Archive for the ‘ccu’ Category
AESES Delegate Experience at the Biennial Convention of Confederation of Canadian Unions
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Tessa Petrychko (UM) and Sarah Steidl (UW) were randomly selected from all submissions to attend the Biennial Convention of Confederation of Canadian Unions in Ottawa as AESES Delegates. Read about their personal experiences attending the convention.
Building Solidarity at the 2025 CCU Convention
Tessa Petrychko
Attending the 2025 CCU Convention in Ottawa as a first-time attendee and delegate of AESES was an inspiring reminder of what unionism in action truly looks like. Joining unions from across Canada to discuss the current state of labour in our country was both energizing and motivating. Hosted in historic downtown Ottawa, the convention was filled with passionate discussions, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to standing up for the rights of workers—a spirit that could be felt in every room.
The keynote speakers brought in by the CCU made a lasting impression on me. Lawyer Daniel Legris (JD) spoke about what independent unions can do in support of reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of bridging the political gap by sharing expertise and lived experiences. His message was a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not just a government responsibility, it’s also a shared duty for all of us within the labour movement.
Professor Brian McDougall provided an engaging look at the history of the labour movement in Canada. He shared historical documents and accounts of major labour protests and strikes in Ottawa, highlighting their significance and reminding us of where we came from—and what we continue to work toward.
Photographer and broadcaster Tod Maffin offered a moving reflection on what it means to be Canadian, saying, “It’s about stepping in where we’re needed, helping when we can, and then quietly moving on to the next people that need our help.” His words are a reminder of what the spirit of unionism itself—showing up for one another, standing together in solidarity, and continuing the work quietly but persistently to improve conditions for all workers.
Beyond the speakers, one of the most valuable parts of the convention was the collaborative work among delegates. We reviewed and debated proposed resolutions—an exercise that allowed sisters, brothers, and friends from across the country to share perspectives and engage in healthy, respectful debate. Reports from trustees and committees provided valuable updates on the ongoing work within their unions, offering insight into the collective progress being made across the CCU.
Throughout the convention, it was clear that the CCU’s work is vital in supporting unions like AESES. The CCU advocates for the advancement of workers’ rights, promotes unity among small and medium independent unions, and strives for fair and progressive legislation. This collective approach strengthens us all, allowing our unions to come together as part of a truly democratic and national labour movement.
The convention reminded me that our collective voice is strongest when every member is engaged. I’m proud to bring that spirit of solidarity back to AESES as we continue advocating for fairness, dignity, and respect in our workplaces.
I would like to sincerely thank AESES, our Executive Board, our President, and the CCU for allowing me the opportunity to take part in this inspiring and meaningful experience as a delegate.
In solidarity,
Tessa Petrychko
CCU Convention AESES Newsletter Write-Up
Sarah Steidl
I had the pleasure of attending the Canadian Confederation of Unions’ 32nd Biennial Convention in Ottawa from October 18- 20. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to AESES for making this exciting and valuable opportunity possible. As an AESES delegate, I was able to participate in the convention and learn more about the CCU’s structure, mandate, and operations. I also appreciated the opportunity to get to know my fellow AESES delegates, including members of the AESES leadership team and Board of Directors.
The gathering began with a one-day labour school that featured talks from three engaging keynote speakers: Daniel Legris, Brian McDougall, and Tod Maffin. These speakers focused on a range of topics, including opportunities for union collaboration and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, the history of the labour struggle, both in Ottawa and nationally, and the importance of upholding our Canadian identity in the face of an increasingly polarized and nationalistic world.
The gathering continued with the opening of the two-day CCU 32nd Biennial Convention on October 19. The convention brought together delegates from CCU union affiliates, representing workers in a wide range of industries. It was eye-opening to see the different perspectives that delegates brought to the table that reflected their own experiences in the workplace, and within their unions and the broader labour movement.
The convention began with a talk by Greg Meekis, Coordinator of the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, who shared his story and highlighted what ‘truth and reconciliation’ means to him. The day also included presentations by Tim McSorley, National Coordinator for the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, who spoke on stopping the ‘Strong Borders’ Acts and defending privacy, civil liberties, and human rights in the face of Bills C-2 and C-12, and Emily Leedham, a journalist and photographer who spoke about her experience reporting on labour movements.
I really enjoyed being able to participate in the CCU’s process of voting on policy and constitution resolutions, which included a review of the proposed resolutions, respectful and engaged debate amongst delegates regarding proposed resolutions, and ultimately, a democratic vote on each proposed resolution. A cornerstone of democracy is that everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone’s vote is counted equally, and these principles were upheld throughout the resolutions process, as delegates were given the opportunity to speak to resolutions, raise concerns, and propose amendments.
Being able to participate in this process provided me with a valuable look into the CCU’s operations. During the two-day convention, we voted on a wide-ranging slate of proposed resolutions. I was also able to participate in the election of CCU National Executive Board Members, including the roles of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Nominations for these positions are accepted at every biennial convention, and appointees serve for two-year terms.
My biggest takeaways from attending the CCU labour school and 32nd Biennial Convention were an improved understanding of the CCU and a renewed enthusiasm and respect for unions and the important work being done by AESES’ executives, staff, and board members to advocate on behalf of union members. Membership in the CCU allows AESES to be part of a larger movement and connect with other unions, while still maintaining its own independence and control over governance and policies. Throughout the keynote speeches and group conversations, the importance of solidarity with our fellow union members in times of struggle was highlighted.
Thank you again to AESES for providing me with this opportunity!
The Summer 2025 Edition of CCU Connections Is Out!
Monday, August 18th, 2025
Check out the Summer 2025 edition of CCU Connections Magazine, the official voice of the Confederation of Canadian Unions. This is the special issue on housing, and how a national, public and cooperative housing plan for all can reduce home prices and rents, and create good paying, unionized jobs. We cover this issue from every angle. It also includes an interview with AESES President, Rob Parker.
Summer 2025 Edition of CCU Connections Magazine Focuses on Housing and Union Jobs
The Winter 2024 Edition of CCU Connections Is Out!
Tuesday, January 16th, 2024
Read all about the importance of organizing and why Unionism is on the rise in North America.
Confederation of Canadian Unions Affiliate Report – February 2023
Friday, February 17th, 2023
AESES thanks the Confederation of Canadian Unions for inviting us to Ottawa, Ontario, the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose culture and presence have nurtured this land for millennia. AESES members live and work on Treaty 1 Territory and Manitoba is located on the Treaty Territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, and Nehethowuk Nations and on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
We respect the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. The AESES Executive Council, represented by Chris McCann and myself, joined over one hundred university, community and Indigenous leaders to participate in the University of Manitoba’s (UM) Reconciliation Action Planning sessions in November. Collectively, we were asked to look at the colonial foundations and history of the University of Manitoba and to explore recommendations for fundamental changes to the structure of the organization, to acknowledge our history. and propose changes to move the institution into the future towards a goal of Mino-Pimatisiwin, or living the good life in a healthy balance with our land.
On Sunday, December 4th we held the Children’s Christmas party, the first in over two years! Over 400 parents and children were in attendance, despite a winter storm that kept some families away. Those in attendance enjoyed cookie decorating, clown entertainment, face painting, balloon animals and presents for the children. We had special guest appearances by Spiderman, kids’ entertainer Al Simmons and Santa Claus.
We kicked off the holiday season with an Open House in our new office building and union hall on December 9, which also marked the day of the very first gathering of six employees at a “study session” 50 years ago to discuss organizing a union. That group later filed their application to form a union on January 24th, 1973. This event was the first of many AESES has planned throughout our Golden Jubilee to recognize our 50th Anniversary. We plan to host several events with our membership and charitable fundraising activities including a big social party in June to which everyone from CCU is invited!
Chris McCann, VP UM-Bannatyne Melissa Blonjeaux and I met with UM President Michael Bennaroch and outgoing AVP-HR Darlene Smith on December 13 where among other items we discussed remote work for the future. We pointed out that while many members have the option of working two days per week at home that this is not uniformly applied to all members. The ability to work from home correlates to being in a higher paying position resulting in our lowest paid members often having less or no access to being able to work from home, and are therefore more likely to incur the increased costs of working on campus.
The AESES Executive Council has been asked to participate in UM’s five-year strategic planning process. This is the first time AESES has been directly invited. We will continue with regular high-level meetings between AESES and President Bennaroch roughly every six months like we have arranged with The University of Winnipeg (UW) President, Todd Mondor.
We were deeply saddened to report the passing of Paul Hazelton on December 25, 2022. Paul was at the original meeting to organize the union which became AESES over 50 years ago. He joined the Board as soon as we formed in May of 1973 and served on the Board continuously for the next 41 years until his retirement. Paul came to Canada in 1971 from Missouri and as a man of principle kept with him his “Handbook for Conscientious Objectors.” He earned a Ph.D. in Virology from UM in 1998. Paul played a part in managing the AESES 51-day strike in 1975, along with many other important roles including serving as President between 1975 – 1978. Paul was truly a distinguished member of AESES and served our union for over 50 years. Paul will be greatly missed.
On January 16, the AESES office welcomed Leanne Shumka as the new Member Services Officer. Leanne brings with her many years of knowledge and experience working with the union as a Board Representative, as Vice-President UW on the Executive Council and other committees throughout the years. This new role will join our Labour Relations Team of Lorne Hilton and Colleen Thompson and will help with the increased issues and questions that are being experienced by members over the past two and a half years of this pandemic.
Laurie Morris, Past President of AESES, after 41 years at the UM is retiring this year and her last day in office was January 30. The Department of Philosophy held a retirement party on February 3rd where many friends and colleagues gathered to thank her for her dedicated service and wish her well for the future. Laurie’s last official day will be in April and she will remain on the AESES Board until then and will definitely be at the social in June!
Team AESES will be a part of the Coldest Night of the Year on February 25, raising funds for St. Boniface Street Links which works to end homelessness, reduce poverty and support crime prevention through social programs. You can support our walk by visiting aeses.ca/coldestnight or registering your own team at cnoy.org/ to walk and support programs in your community.
In Solidarity,
Gloria Saindon
Executive Vice-President, AESES
Confederation of Canadian Unions Affiliate Report – October 2022
Tuesday, October 18th, 2022
AESES thanks the Confederation of Canadian Unions for inviting us to Vancouver, British Columbia, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Musqueam), Squamish), and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
AESES members live and work on Treaty 1 Territory and Manitoba is located on the Treaty Territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
We respect the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
Acknowledging this truth is important, yet only a small part of cultivating strong relationships with Indigenous communities.
People in Manitoba recently were made very aware of the consequences of those harms and mistakes of the past as the tragic events at James Smith Cree Nation unfolded. Over the four days where the suspects remained at large, everyone in the prairies received multiple emergency alert messages per day in case the suspects had fled to the neighbouring provinces.
This tragic event that occurred last month is an example of the harms and mistakes of the past. The Chief of James Smith Cree Nation has called for funding for on reserve addictions treatment centres. If we want to remain true to the words of our Land Acknowledgement statements we need to ensure we hear community leaders when they say need help with the harms caused by drug and alcohol addiction. When they tell us of potential solutions we need to support and amplify their message. We need to make sure everyone sees the connections from the harms of the past and the tragedies of today.
At The University of Winnipeg AESES Members have ratified a new contract with 88% of members voting in favour of acceptance. This contract included important financial gains that attempt to recognize the impact of inflation has had and importantly is structured in ways that includes increases that are specifically precluded by the Conservative Governments Public Service Sustainability Act. This shows that laws forcing “austerity” can be overcome with continued pressure and persistence. Let us make sure the lesson learned here is not that governments can force austerity but that when we challenge it, we can win.
Both Universities, even with the return to full, in person classes, are going forward with Flexible Work and Remote Work programs. Our members value the expansion of this way of working and AESES continues to monitor and advocate for our members that these policies are available fairly to all members.
This past Labour Day AESES President Chris McCann and Vice President (University of Winnipeg) Meagan Michaluk represented both AESES and the CCU at the Labour Day Parade. Hundreds of people representing many unions marched from our Legislature through Winnipeg’s downtown streets to a family picnic held in Vimy Ridge Memorial Park.
On September 25th, AESES was able to host our Volunteer Appreciation Brunch after a 3 year delay. We recognized members for their dedicated service to our union and presented pins for 5, 10 and 15 years of union service. We had the sad duty of recognizing the passing of long time board and executive member Keith Travis earlier this year and in 2020 AESES lost Past-President Wayne Pucci. He became active within our union shortly after AESES only strike in 1975 and served as President for 20 years until 1999. Both Wayne and Keith will be missed.
AESES will be celebrating 2023 with the 50th Anniversary of our initial certification as a bargaining unit. We have started preparing activities to recognize this milestone. On December 9 we will kick off the celebrations with a Holiday Open House at the Union Office. This date marks exactly 50 years from when workers organized “study sessions” and talks began about forming our union. We have several activities planned including a famous “Manitoba Social” on Saturday June 10th, 2023. We hope to see you there.
AESES wishes all our sisters and brothers at CCU Affiliates a fantastic fall and reminds you to take time for yourself. This pandemic still has its challenges and is still very present in our lives. We all deserve a chance to disconnect from work and enjoy time with our families and friends.
In Solidarity,
Gloria Saindon
Executive Vice-President, AESES
AESES featured in the Fall 2021 edition of CCU Connections
Wednesday, November 24th, 2021
The Fall 2021 edition of CCU Connections is available to view. AESES members are featured with an article about the landfall victory over temporary layoffs from the University of Manitoba.
Read more here: ccu-csc.ca/fall-2021-edition-of-ccu-connections-now-online
Confederation of Canadian Unions Affiliate Report – June 2022
Saturday, July 22nd, 2000
AESES thanks the Confederation of Canadian Unions for inviting us to Laval, Quebec, the traditional unceded territory of the Huron-Wendat people. AESES members live and work on Treaty One Lands, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
AESES has experienced a significant change since the last meeting of the CCU. Laurie Morris has stepped down after eight years of serving as President. Laurie did great things in her four terms, not the least of which was reaching out to the CCU and bringing us in as an affiliate. Interestingly, this was not the first time AESES considered membership in the CCU. Joining the CCU was one option put to a vote by our members as part of a strategy to fend off a raid by CUPE in 1977. We would like to again acknowledge and thank Laurie for her service. While she is beginning the transition to a new lifestyle involving a lot more fun travel for her and Ron, we know she will stay involved with the union movement that she has been instrumental in advancing over the years. AESES has elected to new executive roles Chris McCann as President and Gloria Saindon as Executive Vice President (University of Manitoba – Fort Garry). Continuing in their roles are Melissa Blonjeaux, Vice-President (University of Manitoba – Bannatyne); Meaghan Michaluk, Vice-President (The University of Winnipeg); Will Christie, Treasurer; and Joan Duesterdiek, Contract Administrator (UW). New to our Executive Board are previous CCU delegates, Karen Simpson as Secretary and Rob Parker taking over as Contract Administrator (UM).
AESES is pleased to report that we have been able to agree on a new contract with the University of Manitoba after more than three years. The contract covers seven years and includes general salary increases of 6.5% over the life of the contract. It also consists of expansion to the last four steps of each job classification, with over a third of our members seeing immediate increases of up to 9.5%. All members can receive these increases as they gain seniority. We also negotiated accelerations in vacation accrual for junior members and new language to allow the union to attend investigative meetings to defend members before discipline is applied. Several of these benefits would not have been allowed under the Conservative Government’s Public Services Sustainability Act. Although we were able to make achievements beyond the limitations imposed by the unproclaimed act with time and persistence, we are still seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. It is important that the courts have the chance to rule that governments cannot abridge our Charter Rights to free and fair collective bargaining to prevent future governments’ misuse of the law.
This agreement was accepted by 78% of our membership. Some members against this contract expressed frustration at the offer and were very vocal, correctly feeling disrespected by our Provincial Conservatives and their interference. AESES has targeted several more disruptive members for recruitment to positions within our union. The sh*t disturbers make great unionists.
Negotiations with The University of Winnipeg are still ongoing, but we have made progress with offers and counteroffers being exchanged. We are using the U of M contract as leverage. However, the funding models and realities of the two Universities are very different. We are optimistic we will be able to take an offer to our membership soon.
As reported at the last CCU Executive Board meeting, AESES grieved the cessation of rapid testing at the University of Manitoba for employees unable or unwilling to take a COVID vaccine. We have successfully settled that grievance with the employer with those few members able to return to work and made whole, or nearly so, for time missed from work.
AESES continues to work with both Universities with an anticipated return to full in-person instruction this September. There will be many challenges with managing the return safely and the many members who have become comfortable with the work-life balance afforded by working from home. As we move forward with this next phase of the pandemic, it will be necessary for affiliates of the CCU to share knowledge and experience to organize safe and beneficial outcomes for all our members.
June is Pride Month, and AESES members participated with their universities by walking in the Winnipeg Pride Parade on Sunday, June 6th, where they proudly carried the CCU Pride Flag. Ceremonies were held to raise the Progress Flag at both The Universities of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. The University of Manitoba has committed to the Pride Flag being permanently flown over the campus. The Progress flag incorporates new chevrons symbolizing intersex, trans and marginalized people of colour. The arrow pointing to the right shows forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made. As symbolized with this flag, much of the “progress” is due to the allyship between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Two-Spirit (LBTQ2S+) communities and unions. The CCU called for Canada’s Federal and Provincial governments to include sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination in their Human Rights Acts in a 1987 resolution and has repeatedly advocated against discrimination against sexual orientation. The only protection the LGBTQ2+ community had in the workplace was their union card in many places. With trans people currently being attacked in neighbouring jurisdictions, progress has to continue in all areas. We should also, as unions, look to the successes of the LGBTQ2S+ communities and learn the lessons from their achievements.
AESES expresses our support for the CCU elevating the issue of mental health care at this June Executive Board meeting. Recently, the University of Manitoba’s results from participating in the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey have shown an increase in students self-reporting feelings of moderate or severe mental distress, an increase in contemplation or making a plan to seriously attempt suicide and a decrease in knowledge of how to access mental health resources. These findings align with the overall Canadian averages. The CCU and affiliates must strongly advocate for a universal, accessible, and affordable mental health care system for all Canadians.
AESES is excited to announce that 2023 will mark the 50th Anniversary of our initial certification as a bargaining unit. We have started preparing activities to recognize this milestone. If the CCU plans to hold a board meeting in Winnipeg next year, we will look to arrange our planned ‘Manitoba Social’ to coincide with that meeting.
I wish everyone a great and rejuvenating summer. The pandemic challenges are still very present in our lives, and we all deserve a chance to disconnect from work and enjoy time with our families and friends.
In Solidarity,
