with work performance. That said, being told your position is being eliminated is still difficult,” Torgerson said. “It’s important to know your rights … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Member did not receive an interview for a position
When a GSU member didn’t receive an interview for a position they had applied for, they contacted staff rep Steve Torgerson to discuss the situation. Torgerson is pursuing discussion with the employer in an attempt to find a resolution. … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Interviews and final preparations for an arbitration
Last week general secretary Hugh Wagner conducted interviews with the grievor and a former GSU staff in preparation for this week’s Sept. 29 and 30 arbitration of a Local 7 member’s grievance challenging their employer’s calculation of severance pay … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Severance pay grievance moved to arbitration, date set
An arbitration date has been set for Sept. 29 and 30 for the grievance of a member who is contesting the amount of severance pay they are entitled to under the collective agreement with their employer. The employee’s position was … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Navigating short- and long-term disability while you are unwell
“It’s difficult for members who are attempting to navigate the waters of short- and long-term disability while they are unwell,” Driediger said. “The process can be daunting.” GSU staff understand the lingo and the players, and we can work with … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Time off – We’re fielding questions on vacation plans, changes and usage
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 … Continue reading
WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Standby Pay – You deserve to be paid for the hours that you work
As workers, we trade our skill and time for money. When your scheduled shift is over, your obligation to continue working for the company stops, and the obligation of the company to pay you stops as well. However, in the … Continue reading