Dialogue to resolve Local 5’s agreement renewal bargaining is ongoing. We thank Local 5 members for their patience and continued support.
Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining impasse mediation set for June 6 & 7; July 26 & 27
Tuesday Members’ Memo – May 2, 2023
Mediation has been set for June 6 and 7, and again July 26 and 27 with mediator Kevin Eckert who will assist the parties in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement.
GSU’s Local 5 bargaining committee held a membership meeting on April 25 to provide members with an update and give them an opportunity to ask questions.
As is the case during any bargaining and mediation process, we may not be able to provide details while discussions are ongoing but we will provide dates of meetings and as much information on progress as we are able to. If you have questions, please reach out to your bargaining committee members.
GSU is committed to the process and is looking forward to working with the members and the employer to negotiate a settlement that is workable for all.
We thank Local 5 members for their patience and continued support.
Mediator appointed in bargaining impasse
Tuesday Members’ Memo – April 4, 2023
On March 30 the union was advised that mediator Kevin Eckert had been appointed to assist the parties in their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement. We are awaiting contact with Mr. Eckert and we look forward to engaging this process so we can work to secure a new amended collective agreement.
We may not be able to provide details while discussions are ongoing, but we will provide dates of meetings and as much information on progress as we are able to.
If you have questions, please reach out to your bargaining committee members.
WPP management agrees to mediation and conciliation process
Tuesday Members’ Memo – March 28, 2023
The Western Producer management negotiating committee has responded to GSU and has agreed to the mediation and conciliation process. At this time, both sides are awaiting the appointment of a mediator from the Minister of Labour and Workplace Safety.
GSU is committed to the process and is looking forward to working with the members and the employer to negotiate a settlement that is workable for all.
Local 5 (Western Producer) members overwhelmingly reject employer offer
Tuesday Members’ Memo – Feb. 21, 2023
The ballots were counted on Feb. 16 and the overwhelming majority of Local 5 members who cast ballots (95.83%) voted to reject their employer’s offer to settle agreement renewal collective bargaining with the Western Producer.
Twenty-four of the 30 members of Local 5 voted, and 23 voted to reject the employer’s offer. Union members voted on the heels of an employer effort to sell the offer at a staff meeting held the same day as it was communicated to the Local 5 bargaining committee. GSU has advised that in the union’s view the employer’s actions constitute an unfair labour practice.
GSU has submitted notice of a collective bargaining impasse to Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety pursuant to section 6-33 of Part VI of the Saskatchewan Employment Act. Such notice normally leads quickly to the conciliation/mediation process provided in the Act.
In this instance, however, GSU has received notice that the employer is challenging the applicability of the Saskatchewan Employment Act basis an allegation that the bargaining relationship with the Western Producer is the result of a voluntary recognition as opposed to a certification order issued by the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB).
“GSU is contesting the employer’s position and will take legal steps to have the matter sorted out,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “The members of Local 5 have shown remarkable solidarity and determination in response and we will move forward together buoyed by their strong stance.”
Further updates will follow as developments occur.
Check your email for an important update
Feb. 17, 2023
An email update was sent to GSU Local 5 members at 3:45 PM on Feb. 17. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Additional background information is available here.