Archive for the ‘insideAESES’ Category
Save the Date – Annual General Meeting – April 14
Monday, February 2nd, 2026
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
7:00 PM
ONLINE
All signed* AESES union members are invited and encouraged to attend this year’s virtual AESES Annual General Meeting (AGM). In 2025, we had many members join us for the evening.
The AGM allows our executive team and committee chairs to review AESES financials with attendees, speak about the union’s activities, explain how our programs can benefit our membership, and preside over a question period.
Join us on April 14 to meet the people behind the decision-making process for spending your union dues and learn more about our programs and services. There will also be time for asking questions to members of the Executive Council and the Board.
Registration details and the 2025 AGM Annual Report will be available in March.
* Please note that only signed AESES members can attend the AGM and vote on any issues that arise. If you are interested in attending the AGM but not yet a signed member, please visit aeses.ca/membership to fill out a membership form.
Call for Volunteers – Committees and the Board
Monday, February 2nd, 2026
Help shape the future of AESES by filling an open position in these important roles!
- Diversity Committee
- University of Manitoba, Districts 01, 04, 07, 08, 30, 32, 34, 35, and 37
- The University of Winnipeg, Districts 52 and 56
- St. Andrew’s College, District 61
Contact the AESES Business Office at 204-949-5200 or aeses@aeses.ca to learn more.
President’s Message – February 2026
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
As I sit down at the computer to compose my first Message from the President for insideAESES, I find myself reflecting on the significant changes that have come my way since I began my term as Executive Vice-President in May 2024. After serving two terms as Interim President, I am honoured to have been voted into the role of President for the remainder of this term, ending May 2026.
I would like to take a moment to thank Rob Parker for his 20 plus years of dedication to AESES. Having served as a Board member, Contract Administrator, member of various committees and most recently as President, Rob’s tireless work on behalf of our members will not be forgotten. His insight and commitment will be greatly missed.
January was a time of cold reflection, warm hot chocolate and time well spent with family and friends as we endure yet another Winnipeg winter anticipating warmer days ahead. While the weather is cold, the work within AESES remains as active as ever.
The Education Committee and Activities Committee are gearing up for another great year of fun and educational events that our members can attend. Watch your email and aeses.ca in the coming months for details.
Our Labour Relations Team remains extremely busy ensuring your workplace concerns are heard and your rights are protected from your employer. If you feel your rights under the collective agreement have been compromised, please reach out to labourteam@aeses.ca. As always, all dealings with the AESES Business Office are strictly confidential.
The University of Winnipeg has concluded bargaining sessions with the employer and that AESES should have a contract offer to present to AESES-UW members in the upcoming weeks. For the University of Manitoba, the Negotiations Committee has been hard at work, vetting numerous proposals submitted by you, our members. We will soon schedule a AESES-UM membership meeting to approve the final list of proposals. Watch your email for further details about these important meetings. As Rob noted in his final President’s message, AESES stands firm in our commitment to securing strong, fair collective agreements.
In Solidarity,
Karen
Can You Tell Me: What is an Investigatory Meeting?
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
An investigatory meeting is a formal process initiated by the Employer when they are considering a situation that may lead to discipline. These meetings are a precursor to formal disciplinary action and are governed by our respective Collective Agreements.
The rules for investigatory meetings differ slightly between UW and UM. At UW, Article 9.4 generally requires that an investigation take place before discipline is imposed except in exceptional circumstances. At UM, Article 9.1 does not prescribe an investigation in all cases but allows the Employer to investigate alleged culpable activity that may give rise to discipline. At both Universities, the Employer must inform the Employee that the meeting is an investigation and advise them of their rights to AESES representation, although it is typically the Employee’s responsibility to request that representation.
Upon request, an AESES representative will speak with the member in advance of the meeting to help explain the process, discuss the context for the investigation, and consider what the Employer may be seeking to establish. In some cases, a member could be called as a witness to a situation involving others and may not be personally culpable. AESES can also advise the member on the potential relevance of disclosure, remorse, honesty, and any mitigating circumstances, such as medical issues, as part of preparing for the meeting.
The investigatory meeting normally includes representatives from HR and management, the member, and an AESES representative if requested. The Employer will outline their concerns and ask a series of questions in order to establish facts. Having AESES representation at the meeting is important to support the member during a potentially stressful process and to ensure accurate documentation of the investigation.
Several outcomes may follow the investigatory meeting. The Employer may decide to gather additional information at another meeting, take no further action, or issue formal discipline. Discipline typically follows the path of progressive discipline, beginning with an Oral Warning, though in more serious situations the Employer may proceed directly to suspension or dismissal.
If discipline is issued and a member believes it to be unjust, it may be possible to challenge it through the grievance process as outlined in the Collective Agreement (UM Article 23; UW Article 21). Documentation of the investigatory meeting can be an important way to support that process. Members who have been summoned to an investigatory meeting, or who have questions about this process, are encouraged to contact the AESES Business Office at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
Can You Tell Me: What is the Employee and Family Assistance Program?
Monday, December 1st, 2025
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a benefit offered by both Universities aimed at the well-being of their employees and employees’ family members. AESES members at both Universities have access to EFAP guaranteed by their respective Collective Agreements: Article 27.1 (UW) and Article 32.1 (UM).
At the University of Winnipeg, the program is administered through Manitoba Blue Cross and is available to all employees who are eligible for Blue Cross benefits. The employee’s spouse and dependent children may use the service as well. The program can be accessed by placing a call to the Manitoba Blue Cross Employee & Family Assistance Centre at 204-786-8880 and requires the Blue Cross Client and Certificate Number to verify. More information is available through the U of W HR’s EFAP page.
At the University of Manitoba, the program is offered through Kii by CloudMD and is available to all employees covered by the AESES-UM Collective Agreement as well as their immediate family, including dependent children. Kii can be accessed through an online portal with the organizational access code, available through the UM Sharepoint along with other details about the plan. Registration does not require a work email address; a personal address can be used for the purpose of confidentiality. In addition to counselling, Kii provides a library of health and wellness articles.
The objectives of the EFAPs are employee health and wellness. The free short-term personal counselling offered through the EFAP is not restricted to mental health, however, and can support a variety of other potential areas such as addiction, physical health, financial advice, legal issues, and connecting with child or elder care resources. Employees who have not considered using the program may be surprised by the breadth of assistance and resources it offers.
A central concern when using the EFAPs, due to the sensitive topics they support, is confidentiality. The employer will not be notified that an employee or family member has accessed their EFAP whatsoever. The employer provides the EFAP but does not administer it in any way other than providing access. Members’ inquiries through the program are completely confidential.
The EFAPs are a negotiated benefit in our respective Collective Agreements and provide confidential counselling and resources on a breadth of topics and issues that members may not expect. AESES encourages members to make use of these resources when needed. For any inquiries related to the EFAPs, please reach out to the AESES Business Office at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
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!
AESES Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza 2025
Monday, December 1st, 2025
On Sunday, November 30th, 249 guests, made up of members, children and their families, attended the Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays at UMSU University Centre on the UM Fort Garry Campus.
Everyone enjoyed a fun afternoon of food, gifts, face painting, cookie decorating, clowns, and main stage entertainment by Comedy Illusions of Greg & Oonaugh, Santa and Mrs. Claus also stopped for a visit and photos.
Thank you to the AESES Activities Committee and all the dedicated volunteers who made the event possible again this year! Also, thanks to Leanne Shumka and Denis Côté (UM) for the use of their photos.
2026 Proposed Budget
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Below is the AESES Finance Committee’s proposed budget for 2026. These estimates are subject to approval by the Board of Representatives at their meeting on December 9, 2025. AESES Proposed Budget 2026 (PDF)
Safety and Health Corner – December 2025
Monday, December 1st, 2025
AESES Safety & Health Committee Update
The Committee last met on April 1st and recently held their Fall meeting on November 20th. At this recent meeting, there was a general check-in discussion regarding both UM and UW’s current practices and adherence to workplace safety and health legislation. The Committee members shared they are continuing to monitor incident reporting and prevention auditing practices as well as training provisions in their assigned areas. To be able to share concerns regarding these matters with the AESES Labour Team when they are identified. No major area-wide concerns requiring action were noted. Any workplace safety and health items you would like to bring to the committee’s attention can be emailed to labourteam@aeses.ca.
For more info on UM Local Area Safety and Health (LASH) committees, visit the UM Intranet website. For more information on the UW Workplace Safety & Health Committee, visit the UW Human Resources website.
The Committee members expressed at the previous meeting that they wanted a way to stay connected between meetings, as this Committee only meets twice per year. At the most recent meeting, it was announced that a MS Teams Channel was created for the Committee for this purpose. Another request of the Committee was for more educational resources. The AESES office is happy to announce that we were able to secure a new educational resource to fulfill this request: The Plexman Comic.
The Plexman Comic
AESES collaborated with international professional workplace safety expert, Dan Plexman, to provide an educational resource for all of our members on workplace safety and health: The Plexman Comic.
The Plexman Comic provides a modernized perspective on workplace safety and health in an easily digestible format. We hope this new resource serves the Committee’s and AESES’ shared goal of having our members be more supportive and connected to safety and health in the workplace.
A limited number of printed comics were purchased to provide our AESES’ Safety & Health Committee members. An electronic version is available for all members to view here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/8e318221c3.html
Any workplace safety and health items you would like to bring to the committee’s attention can be emailed to labourteam@aeses.ca.
- For more info on UM Local Area Safety and Health (LASH) committees, visit the UM Intranet website.
- For more information on the UW Workplace Safety & Health Committee, visit the UW Human Resources website.
President’s Message – December 2025
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Greetings, awesome AESES Members, and welcome to December – also known as “the month where we pretend we’re organized.”
The holiday season brings thoughts of family, whether near or far. And at holiday time, every family is a little loud, messy, and occasionally wonders who ate the last Quality Street (spoiler: it was absolutely someone in HR). Our union family is no different – we debate, we disagree, but when it matters most, we show up for one another. That’s what unions do. And ours does it pretty darn well.
For some of us, “home” means a packed living room full of relatives and one very confused dog. For others, it’s a phone call, a video chat, or sharing a moment across oceans and time zones. For many AESES members, it’s right here… on campus, in the office, in the classroom -standing shoulder to shoulder with coworkers who long ago stopped being “colleagues” and started being “the people who understand your workday horrors better than your actual family.”
Our membership includes folks from every background imaginable—different races, genders, languages, identities, faiths, and traditions. Some light candles. Some decorate trees. Some celebrate holidays at times the rest of us are unaware. Some celebrate by ignoring the holidays entirely and catching up on sleep (a noble and underrated custom).
We all share universal hopes – things like safety at work, dignity and respect, fair wages, and most importantly, time with the people we love and a future that is not just “surviving until Friday.”
Diversity isn’t a challenge – it’s our superpower. If the employer ever tries to divide us, they quickly discover it’s like trying to separate Tupperware lids from the containers: good luck, friend.
We’ve started or soon will start bargaining at both Universities. Together, we’re pushing for:
- Better wages, so members can enjoy the holidays without needing a spreadsheet to calculate gift affordability.
- Better benefits, so no one must choose between seeing a doctor and paying rent.
- Safer workplaces, so everyone goes home in one piece and not “creatively patched together with office supplies.”
Behind every bargaining proposal is a real person with a real family and real worries. A parent trying to say “yes” to a school trip. A worker caring for their aging parents. A member simply trying to make it through December without Windows updating at the worst possible moment (miracles do happen).
This season isn’t easy for everyone. Some members face illness, financial strain, grief, or isolation. A strong union family doesn’t forget them. We check in. We help. We make sure no one is left behind – because solidarity is more than chants and picket signs. It’s everyday acts of kindness, like sharing overtime fairly or welcoming a new co-worker instead of forcing them to find every elf on a shelf we’ve hidden in the Dean’s Office.
We don’t all experience the workplace the same way. Some members face racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or barriers due to disability or immigration status. Ignoring those realities doesn’t make us a family – it makes us a sitcom family that pretends everything’s fine while the house is literally on fire.
Listening, making space, and standing up for one another is what makes us strong. It is so important to:
- Honour our families – however they are made. We must keep fighting for the wages, protections, and time needed to care for them.
- Celebrate our diversity – not just in words, but in action, policy, contracts, and leadership.
- Live our solidarity – by supporting members who are struggling and showing up for one another with open hearts (and maybe baked goods).
In a world that tries hard to divide working people, let’s continue proving the opposite: that people with different stories can share one purpose and one fight.
Now, to wrap things up (see what I did there?)
Thank you for everything you do.
Thank you for the strength you bring.
And thank you for making AESES not just a union, but a family— … you know, the kind you might actually want to spend time with.
Wishing you peace, joy, good eats, cool treats, and time with the people (and pets) you love.
Here’s to new victories in the year ahead – won together, as one diverse and powerful union family.
I hope you all have a very happy holiday!
In Solidarity,
Rob