GSU Locals 1 and 2 to vote on Viterra's latest offer

Two days of mediation and a revised offer from Viterra last week avoided a strike.

Members of the Grain and General Services Union Local 1 and Local 2 will be voting on the revised offer in the days ahead.

The union represents 436 employees with GSU Local 1 representing operations and maintenance, while Local 2 represents Regina Head Office employees.

In a statement from GSU Union officials acknowledge the frustration among members and have decided that, during the period leading up to the ratification vote, employees will not be on legal strike but will engage in a "work to rule" approach. (This means members will strictly adhere to work-related rules and procedures without undertaking any additional work beyond their contractual and legal obligations.)

GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson says our officers understand the concerns and frustrations of our members.

"The decision to suspend the strike action is a strategic move to give our members the chance to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard through a ratification vote."

The ratification votes will begin in the coming days and the ballots will be counted on January 19, 2024.

Viterra's statement outlined some of the details in the latest offer.

A four-year agreement, which includes overall salary increases of 4.5% in year one, followed by 3.75% in year two, and 2.5% in years three and four. 

With Viterra’s offer, employees continue to be eligible for an annual bonus payment under the company’s Short-Term Incentive Plan. 

Jordan Jakubowski, VP of Human Resources for Viterra Canada says they believe the latest offer is fair and reasonable, and one that takes into account the needs of employees while balancing the needs of the business through long-term labour stability.