Archive for the ‘insideAESES’ Category
President’s Message – June 2026
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
Hello AESES!
On May 12 it was with both humility and pride that I was elected to be your new President. The previous term was unlike anything the union has experienced before, following the sudden death of past-President Chris McCann. I personally want to thank both past-President Karen Simpson and past-President Rob Parker for holding this office following that tragic loss, and to everyone for keeping the union running and serving our members through those challenging times.
This term, it’s exciting to see that our Board has a great blend of old and new representatives eager to serve their districts. On our Executive we also have veterans alongside fresh faces, and with our exemplary AESES Business Office Officers and Staff, I know that the union has a recipe for success for this upcoming term.
It has been a very busy time since the last President’s Message in April. The AESES Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 14. While everyone can appreciate brief meetings, we heard your feedback that it was, perhaps, too brief, and we will look at addressing that for next year.
Also in April, we held the AESES Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Friday, April 24. An enjoyable meal was served at the Norwood Hotel, and a dedicated group of volunteers enjoyed the dance floor with the live band well into the night.
Signed members attended AESES Members’ Day Lunches in May at The University of Winnipeg (UW), and the University of Manitoba (UM) Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses. This year saw the greatest number of registrants, and I know that several members complimented the lunch at the Fort Garry campus.
Also in May, the AESES Education Committee held six Spring Education Seminars, with topics in Birding, Bike Maintenance, Enneagram, Hatchet Throwing, Samosa and Chai Cooking, and a Labour Relations presentation on Investigation Meetings. These seminars are always fun and practical, with the next set happening in the fall.
On the bargaining front, UW has chosen their new contract administrator, and I’d like to welcome Dan Bailey to the role and thank him for representing the UW membership.
Finally, the UM Negotiating Committee selected the UM Bargaining Team, who held their UM Member meeting on Monday, April 13. During this meeting, we outlined that we were again going to use the Interest Based Negotiating style with the employer. This method involves both sides discussing their proposals, their interests, and workable solutions collaboratively. We also presented the final list of proposals from the membership and the AESES Officers, which resulted in a good discussion with attendees. As of the time of writing, the UM Bargaining Team has met with the employer’s representatives nine times, and all non-Monetary items have been discussed. Additional meetings are scheduled into June and you can check updates here: aeses.ca/aeses-um-bargaining-2026.
Finally, as we head into summer, I hope that everyone takes the time to rest, recharge, and reinvigorate themselves with their loved ones and family!
In Solidarity,
Will Christie
AESES Volunteers’ Appreciation Banquet 2026
Monday, June 1st, 2026
Annually, AESES acknowledges, thanks, and celebrates its Board of Representatives and longstanding volunteers. This year’s event took place at the Norwood Hotel at the end of April. Karen Simpson, AESES President, presented the following pins and awards after supper:
Bronze Pin – 5 Years of Service
- Katy Hunt
- Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot
Silver Pin – 10 Years of Service
- Judy Archibald
- Lara Coombs-Sokalski
- Robert Dvorski
- Jillian Golby Borsa
- Daniel Gwozdz
- Leanne Shumka
- David Waller
Dedicated Service Award
The Dedicated Service Award was awarded to Mary Kuzmeniuk. Mary’s consistent dedication to AESES was recognized with this award. Mary was unable to attend.
Honourary Life Member Award
An Honourary Life Membership is the ultimate recognition by AESES and, therefore, should be considered as being somewhat restrictive. Honourary Life Membership will be granted only to those who have contributed outstanding or meritorious service to the Association over a substantial period of time. This year, Joan Duesterdiek was recognized with an Honourary Life Member award at the banquet. Gloria Saindon was also in attendance to be presented with her Honourary Life Member award that she was awarded last year but could not attend in 2025.
After the presentations and speeches, the night ended with a live band and dancing.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers who provide their time and expertise to help the organization and the members. Volunteers are the lifeblood of AESES and essential to continued success and support for members.
If you are reading this and would like to volunteer, visit these respective pages: Board of Representatives or Committees, or email aeses@aeses.ca.
2026 Members’ Day Lunch
Monday, June 1st, 2026
Thank you to the 585 members who attended our Members’ Day Lunches at the UW, UM Bannatyne, and UM Fort Garry campus. It was amazing to see everyone and enjoy lunch!
This year, altogether, $292.05 in monetary contributions and two full bins of non-perishable food was collected for the two campus food banks. Thank you!
25-Years of Service
Members who have 25 years of service were recognized at the lunch. Congratulations!
The University of Winnipeg
- Kevin Doyle
- Jennifer Gibson
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- Matthew Dahl
- Kevin Janzen
- Myke Kurnell
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- Epifania Austria
- Suzanne Beaudet
- Linda Carnegie
- Wayne Chan
- Gerard Gagnon
- Pam Gauthier
- Denise Gill
- Thomas Holovach
- Jarod Innis
- Colleen Loewen
- Brian McLean
- William Moore
- Montana Quiring
- Jennifer St Laurent
- Jared Whiklo
- Lynda Whitlam
- Lesley Wiebe
- Andre Worms
Can You Tell Me: What is a Performance Review?
Monday, June 1st, 2026
A Performance Review can sometimes be a stressful or uncomfortable experience for AESES members. Members should understand that Performance Reviews are outlined in our Collective Agreements, including the purpose for having them as well as ways that Employees can engage with the process.
The process for a Performance Review is similar at both Universities. At the University of Manitoba, Annual Performance Reviews are encouraged for all regular (continuing or sessional) full-time and part-time Employees in Article 30. At the University of Winnipeg, under Article 24.7.3, a Performance Review should be completed within 20 working days preceding the Employee’s Anniversary Increment Date, which is normally on an annual basis for Employees working full-time hours (but may be less frequent for Employees working less than full-time hours). Both Collective Agreements also refer to a Performance Review form, provided by the Employer, typically filled out by the Employee’s direct supervisor and reviewed together during a Performance Review meeting.
The purpose of a formal review as outlined in each Collective Agreement is to provide a fair evaluation of the Employee’s performance in their job, assisting them with developing and improving their skills. The review process is intended to be constructive, not punitive, and whenever performance is evaluated as unsatisfactory, the Employer should identify the areas for improvement and suggest a path to remedy the issues. The review is also not intended as a one-way assessment. Where an Employee wants to provide their own feedback, additional information for context, or disagrees with the review, both Collective Agreements (UW 24.7.3, UM 30.3) allow them to include their own comments. These comments can be either added to the review form itself or in a separate document to be attached to the form and included with it in the Employee’s file.
While the Performance Review meeting can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is a workplace conversation meant to provide feedback and set expectations. As such, members are not entitled to Union representation at the meeting. Both Collective Agreements also mention that the completed Performance Review form should be provided to the Employee after the meeting to read and sign. Refusing to sign the review may be interpreted by the Employer as insubordination and subject to discipline. Signing the Performance Review form only indicates that the Employee has had a chance to read the form, and is not an acknowledgement that they agree with the comments or the review.
AESES encourages members who have any questions about the Performance Review process to contact our Business Office at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
Spring Education Seminars
Monday, April 13th, 2026
AESES Spring 2026 Education Seminars
Learn Hatchet Throwing | Sat., May 2 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pmBirding for Beginners | Sat., May 9 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pmIntroduction to Enneagram | Thu., May 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 pmBasic Bicycle Maintenance | Tue., May 19 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm – FullCooking with Nancy – Samosa and Chai | Sat., May 30 | 12:30 – 3:30 pmLabour Relations – Inside Investigation Meetings: What Every Member Should Know (Virtual) | Mon., June 1 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
President’s Message – April 2026
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
As I prepare my second and final message for insideAESES, I’ve been thinking about the whirlwind of the last few months. When the AESES Board of Representatives voted me in this past January to complete the current term ending in May, I knew it would be a busy stretch. It has certainly lived up to that, bringing its share of concerns and challenges, but also plenty of laughter and camaraderie along the way.
I want to share that I will not be seeking re-election for the Presidency or any other positions on the AESES Executive Council this May. While my time in this new role was short, I will truly miss working so closely with our members, the Board, and the AESES Business Office staff.
Bargaining Updates Success is a team effort! In February, The University of Winnipeg support staff voted to approve their new contract. A huge thank you goes out to the UW Bargaining Team and the AESES Business Office staff for the tireless work to reach this agreement. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Meanwhile, the University of Manitoba Bargaining Team is moving forward with proposals vetted by the Negotiations Committee. While I am writing this in March, by the time this reaches you in April, a membership meeting will have been scheduled to approve the final list of proposals for the UM. Please attend the meeting if you can.
Committee Highlights and Upcoming Events A big thank you to the Activities Committee for hosting such a successful Cosmic Glow Bowling in March and it was wonderful to see our members connecting. Looking ahead, the Education Committee is hard at work finalizing the Spring Education Seminars, and the dates for our Members’ Day Lunches have been set. Lunch details will follow, but please plan to join us on campus:
- The University of Winnipeg: May 5
- University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus: May 11
- University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus: May 20
Annual General Meeting (AGM) I encourage you to attend our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 14. The AGM will be held virtually, and an email was sent out last week with notice about the availability of the AGM report and registration details. This is the best opportunity for our members to hear financial reports, review updates from our standing committees, and ask important questions about the direction of AESES.
Please keep an eye on your email or our website for more information about all these upcoming events. Thank you for your ongoing support.
In Solidarity,
Karen
Staying Connected in Retirement – UM Retirees
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
As you look forward to this exciting stage of your life, we hope that you will consider joining the University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA). We are a community of University retirees that, since our establishment in 2003, have focused on enriching the lives of retirees through advocacy and community.
It was UMRA who was instrumental in reviving the retirement planning sessions offered by the university in spring and fall, by working collaboratively with the University administration and several of the unions (including AESES) to answer a need that we saw in the University Community. And more recently, the support of AESES and UMFA has been instrumental in UMRA’s negotiations with the University administration for improved retiree benefits i.e., health and dental. These are just a couple of ways that we serve our community of retirees.
Why join UMRA? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- UMRA allows you to continue your association with the University where you may have spent most of your working life.
- UMRA provides the forum for renewing acquaintances with colleagues and peers, make new friends and enjoy social activities such as the semi-annual President’s reception and other organized events.
- UMRA defends the interests of retirees in the pension and benefits plans of the University and has a representative on the U of M Staff Benefits Committee.
- UMRA has benefits the University offers only to retirees who are members of UMRA and discounted insurance rates for travel, trip cancellation, car, house, and pets available through Johnson Insurance due to UMRA’s membership in CURAC (College and University Retirees Association of Canada).
- UMRA provides an informative Newsletter twice a year.
To learn more about UMRA, please visit our website: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association
Information specific to UMRA’s membership and application form is included in the package of retirement information you would normally receive from the U of M Staff Benefits Office. Or you may access the same information on the UMRA Membership web page at: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association/membership
You can also obtain the membership application form by contacting UMRA by email at retirees@umanitoba.ca , or by phone at 204-474-7175, or by writing to us:
UMRA, c/o Learning & Organizational Development, 309 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at retirees@umanitoba.ca
Please make joining UMRA one of your retirement plans and make the most of your retirement!
Janet Sealey
President, UMRA
Can You Tell Me: What Personal Medical Information is the Employer Entitled to Receive?
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Sick leave can be a stressful and confusing time, and members may be unsure what information they need to share with the employer. Understanding what personal medical information the employer can request is important for protecting medical privacy and helps navigate both short and long-duration sick leave confidently. The details of the right to medical privacy are outlined in our respective Collective Agreements through Article 15.6 at The University of Winnipeg and 17.2 at the University of Manitoba.
For brief sick leave absences, members may be required to provide some basic information. The employer can ask about the general nature of the illness, but typically not the specific medical diagnosis or detailed treatment information. Examples of this distinction might include reporting a “mental health issue” as opposed to “anxiety and depression,” or “respiratory illness” as opposed to “bronchitis.” They can also ask about the length of the absence and the expected date of return. This information can help the employer plan operations and staffing while still considering the member’s privacy.
Extended sick leave absences may require sharing more information. As with shorter leaves, the employer can request a prognosis for return and a general description of the condition. Additionally, they may ask further questions to explore potential support and accommodation. This often comes in the form of a medical questionnaire to be provided to the member’s medical practitioner. The Collective Agreement entitles the employer to some information for the administration of sick leave, coming from Article 17.4 (UM) and 15.6 (UW). Requests for information will depend on the individual circumstances and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The purpose of these types of questions is not to pry into private medical details, but rather to help the employer better understand the condition and any limitations it imposes. It is important for the member to cooperate with the process in these scenarios. Failure to furnish necessary medical information could result in undesirable consequences, as per Article 17.4 (UM) and 15.6.3 (UW). The additional information not only helps the employer to plan temporary adjustments in their operation, but also to provide necessary accommodations and ensure a safe, supported return.
Members should know that they do not have to navigate these questions on their own. Please contact the AESES Business Office if you are unsure whether a question from the employer related to medical information or sick leave is appropriate. We are able to clarify your rights to privacy and help balance that right what information the employer can request.
Cosmic Glow Bowling Recap – March 2026
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Thanks for everyone who attended on March 21 at Billy Mosienko Lanes. Almost 50 members and their friends and families enjoyed pizza, prizes and bowling!
Thanks to Blair Zelinsky for the photos of the event!
The winning teams:
Round 1
Tessa Pearen, Frank and Marie Leskovjan, Angela Carlson, Nick Yates, and Laura Butler
Round 2
Dave Nicholls, Montana and Kirsten Quiring, Mark, Aria and Jack Nuttall
Round 3
Viviana Burgos Camacho, Gustavo Abella, Brandy Currie, and Tracy McDonald
Annual General Meeting – April 14
Tuesday, March 24th, 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.
* 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.