Calendar highlights and upcoming events: | |
Hugh Wagner retires after 48 years of dedicated service to GSU and its members | |
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On March 31, Hugh Wagner retired from Grain and General Services Union.
On behalf of the members, officers and staff at GSU, we offer our deepest gratitude to Hugh for 48 years of dedication and service. His leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment to working people have made an immeasurable impact on our organization and province.
Over the years, Hugh has set a standard of excellence that we will always strive to meet. His passion for his work and his contagious enthusiasm for social justice have been an inspiration to all.
Hugh’s unwavering dedication to GSU and the work we do has been incredible to witness. He has led us through good times and bad, and his unwavering vision has been a constant source of strength.
Thank you, Hugh. We wish you many years of enjoyment in retirement.
There’s still time to wish him well! Send an email to gsu@gsu.ca and we’ll make sure he receives your message.
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| MOVED BY D. Jones, SECONDED BY T. Kwochka, that the 2023 GSU policy convention endorses the appointment of Steve R. Torgerson to the position of general secretary of the union. Carried unanimously by standing vote | | |
Congratulations to Steve Torgerson, GSU's new general secretary | |
On March 24, with the unanimous support delegates to the 15th biennial policy of Grain and General Services Union, GSU staff rep Steve Torgerson became the union’s fifth general secretary. | |
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Torgerson was selected for the position following an advertisement and recruitment process conducted by the union’s executive committee. His appointment as the general secretary was approved by the Oct. 25, 2022 Joint Executive Council meeting and ratified by delegates to GSU’s 2023 policy convention.
Torgerson has completed 16 years of service to GSU and we have every confidence that he will provide strong leadership as GSU’s general secretary. Congratulations and best wishes to Steve on his promotion. We look forward to working with him on behalf of GSU members.
"Steve has done outstanding work in his former role as a staff representative, and we are fortunate to have him in this leadership position," said GSU president Jim Brown. "He brings considerable knowledge, experience and skills into his new position, he knows how to lead and to be in touch with the members, and I am looking forward to working with him in his new capacity."
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GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven was contacted about potential harassment taking place in the workplace after management ignored a members' request for union representation. The subject matter of the meetings are under consideration.
"Workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, and that goes beyond steel toe boots and hardhats" said Van Luven. "Employers must maintain an psychologically healthy workplace."
As a rule of thumb, if an employer has requested to speak with you, reach out to your shop steward or staff representative for representation.
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With GSU you have access to specialized services that could be difficult to obtain on your own. A GSU staff rep has access to information and can help gather all the facts and identify whether your rights have been violated.
These services are provided to you and paid for by your union dues. There is never an additional charge for assisting you.
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It takes a combination of hard work and educational funding for most students to achieve their goals. GSU is pleased to offer $2,000 scholarships to five students who demonstrate an ability and a passion to inspire positive change in their community. | |
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The scholarship competition is open to GSU members, their spouses, and dependent children who have not previously won.
Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at a community college, university, trade school, or technical institute as a full-time student in any country.
Deadline for receipt of applications is June 1, 2023.
Learn more here.
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Local 1 (Viterra Operations & Maintenance) & Local 2 (Viterra Head Office) bargaining - bargaining resumes today in Regina | |
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Your GSU Local 1 and 2 bargaining committee members are meeting with their management counterparts today and tomorrow in Regina. Bargaining dates have also been confirmed for April 26 & 27, and May 9, 10 & 11.
Watch your email for a bargaining update later this week.
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You can read previous updates on the VITERRA BARGAINING page on GSU's main web page under the Bargaining menu tab. Contact Mason@gsu.ca to be added to our bargaining update email list. | |
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). | |
Local 5 (Western Producer) bargaining impasse: mediator appointed | |
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On March 30 the union was advised that mediator Kevin Eckert had been appointed to assist the parties in their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement. We are awaiting contact with Mr. Eckert and we look forward to engaging this process so we can work to secure a new amended collective agreement.
We may not be able to provide details while discussions are ongoing, we will provide dates of meetings and as much information on progress as we are able to.
If you have questions, please reach out to your bargaining committee members.
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The bargaining committee comprises Michelle Houlden, Laurie Michalycia, Donna Driediger (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff) and Hugh Wagner (bargaining co-spokesperson/GSU staff).
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Local 7 (Heartland Livestock Services/Northern Livestock Sales) bargaining - ratification vote scheduled | |
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In the wake of stalled negotiations with the company, your bargaining committee has decided to take the company’s offer to the members for a ratification vote.
“As always, the will of the membership determines whether the company's offer is sufficient to reach a settlement,” said GSU bargaining committee spokesperson Mason Van Luven.
The last day the two sides met in person to bargain was Jan. 10.
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The bargaining committee comprises Paige Lister (Moose Jaw), Lori Branton (Prince Albert), Melissa Little (Yorkton) and Mason Van Luven (bargaining spokesperson/GSU staff).
Updates will be issued directly to members after each bargaining session and as new information is available. Contact Mason@gsu.ca if you are not receiving updates and would like to be added to the list.
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Local 18 (Lloydminster & District Cooperative Association) bargaining moved to first week of May | |
The first bargaining session was set to begin March 28, 29 and 30. At the company's request, bargaining will now take place during the first week of May. | |
GSU’s bargaining committee comprises Christina Jones, Trent Herring and GSU staff representative/bargaining spokesperson Brian Lark. | |
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. | | | | |
