When a stat or general holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday employees are entitled to a day off in lieu, such as the Friday before the holiday or the Monday following.

When a stat or general holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday employees who are required to work on the day as part of their regular shift are entitled to time-and-a-half for all hours worked – even though they get a day off work in lieu as was the case this year when Canada Day fell on a Saturday.

A number of GSU members working at the Viterra terminal elevator in Saskatoon (GSU Local 1) were assigned and did work on Saturday, July 1. They received Monday, July 3 as a day off in lieu. However, it appears the payroll system might not have appropriately compensated them for working on the actual stat holiday.

The affected union members contacted GSU and general secretary Hugh Wagner raised the issue with Viterra HR. After some initial communication back and forth, Viterra HR advised that it was going to review how the payroll system had handled the situation and any employees who were not paid in accordance with Article 22 of the collective agreement will have their pay adjusted. As this article is being written the situation is still being reviewed and a resolution is expected in the near future.

“It is always important for union members to assert their rights whenever they believe they are being short changed. The initial contact and conversation are essential to making sure employees receive the full benefit of the collective agreement bargained with their employer,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “One of the basic tenets of working in a unionized workplace is the right to union representation in dealings with the employer.”

Contact your GSU staff rep for assistance with questions or concerns.

Your inquiry will be treated with strict confidentiality. Contact information for our staff reps is available here.