Archive for the ‘insideAESES’ Category
Welcome to August – the so-called mid-way point of summer, and it’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Welcome to August – the so-called mid-way point of summer, and it’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Before you finalize your last vacation details, take a few moments to read this issue, which includes:
- A Memorial for Chris McCann
- A Memorial for Gerry Strom
- AESES Appointments
- Can You Can Be Directed to Flex Your Time to Avoid Overtime Costs?
- Ongoing union and member grievances
- The CCU Affiliate Report for June
View the August issue and previous ones here.
Take care, and enjoy your summer!
Passing of Chris McCann, AESES President
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

It is with heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Chris McCann, AESES President. Chris passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning at his residence. Our thoughts are with Chris’ loved ones, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them. For now, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of Chris’ family during this difficult time.
Chris had been deeply involved with AESES since 2000, starting on the UM Negotiation Committee and being active over the years on many committees and Board positions. It culminated with him being elected as AESES President in 2022 and in May, re-elected by acclamation for his second term.
Chris was always eager to join the conversation, and his tenacious commitment and passion have led AESES to where we are today. This loss will be deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Chris. A longer tribute will be in the August issue of insideAESES.
If you need support during this time, please don’t hesitate to visit https://aeses.ca/wellness or your respective Human Resources department.
AESES is in the early stages of evaluating this loss to our association. In the meantime, our Executive Vice-President, Karen Simpson, will be the interim President. We will keep all members informed of any updates.
AESES and its members have always been a community that comes together in times of need. As we mourn this loss, let us also celebrate the positive and lasting impact Chris had on our organization and each of us.
And just like that, it’s June! It’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
Before you slather on some sunscreen (or grab an umbrella) and hit the garden or the park, take a few moments to read this issue, which includes:
- A message from AESES president Chris McCann
- The new AESES Representatives and Executive Council for 2024-2026
- Members’ Day Lunch recap
- Questions about submitting your job for classification review
- Details about discounted tickets to an upcoming Winnipeg Goldeyes game
- Ongoing union and member grievances
Board of Representatives for 2024-2026
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
The AESES Board of Representatives has been secured for the next two years.
AESES would like to congratulate Gloria Saindon on her retirement from the University of Manitoba and thank her for her years on the Board, most recently for District 3, and on the Executive Council as Executive Vice-President. Thank you for all your contributions and dedication to our members! Your knowledge and energetic attitude will be hard to replace.
AESES would like to welcome three new members to the Board of Representatives for May 1:
- James Tharayil, UM (District 1), Purchasing Services
- Catherine McMillan, UM (District 3), Biological Services
- Geoffrey Pagcaliwagan, UM (District 3), Student Life
They join Danielle Saj, UM (District 36), who started with the Board in February.
With these announcements, a few Board Reps also switched districts:
- Melinda Sasek, UM, from District 4 to 2
- Lindsay Bruce, UM, from District 5 to 6
Following this, the new Executive Council will be elected at the May 14, 2024 Board of Representatives meeting and announced the next day.
No foolin’, it’s April! Read the newest issue of insideAESES!
Monday, April 1st, 2024
No foolin’, it’s April! Along with the change in the month, here’s the newest issue of insideAESES!
Grab a chocolate Easter egg and take a few moments to read this issue, which includes:
- A message from AESES president Chris McCann
- Cosmic Bingo Bowling Night recap
- Questions about time-off entitlements for dealing with a family member’s death
- A notice about the Member Communication Survey
- Annual General Meeting details
- Details about joining the UM Retirees Association
- Information about the UM Employees Scholarship
- Ongoing union and member grievances
Upcoming Brown Bag Sessions
Monday, February 26th, 2024
Join us for a general discussion on issues and concerns faced by members, including clarification of collective agreement articles, your rights and the responsibilities of your employer. This is your opportunity to meet the AESES Labour Team and your Board Reps, and to have your union-related questions answered. Feel free to bring your lunch. Registration is required.
February is here and so is the newest issue of insideAESES!
Friday, February 2nd, 2024
Welcome to February, and Happy Groundhog Day! Oak Hammock Marsh’s Manitoba Merv emerged from his suitcase this morning and saw his shadow, meaning we won’t see an early spring but six more weeks of winter.
While we wait for spring (even though it feels like spring!), take a few minutes and read through the newest issue of insideAESES. Inside, read about:
- A Message from AESES President Chris McCann
- What is Interpersonal Violence Leave?
- Upcoming Brown Bag Sessions and New Members’ Meetings
- The Coldest Night Fundraising Walk
- The AESES-UM Canada Life Survey Results
- Nominations for AESES Board of Representatives
- The Upcoming AGM
- A Call for Volunteers – Committees
New Member of Board of Representatives representing District 36
Friday, February 2nd, 2024
The Electoral and Districting Committee wishes to announce that, since the recent call for nominations, Danielle Saj (UM, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy) has been elected by acclamation to the position of Member of the Board of Representatives representing District 36.
Congratulations, Danielle and welcome to the AESES Board of Representatives!
AESES Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza
Sunday, December 10th, 2023
On Sunday, December 1, over 250 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, temporary tattoos, cookie painting, clowns, and main stage entertainment by Brian Glow, International Illusionist and Comedy Magician. 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 Blair Zelinsky and Colleen Thompson for the use of their photos.
Can You Tell Me? Can Work Hours Be Modified?
Sunday, December 10th, 2023
The concept of a 4-day workweek or having every second Monday off is an appealing idea for many. From time to time, an AESES employee may need or want to adjust their hours of work temporarily or permanently. There is language in the AESES Collective Agreements that allows members to request a modified work schedule.
Members at both UM and UW can request a modified work schedule. It is important to note that while the language in both the AESES-UM and AESES-UW Collective Agreements allows employees to make such a request, approval is not guaranteed. The employer must consider the feasibility of the request by examining particulars such as the type of work the employee does, the Department’s hours of operation, staffing levels and current workloads. If the request is approved on a temporary or permanent basis, it is also important to note that the employer can still amend or cancel the arrangement if they deem it necessary.
As covered in Article 11.2 of the AESES-UW Collective Agreement, UW members can submit a request for a modified work week in writing to their supervisor. When making the request, you should be aware that a modified work week may include but is not limited to, flextime, banked time, or a compressed work week. The employer will consider the request and provide a written response in a reasonable period. If approval is granted by the Employer for a modified work week, the terms and conditions of the modified work week are confirmed in a Letter of Understanding (LOU).
The process is similar for UM members, as outlined in Articles 11.1 and 12.8 of the AESES-UM Collective Agreement. When a recurring exchange of work for time off exceeds one pay period, it is considered a modified work schedule. UM members can submit a request for a modified work schedule to their supervisor. If granted after due consideration by the employer, the terms and conditions of the modified work schedule shall be confirmed by a LOU signed by the Department, Human Resources, the employee(s), and the Association.
If you need assistance with a modified work schedule request, contact us at LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
For info on short-term or one-time schedule change requests, referred to as the Banking of Regular Time, see the Can You Tell Me article in the August 2024 insideAESES newsletter.









