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AESES-UM Temporary Layoff and Recall Grievances
Wednesday, September 15th, 2021
September 15, 2021
Following nearly sixteen (16) months of working through the grievance process, AESES is pleased to announce the resolution of our 2020 layoff and recall grievances. The final settlement totals approximately $1.5 million dollars and forms the largest grievance settlement in AESES’ history. Also included in this resolution was the restoration of pension, seniority, vacation and benefits premiums recovery.
These grievances challenged the University of Manitoba’s actions in issuing temporary layoffs to over two hundred (200) AESES members at the outset of the pandemic. AESES argued that the University’s approach was contrary to the provisions of the Collective Agreement. This lengthy process included seven (7) full days of mediation with Arbitrator Arne Peltz and included several hundred hours of meetings, phone calls, and thorough examination of the many document exchanges with the University.
Beginning in April 2021, discussions with the University moved forward more positively. From there, a concerted effort was made by both parties to focus on a fair settlement rather than to pursue the formal grievance process, which likely would have required another twelve (12) months or longer to reach a resolution. The growing financial burden on many of our members—including a large number that were still laid off—meant that pursuing a quicker resolution would be more advantageous than going through a protracted grievance process with no certainty in the outcome.
In total, one hundred and ninety-five (195) temporarily laid off AESES members are receiving a financial remedy from the settlement. Twelve (12) additional laid off members were left outside the settlement due to their Sessional employee category, which permitted annual temporary layoffs in accordance with the Collective Agreement. Although not all laid off members could be included or expected to receive the same level of remedy, we believe that more AESES members were captured in this settlement rather than if we had followed through to arbitration.
AESES has worked long and hard to support our members during this process. As of the time of this communication, nearly all members have either been returned to their positions or have been given access to their formal position discontinuance rights as outlined in Article 10 of the Collective Agreement.
Finally, AESES would like to thank the patience of the many impacted members who were in contact with us throughout this difficult process and were only provided limited details due to the confidential nature of the resolution process. We know this was frustrating, but we trust that the outcome has provided some relief from this challenging situation.
In solidarity,
Laurie Morris
AESES President
Related:
UM Today: Settlement reached between UM and AESES on behalf of employees laid off in Summer 2020
AESES Town Hall – Vaccination Mandates and Return to Work
Friday, September 3rd, 2021
We invite all AESES members to attend one of the upcoming Town Hall meetings to discuss vaccination mandates and return to work at the University of Manitoba and The University of Winnipeg via videoconference using Zoom.
Thank you, but all our sessions are over.
We have moved
Tuesday, August 24th, 2021
We have officially moved into our new offices. Our new address is 880 Harrow Street East, just across the parking lot from our previous location. Our phone number and email addresses remain the same.
Thank you for your patience during the move.
Recent Communications on Vaccine Mandates
Thursday, August 12th, 2021
To: All AESES Members
Many of you may have noticed in recent news and social media that the Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations (MOFA) and the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association (UWFA) have been advocating for a vaccine mandate at Manitoba universities.
While AESES recognizes the position that both MOFA and UWFA have taken, deciding to support a vaccine mandate is a complex matter with many variables to take into consideration. We would like to emphasize that AESES supports and encourages all eligible members to be fully vaccinated; however, we are still weighing the implications of supporting a vaccine mandate at this time. More information is needed and we also want to hear from our membership through a planned upcoming survey.
We understand the frustration and anxiety that many of our members are feeling about returning to work in some capacity. Many of you want answers on how your safety will be protected once you return to the workplace and answers have not been clearly communicated by either university yet. We will continue to press for appropriate safety standards just as we have been doing since the start of the pandemic. If you have a particular safety concern in your department, this should be directed to your Local Area Safety & Health Committee at the UM or to the Safety Office at the UW.
Although AESES encourages everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated, and to follow the provincial health guidelines and recommendations, we also realize there are some members who may be unable to get vaccinated. If you are someone who is unable to be vaccinated and may require an accommodation depending on your unique situation, please contact the AESES labour relations staff to review your situation and obtain guidance (email: aeses@aeses.ca). For those who are eligible but still hesitant to be vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to consult with your family doctor about vaccine safety.
As a work community, we should always respect and support each other’s right to safety in the workplace. In this pandemic environment, that includes protecting each other by ensuring we have a community that is less likely to transmit the COVID-19 virus. We are fortunate that in Manitoba we have a high rate of vaccination. At the time of writing this message, 80.6% of eligible Manitobans (ages 12+) have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 73.2% have received two doses. Let’s do what we can to continue these strong vaccination numbers and support each other in the workplace. Not only are we protecting ourselves by being vaccinated, we’re also protecting our co-workers and their children who are too young to be vaccinated.
Thank you.
AESES Executive Council
Visiting our office
Friday, August 6th, 2021
We will continue to require masks when visiting our office. Our priority is the health and safety of our staff, members, and the community.
Extra, Extra: insideAESES Newsletter (August 2021)
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021
Today, August 3, is the 215th day of 2021. Wow, where did this year go? AESES hopes that you could find the time to rest and recharge from the office this summer!
Before heading outside to harvest your veggies or water the lawn, take a few moments and read the latest edition of insideAESES. Inside this issue, you will find:
- A message from Laurie Morris, AESES President, including community awareness and support
- An article on what to expect when campuses reopen
- Information about the AESES Business Office move
- Ongoing union and member grievances
- News about helping three local community organizations
- Details about United Way Winnipeg’s kickoff – Rally, Revive and Thrive
Extra, Extra: insideAESES Newsletter (June 2021)
Tuesday, June 1st, 2021
Can you believe it? June is here. Whether you are a gardener, camper, sports star or backyard enthusiast, it’s time to get outside!
But before you slather on the sunscreen and head outside, take a few minutes and read the latest edition of insideAESES. Inside this issue:
- A message from Laurie Morris, AESES President, including AESES Honourary Life Memberships, Dedicated Service Awards, and Years of Service Awards recipients.
- Vacation entitlement clarification
- Ongoing union and member grievances
- AESES AGM Recap
Wellness Resources
Saturday, May 29th, 2021
AESES maintains a wellness resource with helpful links to support members’ well-being & mental health. If you need to talk, please reach out to a friend, family member or a professional.
Visit our Wellness Resources page for more information.
AESES Virtual Backgrounds
Saturday, May 1st, 2021
Are you looking to show support and solidarity with AESES while on your virtual meeting?
Whether you are working from your office or your home office, you now have AESES ready-to-use virtual backgrounds for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Cisco Webex.
Extra, Extra: insideAESES Newsletter (April 2021)
Thursday, April 1st, 2021
Welcome to April, blown in like a tornado!!!
No April foolin’ here. It’s time for the latest edition of insideAESES. Grab a refreshing iced tea on the rocks (don’t forget the mini umbrella!) and have a read. Inside this issue:
- A message from Laurie Morris, AESES President
- AESES AGM registration and Annual Report details
- Information about when overtime should apply
- Ongoing union and member grievances
- CCU/CSC Executive Board Meeting Report
- Letter from Jamie Moses, MLA for St. Vital