Calendar highlights and upcoming events:
|
|
GSU Local 6, Wild West Steelhead bargaining
Specific dates haven't been confirmed, but it looks like GSU's Local 6 bargaining committee will be meeting with Wild West Steelhead management for bargaining during the week of Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.
. . . . .
|
|
You have only two weeks left to apply!
GSU's 2020 scholarship program application deadline is Sept. 1.
If you paid union dues to GSU in 2020 that means you, your dependant children, and your spouse are eligible to apply for a $2,000 GSU scholarship.
Deadline for receipt of 2020 scholarship applications is Sept. 1.
Learn more and download the application forms here.
. . . . .
|
|
Are you interested in attending OH&S video webinars in September?
GSU members who sign up and are approved to participate in GSU-sanctioned events will have their time off work, wages, and expenses covered in accordance with GSU's expense policies (child care included). GSU staff will also assist you with arranging the time off with your employer.
. . . . .
|
|
Nutrien, Local 15 (Nutrien) bargaining committee to meet Sept. 30, Oct. 1
Members will be updated on the result of the meetings.
GSU collective agreements with Nutrien expired Dec. 31, 2019. Your GSU Local 15 bargaining committee members are Brian Cowen, Curtis Cousins, Lynn Shaw, GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson, and GSU staff rep/bargaining spokesperson Dale Markling.
Related stories:
. . . . .
|
|
Autumn 2020 membership meetings
We need to talk to you. In addition to the usual union business we've got some constitutional amendments for your consideration and we need you to vote on whether you want to continue paying dues into the GSU Defense Fund.
They way we hold membership meetings will be different this autumn, and we're busy figuring out exactly how to take care of business while keeping everyone safe during Covid. If you have thoughts or suggestions on what type of meeting would work well for you, contact your GSU staff rep. . . . . .
|
|
Are you being paid the right rate of pay?
|
GSU is looking into pay rate inquiries on behalf of GSU members who appear to have encountered glitches and inconsistencies in how rates of pay are set in their workplaces.
“This is detail and fact-based work, but it is work we can succeed at when members challenge the management assumptions underlying how individual rates of pay are set in the workplace,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “Our goal is to make sure GSU members are fairly compensated for their labour, and it’s always worth it to question how your rate of pay was established within the salary grade assigned to your position.”
“We don’t always succeed in boosting a member’s rate of pay, but it is certain that we will never succeed in making changes if the problems aren’t brought to our attention,” Wagner said.
|
|
Did you catch our surprise contest? |
|
Last week when we announced our t-shirt winner we snuck in a little contest.
The first five members to reply and let us know they had read the contest article received a surprise gift of a GSU clear tote bag, a mask, and a buff in the mail. Congratulations to Glenda Hunter-Craig (Local 1 - Viterra), Kaylee Kruger (Local 2 - Viterra), Heather Mackay (Local 7 - Heartland), Leanne Ulmer (Local 14 - Richardson), and Local 1 (Viterra)'s Brett North who shocked himself when he broke his streak of never winning anything.
Thank you to everyone who replied. You may not have been one of our first five to reply, but we always appreciate hearing from you.
|
|
GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner is currently working to clarify and correct payroll issues for union members who are trying to make sense of the information on their pay stubs.
“It’s a good practice to examine your pay stub to make sure you are receiving the correct rate of pay and that deductions are consistent,” Wagner said. “Mistakes do happen, and when they do it's best to address them as quickly as possible.”
“Sometimes an individual inquiry can reveal systemic problems that affect large numbers of people on employer’s payroll, “said Wagner. “Sorting things out is one of the services GSU provides to members. We get answers and all members have to do is call or email.”
Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance. We're here to assist you but we won't contact your employer or file a grievance on your behalf without consultation, direction, and approval from you.
These services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.
|
|
Is Covid-19 is creating a "shecession"? |
|
Progress has been made in the division of household duties between couples, but often the responsibility for childcare still falls on the shoulders of the female head of the household. With the uncertainty surrounding the return to school, limited options for childcare, and in some cases no option to return to pre-Covid employment, some women will not be returning to work. That has experts suggesting the economy will suffer, dubbing it a potential pandemic "shecession".
This article has been printed for entertainment purposes. The views and opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of GSU, its members, officers, or staff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
