On Dec. 5 and 6, 2019 the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) held and concluded its hearing in a dispute between GSU Local 15 and Nutrien regarding the status of the Ag retail outlets at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. 

The dispute before the SLRB focused on whether the three Ag retail outlets and the employees at those locations will remain in GSU’s certified bargaining unit in Saskatchewan. The case arose in 2018 as Nutrien consolidated the operations of several unionized locations into new sites at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. GSU argued at the SLRB hearing that Nutrien just moved existing businesses to new locations. 

“Following the evidence and legal arguments, the SLRB panel reserved its decision,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Hopefully we’ll know the outcome fairly soon.”  

GSU was represented at the SLRB hearing by Ronni Nordal (legal counsel) and Hugh Wagner. Staff reps Steve Torgerson and Donna Driediger also attended the hearing to observe the proceedings.

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Dec. 5/6: Sask. Labour Relations Board to hear GSU Local 15, Nutrien dispute

Dec. 4, 2019

On Dec. 5 and 6, 2019 the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB) will convene a long-delayed hearing in a dispute between GSU Local 15 and Nutrien regarding the status of the Ag retail outlets at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. 

The dispute to be heard by the SLRB is focused on whether the three Ag retail outlets and the employees at those locations will remain in GSU’s certified bargaining unit in Saskatchewan. The case arose in 2018 as Nutrien consolidated the operations of several unionized locations into new sites at Fielding, Kincaid and Norquay. As GSU sees it, Nutrien just moved existing businesses to new locations. 

“GSU’s assertion is that all of the work consolidated into the new sites comes from the union bargaining unit and should remain in the union bargaining unit, thereby continuing the collective agreement coverage and rights for the employees,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “After hearing the evidence of GSU and Nutrien, the SLRB will decide the outcome of the dispute, although a decision is not expected until the new year.” 

This matter had been previously scheduled to be heard and was adjourned by the SLRB until Dec. 5 and 6. Members of GSU Local 15 (Nutrien) will be informed as soon as a decision is received.

GSU works hard to enforce the rights and benefits in your collective agreement. Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about a problem in your workplace.