Archive for the ‘News Feed’ Category
AESES Fall Education Seminars – Register soon!
Thursday, August 28th, 2025
Fall Education Seminars
The AESES Education Committee would like to offer members the first two seminars to help you welcome fall.
Registration will open on Tuesday, September 2 at 10:00 am.
- Exchange District Historic Walking Tour | Sat., Sept. 20 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Splash Dash Boat Tour | Mon., Sept. 22 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Holiday Closure – September 1, 2025 – Labour Day
Thursday, August 28th, 2025
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labour Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
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
AESES Volunteers’ Appreciation Banquet 2025
Friday, August 1st, 2025
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. Rob Parker, AESES President, presented the following pins and awards after supper:
Bronze Pin – 5 Years of Service
- Michaela Ablaza*
- Joey Pothe
Silver Pin – 10 Years of Service
- Debbie Armstrong
- Tessa Pearen*
- Melinda Sasek
- Colleen Thompson
Gold Pin – 15 Years of Service
- Lynne Wichenko
* pictured
Dedicated Service Award
The Dedicated Service Award was posthumously awarded to Anne Ferenc and presented to Anne’s close friend, Louise Sabourin. Anne’s consistent and unwavering dedication to AESES was recognized with this award. Anne’s contributions to AESES started over 15 years ago with the Board and various committees over the years, ending with the Activities Committee that oversaw the Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza, among other events.
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, Gloria Saindon was recognized with an Honourary Life Membership award at the banquet. Unfortunately, Gloria was unable to attend.
Past-President Memorial
The final presentation of the evening was by Laurie Morris in memory of Chris McCann. Laurie retold stories of Chris’ achievements for AESES and how proud she was to have known him. Laurie then presented Chris’ wife, Karey, a bronzed bison statue in honour of his commitment and past presidency to AESES. The plaque on the statue read, “Chris McCann Thank you for your tenacious commitment to AESES and its membership since 2000, culminating as president in 2024. AESES celebrates your positive and lasting legacy.” Sarah McCann then took the stage for an emotional thank you on behalf of the McCann family.
After the presentations and speeches, the night ended with fun-filled casino games.
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.
Can You Tell Me: Can The Employer Change My Work Schedule?
Friday, August 1st, 2025
While many members enjoy a steady routine in their hours of work, the employer does have the right to alter work schedules as operational needs may require. The employer can make these changes without the approval of the employee; the respective Collective Agreements, however, provide guidelines that ensure employees receive sufficient notice for any such changes.
The guidelines are essentially the same for both Universities, found in Article 12.5 in the UM Collective Agreement and in Article 12.4 for UW. Management is required to give three working days’ notice for a schedule change affecting 1 to 4 days. For emergency changes (UW), or circumstances beyond the employer’s control (UM), they must inform the employee before quitting time on the day before the change takes effect. When the schedule would be changed for greater than 4 days, management is required to give one calendar week’s notice. And finally, if these guidelines for notice are not fulfilled, the employee is entitled to compensation at overtime rates for the first day of the altered schedule.
The employer can alter the work schedule in ways such as the start and end of the workday, say, changing a shift from 8:30-4:30 to 9:00-5:00. However, they do not have the right to extend an employee’s workday on a time-for-time basis, bypassing the Collective Agreement’s provisions for overtime. As an example, with 7 hours being the standard workday for most AESES members, the employer should not schedule a member to work 8 hours one day in exchange for working 6 the next as a way to avoid overtime compensation. Overtime, Callback, and Modified Work Weeks are separate from the type of schedule changes described here.
We encourage our members to reach out to the AESES Business Office with any questions or concerns at labourteam@aeses.ca or 204-949-5200.
President’s Message – August 2025
Friday, August 1st, 2025
Ah – the dog days of summer!
The thought often connotes lazy doggos, lounging and relaxing in the summer heat. At least that is what I see in my mind’s eye. Historically, however, the adage has had a completely different meaning. More specifically, it was associated with the rising of the star Sirius, which ancient folk believed coincided with extreme temperatures, eventually driving people and, yes, even dogs mad!
These days, however, we understand that it is merely just a wonderful time of year to take some time off, recharge, and enjoy the hopefully great weather we all so much deserve.
Things are no different at AESES, where our folks, both paid and volunteer, look forward to taking time to spend with family and friends. Still, there are always things happening to ensure that our members are well cared for and that our best interests are kept at the forefront.
Bargaining at The University of Winnipeg is underway, and at the University of Manitoba, the deadlines for the submission of proposals and nominations for the Negotiation Committee have now passed. We have had many proposals from our members, and the negotiation committee will soon begin the work of preparing these submissions for the bargaining table. The Bargaining Committee will then be struck from this body and will begin to bargain in earnest with the University.
Information on the process at the UM can be found here if you’re interested. Please keep an eye on this space as well as on our website and social media (Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn) for updates.
Both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game on July 18 and the Winnipeg Goldeyes afternoon on July 27 were well attended, and a wonderful time was had by all. A huge shout-out to all four of our local sports teams for the great deal they provided again for our members!
Finally, I would like to remind you that we have deals in place for member discounts with both Perkopolis and Union Savings on a variety of goods and services. Lots of ‘em! Please take advantage! You can learn more here.
Enjoy these wonderful dog days of summer! Remember – AESES is here – whenever you need us!
In Solidarity,
Rob
Can You Tell Me: How Does Sick Leave Apply to Mental Health?
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Sick leave as defined in our respective Collective Agreements, does not distinguish between mental and physical health conditions. For the UM, in Article 17.1, Sick Leave is defined as “the period of time an employee is permitted to be absent from work with pay by virtue of being sick or disabled, or because of an accident.” The language for the UW in Article 15.1 is identical but uses the word “injury” instead of “accident.” Sickness and disability are not limited to physical conditions, but also encompass mental health issues.
Depression, anxiety, addiction, and other psychiatric disorders, whether acute or chronic, can be just as debilitating. An employee suffering from such a condition might require the use of sick leave. They might also require time off to attend a medical appointment related to their mental health. Full-time employees are entitled to use sick leave for dental and medical appointments (UM 17.1.3, UW 15.1.2).
A medical certificate or “sick note” is not typically required for short absences, whether they are related to mental health or physical conditions. The employer does, however, have the right to request one (UM 17.4, UW 15.6), especially in cases of extended, frequent, or unusual absences. The note would include the dates the employee was/is unable to attend work, a general description of their condition (but not the diagnosis), and the expected timeframe of their return to work.
Confidentiality may be a key concern, especially given the stigma that mental illness may carry. Both Collective Agreements include rights to privacy and the protection of Personal Health Information (UM 17.2, UW 15.6). An employee is not required to disclose the nature of their illness to their supervisor or coworkers; any required medical documentation may be submitted confidentially to a designated representative in Human Resources.
Both Universities offer Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs), which provide access to free and confidential mental health and wellness services. The University of Winnipeg’s services are delivered through Blue Cross, and the University of Manitoba’s services are provided by Kii. These programs reflect each University’s commitment to supporting the health and wellness of their employees. Support is available through counselling, offered in person, by phone, or online, as well as through educational resources, crisis support, and referrals to specialized care when needed.
AESES encourages our members to reach out to the Labour Team for assistance in understanding their rights related to Sick Leave and mental health. We can be reached at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
Members’ Day Lunch 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Thank you to the hundreds of members who attended our Members’ Day Lunches at the UM Bannatyne, UM Fort Garry, and UW campuses. This year, over 730 members registered to join us. This was our largest turnout ever! It was amazing to see everyone and enjoy lunch! Over $300 in monetary contributions were collected, and over 95 pounds of non-perishable food was delivered to the campus food banks. Thank you for your generosity!
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus – May 7
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus – May 21
The University of Winnipeg – May 28
25 Years of Service
During lunch, President Rob Parker acknowledged members who have 25 years of service and presented them with a token of appreciation.
25 Years of Service – 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
During our 2025 Members’ Day Lunches, President Rob Parker acknowledged members who have 25 years of service and presented them with a token of appreciation. Congratulations to the following members:
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- Kathryn Chmelnytzki
- Jose Coreas
- Jean Lyon
- Terri Martin
- Ginger Shurek
- Ruth-Ann Soodeen
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- Jeff Durston
- Pauline Lawson
- Louise Roy
- Fred Wong
The University of Winnipeg
- Karen Barkhouse
- Mark Bezanson
- Christy Campbell
- Stefanie Dram
- Colin Fijal
- Marnie Loewen
- Mark Rogowski
- Brad Russell
- Carmine Vizza
Safety and Health Corner – June 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
AESES Safety & Health Committee Update
The Committee held its Winter term meeting on April 2, 2025. The main topics of discussion were incident reporting, prevention auditing, and training provisions. These discussions focused on understanding the current practices and procedures to see where work may be required by AESES and this Committee to help facilitate improvements in these areas. No items were identified as requiring action at this time. As requested at the previous meeting, the AESES office is continuing to explore ways to best facilitate communication and info/document sharing between meetings for the Safety & Health Committee members. The next meeting will be held in Fall 2025.
Any workplace safety and health items you would like to bring to the committee’s attention can be emailed to labourteam@aeses.ca.
AESES appointed UM LASH Representative Vacancies:
- Admin UC LASH Committee
- Education, St, Paul’s, St. John’s, NCTR or CATL LASH Committee
If you are an AESES-UM member working in one of these LASH districts and are interested in sitting on the AESES Safety & Health Committee and being the AESES-appointed representative on this LASH committee for a 2-year term, please contact 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.