Tuesday Members’ Memo – Nov. 23, 2021
A senior manager with Nutrien Ltd. has replied to GSU’s proposal of employee wage increases in 2022 that reflect the rising cost of living in Canada.
On Nov. 26, Mr. Michael Webb, executive vice president and chief human resources officer with Nutrien, replied to GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. In his response, Mr. Webb said that 2022 wage increases would be based on a robust market analysis combined with the pay for performance system.
“I appreciate that Mr. Webb took the time to reply, but at the same time I am concerned that when an employer relies on a market analysis it is a trailing exercise rather than a leading approach and will fall short of an inflation-reflective wage increase for every employee,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “This is just the beginning of the process of advocating for better wages and GSU will continue to press for more.”
Wagner reports that he hasn’t yet received a reply from Viterra.
GSU promotes 2022 wage increases
Tuesday Members’ Memo – Nov. 23, 2021
GSU is urging employers to step up to the plate by granting significant wage increases to employees in 2022.
On Nov. 18, GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner wrote to corporate management at Nutrien and Viterra to lobby for 2022 wage increases that at least match increases in the rate of inflation as measured by the All Items Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The CPI has recently recorded increases higher than 4 percent and the Bank of Canada has indicated upward pressure on the CPI will continue at a rate of 3.5 percent or higher for all of 2022.
Wagner advised both employers that collective agreements don’t present any barriers to awarding each and every employee a higher wage/salary increases.
“It is my respectful submission that the principles of equity, fairness, recognition and retention all support this kind of action,” Wagner said. ““When we meet employers such as Advance Manufacturing and Richardson International at the bargaining table in the latter part of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, we will be arguing for significant wage increases for all employers.”
“Other companies are being encouraged to do the right thing without waiting for the collective agreements to open for bargaining,” he continued. “As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and price inflation appears to be on the rise, the time to recognize and reward workers for the value of their contributions to economic growth and corporate prosperity is long overdue.”