Archive for the ‘member emails’ Category
President’s Message – June 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Ah, June! The time when many of us look forward to the warmth of summer, to planning vacation time, and reconnecting with our friends and family. A time for warmth, community, and continued solidarity. And as always, no matter the season, AESES continues to fight for equity, member rights, and respect in the workplace. But that’s not all…
We do have some exciting activities coming up over the summer months. A chance for us all to connect, boost morale, and remind ourselves that life definitely does not center around the work day! Over the coming months, we will be providing deals for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Sea Bears, Winnipeg Goldeyes, and Valour FC. Tickets for these events are specifically discounted for AESES members. I’m reminded that teamwork in sports is not unlike the teamwork we need in the labour movement. All of us are working together towards a common goal. Watch your email and our website for more details.
June is also Pride Month, and our union stands proudly with 2SLGBTQIA+ members. Inclusion is not optional—it’s foundational to the labour movement. We support safe, respectful workplaces where all members can thrive without fear of discrimination.
Finally, as I stated in our last update, bargaining is about to get underway at The University of Winnipeg. We held our first AESES-UW Members Meeting on May 29 and presented the members in attendance with proposals that will begin the bargaining process with the employer.
We’ll also be calling for proposals and creating the University of Manitoba’s Negotiation Committee imminently. We stand firm in our commitment to securing strong collective agreements that protect wages, improve working conditions, and defend the rights we’ve fought so hard to win.
Our union is only as strong as its members are engaged. Make sure to watch for email updates and to follow us on social media (Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn)!
In Solidarity,
Rob
Join Us for Our Members’ Day Lunch
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
Join us for your choice of a barbequed hamburger or hot dog, along with coleslaw, potato chips, and a refreshing lemonade or iced tea. If you have a dietary restriction, please include it in your registration.
Please support your campus Student Food Bank by donating non-perishable food OR a monetary donation. In appreciation, your name will be entered into a draw to win a prize!
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- May 7, 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Buhler Atrium*NEW LOCATION*
JOE DOUPE CONCOURSE
2nd Floor Basic Medical Sciences Building
The deadline to register was April 23, 2025
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- May 21, 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
MPR, UMSU University Centre
The deadline to register was May 7, 2025
The University of Winnipeg
- May 28, 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Riddell Hall
The deadline to register was May 14, 2025
Register here!
Can You Tell Me: How can workload issues be addressed?
Monday, April 7th, 2025
How can workload issues be addressed?
AESES members should not work through breaks or lunch and normally should only work beyond regular hours if compensated at overtime rates. While extra work may sometimes be necessary to manage workloads, working unpaid hours is not the appropriate solution. This practice can obscure underlying workload issues, creating the false impression that more work can be completed in a typical day than is realistic. Additionally, performance concerns can arise if extra time is reduced or stopped, leading to the assigned work no longer being completed within previously established timelines—timelines that may have become the employer’s expectation.
Both the AESES-UW and AESES-UM Collective Agreements include a Letter of Understanding (LOU) regarding managing excessive workloads. At UW, the LOU outlines that the employee should first discuss their concerns with their supervisor, who will attempt to resolve the matter. If unresolved, the employee should contact AESES. If necessary, AESES and the Human Resources Department will further discuss the issue. If both parties agree the concern is reasonable and likely to persist, they will explore potential solutions to assist the employer in addressing the issue. The process at UM is similar, with AESES and the University meeting to discuss concerns and possible solutions as needed.
If workload demands become difficult to manage, the first step is to speak with your supervisor, as outlined in the LOU. Potential solutions, such as reassigning tasks or setting new priorities within the department, are within the employer’s control. It is important to inform the employer when struggling with workload so that appropriate solutions can be identified.
To prepare for this discussion, start by tracking time over a week or two, noting instances when working beyond scheduled hours occurs. A helpful next step is to prepare a written outline of the workload issues, including specific examples. For instance, one might say, “I was only able to take a half-hour lunch instead of the full hour on this day for the following reason.” While potential solutions can be suggested, it is important to understand that the employer has control over the final decisions and may choose a different approach. Once prepared, consider presenting your summarized concerns to your supervisor so that solutions can be explored.
If workload issues remain unresolved after these steps, the AESES Labour Team can assist by engaging in discussions with HR on your behalf. Please contact LabourTeam@aeses.ca for further support.
President’s Message – April 2025
Monday, April 7th, 2025
Of the many things that AESES does, bargaining on your behalf for a fair and equitable contract is certainly among the most important. Whether early in the life of a contract, or getting closer to the expiration of one, getting the best possible deal from the employer is always at the top of the list of concerns for most of our members.
Rightly so.
Besides bargaining for the best possible monetary outcome for our membership, AESES also bargains to ensure that the protections and rights afforded us via the current agreement are not eroded, and that improving other rights and benefits beyond the monetary are also explored and advocated for.
Protecting and championing the rights of our membership is central to AESES’ mission, and our membership is intrinsically aware of this. This is evidenced by the fact that we routinely receive questions in anticipation of our next round of bargaining, such as when the process will begin, and how folk might get involved.
This is very encouraging to see!
Bargaining at The University of Winnipeg is already underway, with the Negotiations Committee (who is responsible for vetting proposals from the membership) having put forward many proposals for action by the Bargaining Team (who is selected from the negotiations committee and does the actual bargaining with the employer). We will be scheduling a membership meeting to approve the final list of proposals in the very near future.
Still, AESES has other things in store for the coming months, as well. Our Members’ Day Lunches will be taking place in May (Brodie Centre, May 7, Fort Garry, May 21, and The University of Winnipeg, May 28). More information to follow. We also still have a few spots open in some of our Spring Educational Seminars, which include two invaluable sessions on labour relations led by our very own Labour Team.
There is also time to register for the AESES Annual General Meeting, to be held virtually on April 8th. It’s a great opportunity to find out what’s being going on with your union over the past year, including the financials and reports from standing committees.
Finally, as always, remember we are here for you. Should you feel like you’re being unfairly treated, or have questions regarding things such as reclassification, please don’t hesitate to contact the office. We’re here to help!
In Solidarity,
Rob
Register to Attend the Annual General Meeting – April 8
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 PM
All signed* AESES union members are invited and encouraged to attend this year’s virtual AESES Annual General Meeting (AGM). In 2024, 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 8 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.
insideAESES – February 2025
Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
Welcome to February! We are still working on what works best for our members, so there might be a few hiccups along the way. If you have any questions or comments about the new format, please email contact@aeses.ca.
With that being said, here’s what you might find interesting for this issue:
- President’s Message
- Contract Admin
- Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk 2025 – Donate to Chris McCann’s Crew: Team AESES!
- AESES Appointments – February 2025
- New Faces
- Can You Tell Me: How Seniority Plays a Role in Vacancy Selections
- Save the Date – Annual General Meeting – April 8
- Call for Volunteers – Committees and the Board
- Safety and Health Corner – February 2025
- Spring Education Seminars Coming Soon
insideAESES – December 2024
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
Welcome to December and in a blink of an eye we will be in 2025! But before we think ahead to the new year, let’s enjoy the upcoming winter break! Here’s our December issue, which lives on the website just like our October issue. We are still deciding on what works the best for our members, so there still might be a few hiccups along the way. If you have any questions or comments about the new format, please email contact@aeses.ca.
With that being said, here’s what you might find interesting for this issue:
- President’s Message
- Contract Admin – There are no contract admin updates for either university.
- AESES Appointments – December 2024
- New Faces
- 2025 Proposed Budget
- Can You Tell Me? Modified Work Hours
- Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk 2025 – Donate to Chris McCann’s Crew: Team AESES!
- AESES 2024 Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza
- Members Events, Community Events and Initiatives
Enjoy the winter break!
AESES Announces New Executive Director – Colleen Thompson
Friday, November 8th, 2024
The Executive Director Hiring Committee is pleased and excited to announce that Colleen Thompson is the successful candidate in our search for a new Executive Director.
As most of you will know, over the last six years of employment with AESES, Colleen has become an important member of our Labour Relations Team and a crucial member of our outstanding business office staff. Her knowledge of our collective agreements and bargaining processes as well as her experience with appeals, grievances, and championing our membership is extensive.
Before joining the University of Manitoba, Colleen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. During her time with Security Services, she served as an AESES Board Representative, contributed to numerous committees, and held a position on the Executive Council as the UM Contract Administrator. Colleen’s deep understanding of AESES operations and knowledge of university dynamics will serve her well as she takes on this leadership role. Her longstanding commitment to our members and dedication to the university community reflect a passion for fostering growth and support across AESES and the University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, and St. Andrew’s College.
As President of AESES, I rely heavily on the support and direction provided by the Executive Director, and I’m confident Colleen will be an exceptional colleague to work with. Colleen is currently shifting into the role with Lisa’s help.
A thank you also goes out to the hiring committee (Robert Dvorski, Joan Duesterdiek, and Karen Simpson) for their excellent work and to Lisa McKendry for her patience and superb guidance in the process!
Please join the hiring committee and me in congratulating Colleen on her exciting new role at AESES!
Rob Parker
AESES President
AESES Announces New President – Rob Parker
Thursday, September 12th, 2024
At the September 10, 2024, meeting of the AESES Board of Representatives, Rob Parker was elected by acclamation for the position of President on the Executive Council for the term ending May 2026. Rob has worked in the UM Dean’s Office, Faculty of Arts since 1998 and was the UM Contract Administrator since 2022. Rob has been on various AESES committees such as Classifications, Negotiations, and Bargaining, and is currently on the Activities (chair), Communications (chair), and Education.
Rob stated, “I have always believed strongly in the mission and value of labour unions in general and of AESES in particular. I see protecting, championing, and supporting the needs of our membership as a privilege and a responsibility. I am happy to play a part in ensuring this in any role I can.”
Over the coming weeks, Rob will begin to adjust to the new role and his duties with the AESES Business Office. Welcome, Rob!
Thank you to our members for your patience and support during this period of change. We appreciate it.
We would also like to thank the Board of Representatives and particularly, Karen Simpson, Executive Vice-President and interim President, for her help over the past few months. Thank you, Karen!