GSU executive committee meeting – Aug. 31

GSU’s executive committee will meet tomorrow to review union administration, finances and applications received for the general secretary position. They will also discuss arrangements for the autumn 2022 Joint Executive Council meeting and the 2023 GSU biennial policy convention.

The executive committee is comprised of Jim Brown (president), Michelle Houlden (vice president) and Sheila Tran (vice president). The executive committee is responsible for overseeing GSU administration and finances between meetings of the union’s Joint Executive Council (board of directors). GSU’s general secretary is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the union and reports to the executive committee.

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SFL OH&S Conference – Sept. 14-16, Regina 

Last chance to register!

This popular conference will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Regina. Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in attending. In addition to covering your wages, hotel and approved incidentals as outlined in our expense policy, GSU will assist with your leave of absence request. 

Brochure: SFL OH&S Conference brochure

Learn More/Register Online: SFL OH&S Conference

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66th Annual SFL Convention - Oct. 26-28, Regina 

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is anticipating an in-person convention at Regina's Queensbury Downs this October. The COVID-19 situation will be monitored prior to convention and attendees will be notified in advance of the convention if any health measures are required in order to attend.

Contact your GSU staff rep if you are interested in learning more or attending. In addition to covering your wages, hotel and approved incidentals as outlined in our expense policy, GSU will assist with your leave of absence request. We have limited spaces available and several have already been claimed, so don't wait to long to throw your hat in the ring if you are interested in attending.

Brochure: 2022 SFL Convention Call Guide

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Wagner to attend meeting with Sask. Minister of Highways

GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner will attend a roundtable meeting this evening with Saskatchewan’s new Minister of Highways and Transportation, Hon. Jeremy Cockrill.

Hosted by the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC), the meeting will also include senior executives from BHP Canada Inc., Canpotex, CN Rail, Great Western Railway, South West Terminals, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Viterra as well as the president and vice president of WESTAC. The purpose of the meeting is to bring different perspectives to the Minister in relation to strategic issues in the supply chain network.

“GSU has been a member of WESTAC since 1978 and it provides the union with a unique opportunity to represent the interests of union members in a forum of senior transportation leaders and government policy makers,” said Wagner. “President Jim Brown and I are GSU’s representatives to WESTAC and we’ve used the many opportunities it provides to present the case for a more worker-friendly transportation system in western Canada.”

WESTAC is comprised of representation from the governments of the four western provinces, Transport Canada and an array of business and union representatives from significant actors in the supply chain system.

There's still time to participate!

Canadian Labour Congress wants to hear about your experience with new technology on the job

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) advocates on behalf of working people for better work, employment, social programs and quality of life.

From retail-giant Amazon’s extensive employee tracking system, to companies tracking their remote workers’ keyboard activity, there's no denying that technology has had profound impacts on how employees interact with their employers. To better understand how technological change is affecting work, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) wants to hear from workers about their experience with new technology on the job.

If you are currently in paid work, or have been in paid work in the last 12 months, the CLC is inviting you fill out a short confidential survey at this link.

The survey is strictly anonymous and for research purposes only.

You will not be asked for your name and no identifying information will be recorded. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Your answers will help ensure workers in Canada remain supported, with access to high-quality, decent jobs that allow their families and communities to thrive.

Local 1 & 2 (Viterra) proposals being gathered for bargaining

GSU staff reps are wrapping up their road work where they are gathering final proposals and feedback for upcoming negotiations.

Local 1 and 2 union officers can expect to hear more soon about dates for a board of delegates meeting to review bargaining proposals and prepare a bargaining package. 

GSU bargaining committee members are Local 1 – Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Shannon Antonenko (Lloydminster), David Barrett (Gull Lake) and Travis Brewer (Saskatoon); Local 2 – Sheila Tran, Howard Wilson and Kaylee Kruger with assistance from GSU staff representatives Mason Van Luven and Steve Torgerson (GSU bargaining committee spokesperson).

As bargaining proceeds, check out the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page where information on bargaining will be available.

Local 5 (Western Producer) prepares for bargaining 

GSU Local 5's bargaining committee met on Aug. 17 to discuss the first draft of proposals submitted by members and put together a package to begin the process of negotiations with Western Producer Publications.

The first set of bargaining dates with the employer are set for Oct. 4, 5 and 6. 

Members have made it abundantly clear that wages are their main concern. When their employer was up against tough times and requested that staff take a 10 percent wage cut, Local 5 members were strong and rose to the challenge. With that period in the past and inflation on the rise, members are ready to be recognized for their commitment, labour and the value they bring to the table.

The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Sharlene Lark, Laurie Michalycia and Donna Driediger (bargaining spokesperson and GSU staff).

Locals 6 (Wild West Steelhead) agreement now posted at GSU.ca

The agreement has been signed and we will be preparing new agreement booklets for members. In the meantime, check out the new March 1, 2022 to Feb. 28, 2024 collective agreement here.

Don't hesitate to contact GSU staff reps Brian Lark or Steve Torgerson if you have any questions. 

Local 7 (Heartland Livestock) prepares for bargaining 

GSU staff rep Mason Van Luven recently toured each site to review the results of the recent bargaining survey with members, set the focus the Local's bargaining priorities, and to nominate members to the bargaining committee. 

The Local's bargaining proposal package is being drafted and the newly-elected bargaining committee will be announced soon. 

Locals 16 (Lake Country Co-operative), 17 (Discovery Co-op), 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association)

GSU staff rep Brian Lark has visited GSU members in these locals in preparation for negotiations with their employer(s) this fall.

Locals 14 (Richardson) agreement wording finalized, booklets to be printed and sent to members in September

The final wording of the Jan. 1, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2025 collective agreement is complete and the booklets are being prepared for print. In the meantime, view or print the new agreement from GSU's web page at GSU.ca.

When a co-worker or superior compliments you on a job well done, how do you respond? Do you respond the same way when your neighbour compliments your landscaping handiwork or your new fall shacket?

People respond very differently to receiving compliments. Whether you accept, joke, deflect or ignore compliments, it's helpful to be aware of your reaction and work to positively acknowledge the gratitude you feel.

Learn more here:

• How to Respond to a Compliment: Examples for Work, Personal Life and more
• Do compliments make you cringe? Here's why