Tuesday MEMBERS’ MEMO – May 26, 2026
Over the last three weeks, Local 14 members across the province stepped forward, made their voices heard, and exercised their democratic right. The membership has voted, and 68% of those who cast a ballot voted in favour of accepting the terms and conditions of the May 5, 2026 tentative settlement with Richardson International.
“This outcome directly reflects your engagement, participation and patience throughout the process,” said GSU staff representative and bargaining committee member Donna Labelle. “Standing together means recognizing that your greatest strength is each other. Because we stood united, we have secured a path forward that brings stability and progress to Local 14.”
The bargaining committee extends a big thank you to every single member who took the time to participate, ask questions, and vote, noting their voice is the backbone of the local.
Thank you to elected bargaining committee members Curtis Shiels (Melville) and Mark Zacharias (Carrot River) for their time and effort. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns as we transition into the new collective agreement, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to your elected officers or your GSU staff representative.
Background:
On May 5, 2026, the GSU Local 14 bargaining committee reached a tentative settlement with Richardson International Limited. The union’s committee—led by Steve Torgerson (GSU general secretary) and supported by Donna Labelle (GSU staff), Curtis Shiels (Melville), and Mark Zacharias (Carrot River)—reports that good progress was made during these sessions.
While the final decision belongs to the membership, the bargaining committee is recommending acceptance of the tentative agreement. This recommendation comes after a thorough review of the gains achieved during this round of negotiations.
The Local 14 Board of Delegates met recently via Zoom to discuss the memorandum of settlement, ratification meeting dates, and the voting process so they could share that information with the members they represent. The full Memorandum of Settlement was also made available to Local 14 members to review in preparation for a ratification vote that began this week.
Richardson International agreed to GSU staff holding in-person ratification meetings on-site during lunch breaks over a two weeks timeframe. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to review the tentative settlement document in person and ask questions before casting their ballots. All Local 14 members are encouraged to attend their meeting, get informed, and vote.