Tuesday Members’ Memo

Our Tuesday Members’ Memo is sent to GSU members every Tuesday morning.

Do you receive our Tuesday Members’ Memo?
If not, email gsu@gsu.ca and ask to be put on our contact list.

Tuesday Morning Memo archives:

  • Sept. 27, 2022 – WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Member did not receive an interview for a position; Sept. 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day; new Local 4 (Grain Millers) collective agreement to be signed today
  • Sept. 20, 2022 – Local 4 (Grain Millers) settlement breaks mould; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Interviews and final preparations for an arbitration; Saskatchewan Federation of Labour’s OH&S Conference; Precautions to avoid identity theft
  • Sept. 13, 2022 – Do I use Banked Time or Vacation first?; Local 2 (Viterra HO) hosts food truck lunch; Local 14 (Richardson) new collective agreement booklets on their way to members
  • Sept. 6, 2022 – Tragedy at James Smith Cree Nation; Congratulations to our GSU scholarship recipients; Anxiety is not the same as “having butterflies”  
  • August 30, 2022 – Wagner to attend meeting with Sask. Minister of Highways; Canadian Labour Congress wants to hear about your experience with new technology on the job
  • August 23, 2022 – Local 4 (Grain Millers) members vote YES to new collective agreement; GSU executive committee to meet Aug. 31; deadline to apply for General Secretary posting is Aug. 31; bargaining updates
  • August 16, 2022 – We’ve confirmed it: GSU’s Viterra members to be paid mileage AND time spent when travelling to work at non-home station; at-risk behaviours you need to avoid at work; Local 4 (Grain Millers) members voting on tentative settlement  
  • August 9, 2022 – WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Preparing for a Sept. 29/30 arbitration regarding severance; Congratulations to new Local 8 (AEA/Advance) vice president; Are you using words that don’t exist? 
  • August 2, 2022 – WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Assisting with a WCB appeal; *getting even*; JOB POSTING: GSU general secretary; bargaining updates
  • July 26, 2022 –  WE’RE WORKING ON IT: transition from short- to long-term disability; Truth & Reconciliation: Farmland and Reconciliation; bargaining updates 
  • July 19, 2022 – Local 1/2 (Viterra) bargaining survey closes Friday; Are you fit for work?; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Change to Schedule; A Kick is a Boost
  • July 12, 2022 – ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Changes to company policy made after issue raised by local executive
  • July 5, 2022 – Welcome Rebecca to GSU staff; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Severance pay grievance moved to arbitration, date set; Mental Health: Struggling with Depression and Anxiety
  • June 28, 2022 – Local 14 (Richardson) delegates hold post-bargaining debrief, plan for increased member involvement; Local 1, 2 (Viterra) delegates meet, authorize bargaining survey, prepare for autumn bargaining with employer; Truth & Reconciliation: National Indigenous Peoples Day, Symbolism, and History
  • June 21, 2022 – We just solved five Local 1 (Viterra) grievances; Guidelines for working safely in Heat and Humidity; Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining update 
  • June 14, 2022 – What is included in your EAP/EFAP plan?; We’re preparing a bargaining survey for Local 1, 2 (Viterra) members; BOARD MEETINGS: GSU Locals 1, 2 (Viterra); Local 14 (Richardson) – June 22, 23, 24 in Regina
  • June 7, 2022 – Joint Executive Council annual report; Rising cost of fuel hot topic for GSU members; Minimize the risks of fire at home and in the workplace
  • May 31, 2022 – GSU Scholarship deadline is tomorrow; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Our first collective agreement with gender-neutral pronouns; Truth & Reconciliation: Child Poverty   
  • May 24, 2022 – June 1 GSU scholarship deadline approaching quickly; We’re working on individual member work-related issues and grievances; Electrical Safety in the Workplace  
  • May 17, 2022 – Pressing necessity grievance scheduled for June; Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) vote tomorrow; Canada needs to put its money where its mouth is on Mental Health
  • May 10, 2022 – Rising long-term interest rates and lower commuted values; We’re hiring a permanent part-time Accounting & Payroll Administrator
  • May 3, 2022 – Local 8 strike narrowly averted; tentative settlement in Local 6; and visitations for GSU members underway
  • April 26, 2022 – April 28 Day of Mourning; Local 8 (Advance) serves strike notice; Violence in the Workplace – Personal Relationship; Truth and Reconciliation: Intergenerational Trauma; Another Problem Solved: Assistance with Travel Expenses
  • April 19, 2022 – AEA/GSU Local 8 serves notice of strike action on Advance Tank Production Ltd. / Advance Tank Centres Ltd.; Violence in the Workplace – Worker on Worker; MENTAL HEALTH TALK: Stress, anxiety or both
  • April 12, 2022 – Local 8 (Advance) holds strike vote; Our latest Rush ticket winner; Why everyone needs time alone
  • April 5, 2022 – Local 14 (Richardson) approves company offer by slim margin; more Rush tickets to win; Violence in the Workplace – Customer/Client; GSU Defense Fund directors meet, approve strike/lockout pay for Local 8 (AEA) members; Truth & Reconciliation: Reactions to Pope Francis’s apology vary greatly
  • March 29, 2022 – Bargaining updates; Rush ticket contest; Joint Executive Council meeting update; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Temporary assignment of higher duties
  • March 22, 2022 – Bargaining updates; Rush ticket winner; GSU’s council to meet; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Uncomfortable conversations about management policy
  • March 15, 2022 – Bargaining updates; another Rush ticket contest; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Short-Term Disability; GSU scholarship application link
  • March 8, 2022 – March 8 is International Women’s Day; bargaining updates; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Time off needs to be mutually agreed upon; enter our draw and you could win RUSH tickets; GSU scholarship program application link 
  • March 1, 2022 – AEA/GSU Local 8 conciliation postponed; Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining to resume March 9; GSU steward training update; Last chance to participate in GSU’s membership survey; GSU’s 2022 scholarship program is underway
  • Feb. 22, 2022 – GSU Local 14 (Richardson) members may soon assess, vote, determine next step in process; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Standby Pay and getting paid for the hours you work; Reminder to complete your GSU membership survey 
  • Feb. 15, 2022 – GSU survey sent to every member; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: members are asking about pension and retirement; Is there such a thing as *Stress Leave*?; It’s time to find a new job
  • Feb. 8, 2022 – Local 8 (AEA/GSU) conciliation set for March 3; bargaining to resume Feb. 16 with Richardson International; we’re hiring a part-time Accounting & Payroll Administrator in our Regina office; PPE: Fit for Women?
  • Feb. 1, 2022 – Conciliator appointed to GSU/AEA Local 8 bargaining impasse; Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining committee awaits company reply; GSU’s executive committee meets to review administration and financial items
  • Jan. 25, 2022 – GSU Local 4 (Grain Millers) services notice to bargain; Local 8 (AEA/Advance) and Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining updates; we are accepting expressions of interest for a Defense Fund director
  • Jan. 18, 2022 – Local 8 (AEA/Advance) bargaining reaches an impasse; we are consulting with Local 14 (Richardson) members about bargaining; working safely in winter
  • Jan. 11, 2022 – Familiarize yourself with company policies at your workplace; Take your vacation days
  • Jan. 4. 2022 – Annual performance reviews; Health and Safety as you return to work; 
  • Dec. 21, 2021 – Local 8 (Advance) and Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining updates
  • Dec. 14, 2021 – Car loading causes problems for terminal elevator employees; Keep track of your time at work and check your pay stubs; Avoiding the pressure of the holiday tradition  
  • Dec. 7, 2021 – Local 8 (Advance) bargaining continues Dec. 16; firm dates of Dec. 14, 20 and 21 set for Local 14 (Richardson) bargaining; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: Get it in writing; GSU members donate to Red Cross to assist with BC flood and extreme weather relief
  • Nov. 30, 2021 – Dates set for Local 14 bargaining with Richardson; Dec. 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; Truth and Reconciliation: Treaties; Employer replies to GSU on 2022 wage increases
  • Nov. 23, 2021 – Helping members sort through snow-day paystub issues; A reminder to use your health flex spending accounts; GSU promotes 2022 wage increases; How to start a difficult conversation  
  • Nov. 16, 2021 – We’re pressing Richardson Pioneer for a bargaining date; How sick is too sick to be at the workplace; Exercise your brain  
  • Nov. 9, 2021 – Richardson bargaining postponed; preparing for your year-end performance review; we’re assisting a GSU member with a sick leave claim; break free from the stress of self-imposed rules
  • Nov. 2, 2021 – Can I carry over my unused vacation into the new year; Local 8 (Advance) bargaining continues; elected officers are an important link between GSU members and their staff representatives
  • Oct. 26, 2021 – Local 8 (Advance) bargaining resumes; understanding land acknowledgements; SFL convention focusses on putting workers first
  • Oct. 19, 2021 – Getting ready for bargaining in Local 8 (Advance) and Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer); we’re working on grievances; what personal pronouns are and why they matter 
  • Oct. 12, 2021 – Local 14 (Richardson) delegates to meet and prepare for bargaining; we’re arguing that employer actions constitutes double penalty and violates employee’s rights; GSU’s new staff reps Brian Lark and Mason Van Luven reported for work today  
  • Oct. 5, 2021 – We have three new directors on the Defense Fund board; our first National Truth and Reconciliation Day; enter our draw for Rider tickets; our Regina office renovation is complete
  • Sept. 28, 2021 – Joint Executive Council (JEC) announces new staff representatives, National Truth & Reconciliation, JEC meeting update
  • Sept. 21, 2021 – Joint Executive Council meeting moves to online format; Crunching numbers for a severance package; GSU Regina office renovations near completion 
  • Sept. 14, 2021 – Membership meetings coming up soon; staff representative hiring committee to report to Joint Executive Council
  • Sept. 7, 2021 – Notice to bargain sent to employers – Local 8 (Advance) and Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer); interviews for GSU’s next staff rep to be held Sept. 9 and 10; your chance to win tickets to the Rider v. Argonauts Sept. 17 game
  • August 31, 2021 – Be mindful using a company vehicle
  • August 24, 2021 – GSU members, COVID-19, and mandatory vaccinations; your chance to win Labour Day Classic tickets;
  • August 10, 2021 – introducing our 2021 GSU scholarship recipients; Local 1 (Viterra) meeting on car loading/standby issues; Riders/Redblacks ticket giveaway
  • August 3, 2021 – Local 14 (Richardson Pioneer) delegates to meet early Sept., prepare bargaining proposals, elect bargaining committee; Wagner, Pavo meet and review GSU Defense Fund’s $5.4 million investment portfolio; union’s government body – the Joint Executive Council (JEC) to meet in Sept.
  • July 27, 2021 – bargaining survey being distributed to Local 14 (Richardson) members; GSU contacts employers regarding Sept. 30 National Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday; 10 simple exercises to build your mental toughness
  • July 20, 2021 – announcing GSU’s five $2,000 scholarship recipients; helping out with filing a WCB claim; and our Rider ticket package; 
  • July 13, 2021 – Grievance action results in pay boost for some Local 1 (Viterra) members; renovations at GSU’s Regina office continue; our GSU clear bag contest winners
  • July 6, 2021 – Working in extreme weather conditions; we’re getting calls about problems with member vacation requests; are you our next Defense Fund director?
  • June 29, 2021 – How/Do we celebrate Canada Day 2021; members seek back-up to address unsanitary lunchroom conditions; Burnout is not a badge of honour
  • June 22, 2021 – GSU Regina office undergoing a facelift; GSU executive committee meets; imminent lifting of COVID restrictions raising questions for GSU members
  • June 15, 2021 – GSU member’s grievance action and thorough record keeping results in extra week of vacation; staff responsibility changes at GSU; we are looking for GSU members who want to become a Defense Fund director
  • June 8, 2021 – Grievance results in pressing necessity leave awarded and banked time/overtime/vacation restored to members; new Local 15 (Nutrien) booklets are being distributed to members; GSU turns 85 
  • June 1, 2021 – GSU member to be paid for notice period; staff rep Steve Torgerson assumes responsibility for Co-op Locals; Discovery brings sadness
  • May 25, 2021 – last week to submit GSU scholarship applications; GSU general secretary to submit brief on supervisory employees; Nutrien agreement booklets being printed, ready for Local 15 members in early June 
  • May 18, 2021 – Temporary resolution to the grievance over denial of sick leave benefits to members age 65 and older; GSU staff responsibilities reassigned as Dale Markling’s retirement draws closer; two weeks left until GSU scholarship application deadline
  • May 11, 2021 – GSU members being pressured to use banked time; Unemployed Workers Help Centre provides free EI advice and assistance to Sask. workers; only three weeks left until GSU scholarship application deadline
  • May 4, 2021 – union member, officer, and friend Brett North retires; GSU Defense Fund Directors meet, review first quarter report; GSU Executive Committee meets, agree to recommend filling upcoming staff representative vacancy 
  • April 27, 2021 – staff rep Dale Markling set to retire; ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: sick leave denied; Day of Mourning is April 28
  • April 20, 2021 – ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Grievance action secures severance pay for GSU member; Mayo Schmidt named president, CEO of Nutrien
  • April 13, 2021 – ANOTHER PROBLEM SOLVED: Member to receive pay increase; staff rep Steve Torgerson answering members’ questions about EI; GSU members, their spouses and dependents eligible to apply for $2,000 GSU scholarships
  • April 6, 2021 – JEC released annual report to members; April 7 is Equal Pay Day, Bad weather has been leading to time loss issues for GSU members
  • March 30, 2021 – Understanding aggregate increases
  • March 23, 2021 – GSU biennial policy convention update; Sask. government introduces special vaccination leave 
  • March 16, 2021 – Performance review DOs and DON’Ts; GSU files executive grievance challenging denial of sick leave benefits to employees age 65 or older
  • March 9, 2021 – Submit your resolutions to GSU’s convention; we are accepting scholarship applications; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: paid sick leave for employees 65 and over
  • March 1, 2021 – Happy International Women’s Day; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: boot inspections
  • Feb. 23, 2021 – GSU convention delegates to elect union’s president, vice presidents, general secretary, and the five-person Defense Fund board; WE’RE WORKING ON IT: GSU members receiving lower rate of pay than new employee in same job classification with less experience
  • Feb. 16, 2021 – update on grievance on Local 1 (Viterra) storm stayed employees; Monitoring requirements for members to work outside the province; how to have your own back
  • Feb. 9, 2021 – Should employers be exempt from giving employees at least 24 hours’ notice of change to their work shifts? GSU says no (copy of GSU’s submission to government officials is available); Local 14 (Richardson) and Local 15 (Nutrien) boards meet, elect representatives to council; your opportunity to be a director on GSU’s Defense Fund.
  • Feb. 2, 2021 – Local 14 (Richardson) and Local 15 (Nutrien) board to meet; Local 5 (Western Producer) and Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) collective agreements now available online; GSU Defense Fund board authorizes shift of Fund’s investment asset mix
  • Jan. 26, 2021 – Local 1 (Viterra) delegates, Local 2 (Viterra Office) executive members meet, approve salary schedule changes, and elect officers
  • Jan. 19, 2021 – Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) members vote to accept memorandum of settlement
  • Jan. 12, 2021 – draft version of Nutrien collective agreement now available online, Local 5 (Western Producer) members vote to accept tentative settlement
  • Jan. 5, 2021 – If it’s important, get it in writing; planning for GSU’s 2021 policy convention; Local 5 (Western Producer) members are voting on a tentative settlement today
  • Dec. 22, 2020 – The plan to exempt grain companies from providing 24-hours’ notice of shift change
  • Dec. 15, 2020 – Members vote to approve constitutional changes, continue Defense Fund dues
  • Dec. 8, 2020 – Health Spending Account; Hours of Work, and BeGrainSafe training
  • Dec. 1, 2020 – Is your leave of absence a paid leave? It depends …
  • Nov. 25, 2020 – Workplace safety during COVID-19’s second wave; pressing necessarity leave and winter storms; Are you being gaslighted?
  • Nov. 17, 2020 – Nutrien pension clarification; congratulations to scholarship recipient Marc Rapin; ask about GSU’s layoff organization guide
  • Nov. 10, 2020 – Annual meetings continue; congratulations to scholarship recipient Ty Nikolejsin; We are more alike than we are unalike
  • Nov. 3, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) members vote to accept settlement; congratulations to scholarship recipient Alexis Wood; Unconscious biases
  • Oct. 27, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) ballots to be counted Nov. 2; GSU scholarship recipient Tyler Buenneke; your self-limiting beliefs are sabatoging you
  • Oct. 20, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) ratification vote underway; GSU scholarship recipient Dayne Patterson; Rest is a requirement, not a reward
  • Oct. 13, 2020 – GSU council meets; upcoming arbitration; your membership meeting is being set 
  • Oct. 6, 2020 – Tentative settlement in Local 15 (Nutrien) bargaining, Another Problem Solved: greater responsibility should translate into pay increase; dandelions remind us that we are resilient     
  • Sept. 28, 2020 – Local 2 contest winners; Working too many hours; Why talking to yourself is good for you
  • Sept. 22, 2020 – Executive committee meets, We helped a member receive their proper overtime pay, Clear your mind by clearing your clutter
  • Sept. 15, 2020 – SLRB orders Nutrien Ag Retail outlets at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay into GSU bargaining unit; Oversharing; and pursuing a pay increase to coincide with a raise in the salary grade
  • Sept. 8, 2020 – Taking an active role in your hiring process; GSU executive committee to meet; the importance of self-confidence
  • Sept. 1, 2020 – GSU Local 15 (Nutrien) bargaining committee checks in with company; Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead) bargaining begins; Annual membership meetings coming up soon
  • August 25, 2020 – How many Sask. workers are working for minimum wage; Last week to apply for a GSU scholarship; 21 important lessons to learn from failure
  • August 18, 2020 – Two weeks until the scholarship application deadline; Are you receiving the right rate of pay?
  • August 11, 2020 – Alberta workers under assault from Bill 32; Shirley wins a shirt; strike or lockout looming in ILWU Canada, SGS Prince Rupert dispute
  • August 4, 2020 – SFL cancels 2020 convention; Long hours, high pressure; Being right versus being happy
  • July 28, 2020 – Local 15/Nutrien bargaining set for Sept. 30, Oct. 1; Defense Fund board of directors meet; take workplace disciplinary penalties seriously 
  • July 21, 2020 – Attend an OH&S webinar, our Sick Leave Organizer booklet for members, setting dates with Nutrien for Local 15 bargaining, and try something new!
  • July 15, 2020 – Another problem solved: Increment Date; We’re on the road with masks for members; GSU services are included in your dues so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance
  • July 7, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) members reject final offer; we’re giving masks to GSU members
  • June 30, 2020 – Local 5 (Western Producer) members vote on rollbacks, bargaining set to begin in Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead), and we’ve got a mask for you!
  • June 23, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) vote deadline fast approaching, Local 5 (Western Producer) representatives to meet management today
  • June 16, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) members prepare to vote, preparing for bargaining in Local 6 (Wild West Steelhead), addressing the pay rollback in Local 5 (Western Producer) 
  • June 9, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) members to vote, following up on Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) personal family leave
  • June 2, 2020 – Local 15 (Nutrien) Bargaining underway today, our $100 gift card contest winners
  • May 26, 2020 – Local 5 (Western Producer bargaining), Local 1/2 (Viterra) personal leave, tell us how COVID changed your workplace and you could win a $100 gift card
  • May 19, 2020 – Local 7 members vote to accept settlement, GSU scholarship deadline extended to Sept. 1
  • May 12, 2020 – Local 7 voting on settlement, Local 8 starts work sharing, the Quarantine 15
  • May 5, 2020 – Employers reply on employee recognition during COVID, Local 4 wellness checks, Nutrien bargaining update
  • April 28, 2020 – Day of Mourning, JEC issues annual report, union proposes arbitration over video conference
  • April 21, 2020 – GSU brief on new hours of work provisions, Part III, Canada Labour Code, Another problem solved [quarantine]
  • April 14, 2020 – GSU promotes employee recognition during COVID-19 pandemic; Council approves COVID-19 pandemic donation; Employers show their appreciation to GSU members with bonus, increase in pay 
  • April 7, 2020 – Defense Fund vacancy, Joint Executive Council meets, teleconferencing etiquette
  • March 31, 2020 – GSU Council to meet, Local 19 ratifies settlement, tips for essential workers
  • March 24, 2020 – Local 19 members to vote, Unifor 594 still locked out, and how to avoid mood swings
  • March 17, 2020
  • March 10, 2020
  • March 3, 2020
  • February 25, 2020
  • February 18, 2020
  • February 11, 2020
  • February 4, 2020
  • January 28, 2020
  • January 21, 2020
  • January 14, 2020
  • January 7, 2020

 

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