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Message to Our Members/Update: COVID-19
Monday, April 13th, 2020
We hope that you all were able to enjoy this past holiday weekend and managed to find new ways to connect with family and friends during our new normal of physical distancing. Many of you have found innovative ways to share your experiences while remaining indoors and have helped others feel a little less alone during this uncertain time. We applaud everyone for doing their part to help flatten the curve here in Manitoba and for showing our true north spirit by helping one another where we can.
Since our last communication to you, AESES has been busy assisting our members with the process of continuing their duties while adjusting to working from home. This is presenting challenges for a number of people, particularly when combined with childcare responsibilities. Many AESES members, however, are still working onsite to support areas of security and animal care as well as in some research and service areas. We are working hard to assist these members with their understandable concerns surrounding physical safety. AESES continues to have regular discussions with Human Resources at both universities to bring these issues forward and to advocate for our members’ interests.
Currently, few AESES members have had their work reduced or stopped entirely. Unfortunately, as the need to continue our physical distancing efforts is being extended, an evaluation of remaining work for positions is likely to take place and areas that have little or no work could potentially see reductions in the next few weeks. To help minimize the impact of temporary layoffs, there have been discussions on the ability to use vacation, banked time or VPP to soften the financial effects of any potential reduction of hours.
We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, and that some are finding the changes and uncertainty difficult to navigate. In our recent issue of the insideAESES newsletter we had an article on the various supports available and how to connect with them. Please take a moment to re-read the article (click here) and seek out those avenues if you are in need of assistance. Although the AESES Office is currently closed, all staff are still reachable by phone (204-949-5200) or email (aeses@aeses.ca) to help you.
AESES’ Executive Council has been meeting weekly via video-conference to review the ongoing developments that have been unfolding and discuss how they impact our membership. As a result of these discussions, AESES’ leadership and Board of Representatives have agreed to establish a fund to assist our most severely affected members during this very unprecedented time. An ad hoc committee has been formed to define the form of assistance that will be available and the eligibility criteria. Details will follow soon on how to access this program.
While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Manitoba remains low at this time, this is in large part due to our combined efforts to observe the physical distancing guidelines and practice good hygiene. We all must do our part to ensure that our families, friends and neighbours stay safe and stay well.
Member Assists: COVID-19
Monday, April 13th, 2020
Please see below for an excerpt from our April 2020 insideAESES newsletter:
Can You Tell Me? What Supports are Available to me During the COVID-19 Outbreak?
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, many people are experiencing frustration, anxiety, and confusion on how to handle things. These are unprecedented times and everyone is trying to find their way through this uncharted territory. AESES is here to help guide you to many different kinds of support that you might need during this time.
Economic Support
Thus far, the Government of Canada has extended a number of economic benefits, although individual eligibility may vary. These benefits include items such as:
- Increased Canada Child Benefit (for those who are eligible)
- Increased Goods and Services Tax Credit (for those who are eligible)
- Extra time for filing income taxes
- Mortgage Support
- Updated Canada Emergency Response Benefit
- Moratorium on repayment of Canada Student Loans
- Employment Insurance one week waiting period waived for Sick Leave benefits (for people who do not have sick leave available through work)
Some of these benefits have not taken effect yet. For example, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit should become available in April and May, respectively.
For more information on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, please refer to the website www.canada.ca.
Mental Health Support
Both Universities have mental health supports available to all staff. At The University of Winnipeg, support is available to eligible employees through Blue Cross’ Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP). At the University of Manitoba, support is available through Shepell’s Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP).
At UW, access MB Blue Cross EFAP via:
Phone: 1-800-590-5553
Website: www.mygoodhealth.ca
Mobile app: mybluecross mobile
At UM, access Shepell via:
Phone: 1-800-387-4765
Website: www.workhealthlife.com
Mobile app: My EAP
Additionally, the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) also has a support line available. When calling, you will be asked to leave your name and phone number, and a representative will contact you as soon as possible. The service is available at the following times on weekdays from 9 AM-9 PM and on weekends from 10 AM-4 PM. The number to call is 204-925-0040. You can also visit their webpage for more information at www.adam.mb.ca.
Community Support
Are you unable to leave your residence during this time to access everyday items such as groceries and prescriptions? Conversely, are you healthy and able to leave your residence to help others? Help Next Door MB is a way to get and give support. This service operates on the principle of “neighbours helping neighbours” and it offers to connect volunteers with people unable to leave their home due to self-isolation, sickness, and compromised immune systems. Visit www.helpnextdoormb.ca for more information on this free service.
Unemployment Support
Have you recently been laid off? The Community Unemployed Help Centre provides information, assistance, advice, and representation to individuals dealing with the federal government’s Employment Insurance. They can help those affected individuals navigate through the process of applying for Employment Insurance. The service is available free of charge and can be accessed via phone at 204-942-6556 or email at cuhc@cuhc.mb.ca. Visit www.cuhc.mb.ca for more information.
Ongoing Informational Support
If you’re looking for more information on COVID-19, the Province of Manitoba government website provides informational updates and resources for Manitobans. Please visit www.gov.mb.ca for provincial government updates.
Additionally, both Universities have webpages dedicated to communicating updates on COVID-19, as it relates to each employer. At UW, visit www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19 for current information. At UM, visit www.umanitoba.ca/coronavirus for ongoing messaging from the University.
Finally, AESES is also committed to providing continuous updates to our members. Please bookmark our page www.aeses.ca/covid-19-info-updates to follow us for relevant information.
The AESES Business Office is currently closed in order to respect physical distancing recommendations set out by the government. That doesn’t mean we are unavailable! Although we are not meeting in-person to provide support to our members at the moment, the office remains operational via phone and email during normal business hours. If you have any questions at all during this time, please reach out to us via phone at 204-949-5200 to leave a message for a call back, or by email at aeses@aeses.ca.
Extra, Extra: insideAESES Newsletter (April 2020)
Wednesday, April 1st, 2020
Add your Voice: Sign the Petition
Saturday, March 21st, 2020
CUPE is circulating a petition, which calls on the Manitoba government to implement paid sick days during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the logic that “no worker should have to choose between a paycheque and public safety in the middle of a global pandemic. Together, let’s push the Manitoba government to fix this.”
By adding your name to the petition, you are supporting the request for the provincial government to immediately implement fourteen (14) days of paid job-protected leave for all workers in the province. This is especially relevant for those working on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic and for those who do not have any job protected paid sick days.
Sign your name. Add your voice!
The goal is to reach 500 signatures before sending it off.
Update on AESES’ Meetings with Universities: COVID-19
Thursday, March 19th, 2020
AESES met with the University of Manitoba yesterday afternoon in an effort to bring answers back to you, our members. These are unique and difficult times, and AESES committed to working with the University under these challenging circumstances that we are all facing. We recognize that this pandemic has given all workplaces little time to prepare and adaptation is critical.
In our meeting, we raised multiple concerns with regard to employment, safety, and health matters, along with a number of issues that AESES members have brought forward to our office. Of utmost concern is that there appears to be inconsistent messaging taking place in departments across the University. This was particularly raised by AESES given the need to improve the level of direct communications and to clarify the operational expectations in departments. Consistent messaging is vitally necessary at this time to lay out clear and concise plans and to calm fears.
The decisions being made by the University with regard to keeping specific areas open or closed is changing rapidly, and at this point there is no certainty as to which areas will remain either partially or fully in operation or if they will be closed entirely. It is unclear what the intent of the University will be for areas that may close entirely and where employees are sent home with no work. AESES has requested that the University continue to pay our members in these situations, regardless of the availability of work, to ensure they do not suffer financial distress during the uncertainty of the pandemic we are facing. While the University hasn’t committed to maintaining pay for employees out of work due to closures, we will continue to press for them to do so.
AESES also addressed the issues in the Dental Clinics and Security Services as these units have specific safety challenges that require modifications to their normal business operations. Our goal is to ensure that these concerns are reasonably addressed by the University.
Recognizing that some areas will require extra efforts and manpower to continue operations, whether at the work site or remotely, the University has agreed to allow for flexibility in overtime or bank time limits. Additionally, the University has agreed that where employees have had to cancel travel plans, they will be permitted to cancel their vacation and the amount of vacation carryover will be extended to accommodate these situations.
With the closure of schools and licensed daycares in Manitoba, many parents will need relief for these obligations by the end of this week. The University is supportive of members caring for their children and intends to be flexible with these arrangements. If you find yourself in this situation, speak with your supervisor to explore options for alternative work, changes to work schedules or remote work options. Although AESES pressed for employees to continue to receive their regular pay in these circumstances, the University thus far has indicated that where remote work and/or flexible schedules is not possible, there are options for employees to use banked and/or vacation time to continue pay. For employees without these options, you are encouraged to speak with your supervisors to discuss your situation.
At The University of Winnipeg, AESES still has not been included in any pandemic planning discussions. We have received some responses to our questions and concerns, which have been included in the Faculty and staff FAQ page on the University’s website. We have also pressed with the University to continue pay for those employees who find themselves out of work and not able to make alternate arrangements or work from home. While the University hasn’t committed to maintaining pay for employees, we will continue to press for them to do so. We are also continuing to request that AESES be included in these important discussions.
At this time there is limited news on the EI program changes that are being considered by the federal government. We are hopeful that a more robust EI program can provide financial support to families during this time of uncertainty. Members needing to apply for EI can do so through the Service Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/
As we continue to work on these and many other issues for our members, we will endeavour to continue to provide ongoing communications and assistance. AESES is available to support members at our normal business office email and phone numbers. To reach our labour relations staff at AESES please call our main line at 204-949-5200 or email aeses@aeses.ca and you will be directed to someone who can assist you.
Now is the time to consider, and be considerate of, the needs of our families, friends and colleagues. Respect social distancing, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, and wash your hands regularly. If you know of someone who is self-isolating or is in quarantine, be sure to reach out to them via phone, text or video messaging. Ask if they need help with picking up groceries. Similarly, if you need assistance, reach out to others. COVID-19 is a social disease, so let’s join together as a society to combat the spread and help our neighbors.
Stay well.
AESES Office Closure and Event Cancellations: COVID-19
Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
As a result of the COVID-19 virus and recommendations from the Province of Manitoba and Health Canada with regard to social distancing, AESES will be taking the following measures to ensure the well-being of our members and AESES Office staff:
- All education seminars for the Spring will be cancelled and registration fees will be returned in full.
- The Annual General Meeting, which was scheduled to take place on April 14th, will be postponed to a later date (to be determined).
- The annual Members’ Day Lunches, held in early May, will not be taking place this year.
In addition, AESES Office staff will be observing remote working arrangements; however, there will be one person in the office each weekday. Members can still reach the office and/or our labour relations staff with any questions or concerns they have as AESES staff will be monitoring phone and email messages regularly.
AESES is still in discussions with both universities with regard to their pandemic planning. We will continue to make every effort to press for safe working conditions for our members and answers to our questions, and to ensure that messaging is being delivered by the Universities to staff with regard to work expectations, and precautionary measures to be observed, during this time.
Thank you.
Access: COVID-19 Screening Tool
Tuesday, March 17th, 2020
Some helpful information from Manitoba’s Shared Health group during these challenging times:
Before you call Health Links-Info Santé, take a few seconds to answer some questions that could help determine your next steps about being tested for COVID-19. Access the COVID-19 screening tool – https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/
AESES Message to Our Members: COVID-19
Monday, March 16th, 2020
AESES is aware that many of you are experiencing a lot of anxiety regarding COVID-19 and how the universities are handling this pandemic. It is a very stressful time for us all.
As you know, the University of Manitoba and The University of Winnipeg, along with the Provincial Government, have been updating the community with regard to COVID-19 and preventative measures that are being taken to reduce the spread of the virus. We wanted to inform and assure our AESES members that we have been in contact with both universities as of last week to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on our members’ health and their employment.
We know that our members have many questions surrounding the precautionary measures that are being taken, what your role and responsibilities are and if your pay will be impacted by any absences or closures – whether at the university and/or with the public schools. Please know that we are attempting to get answers to these questions and will inform our members once we have more information. Although we have received brief replies from both institutions, we are still awaiting a more comprehensive discussion and sharing of information.
All AESES members should be following the direction provided by your university, the Province of Manitoba, and Health Canada. This includes practicing social distancing and regular hand-washing. Most importantly, be sure to self-isolate if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and contact Health Links. Both universities have indicated they are recommending working from home where this is possible. If you feel you are in a position where remote work is feasible, be sure to discuss this option with your supervisor.
Please know that AESES is working very hard to keep your interests at the top of everyone’s mind. The situation is changing hourly and it is a challenge to stay abreast of the changing messages and instructions that are being relayed. Nevertheless, we have every intention of continuing to push the employers to keep our members’ interests and well-being at the forefront.
AESES is Hiring: Join our Team!
Monday, March 2nd, 2020
The AESES Business Office is currently accepting applications for the full-time, continuing position of Office Administrator.
If interested in applying, please review the job description and submit your letter of application along with a current resume prior to the application closing date of Friday, March 13, 2020.
Applications can be submitted to the AESES Business Office; c/o Lisa McKendry; 103-900 Harrow Street East; Winnipeg, MB; R3M 3Y7. Or, may also be submitted by email to lmckendry@aeses.ca.
If you have any questions about the position or application process, please contact Lisa McKendry at 204-949-5200 ext.102, or by email at lmckendry@aeses.ca.
Learning Options All Around: AESES Education Seminars
Saturday, February 29th, 2020
The AESES Education Committee would like to present you with the following six seminars, as part of our Spring 2020 offerings:
Drums Alive – Thursday, March 26. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Exciting and at your own pace, learn how to set a beat with dynamic movements of aerobic dance and pulsating rhythms of the drum. A fun group exercise to complete with your fellow co-workers. All participants are required to complete a one-page liability release waiver before the class. Day lockers are available for use. Lock and towel rentals for $1 each, can be arranged from the front desk. Please note that outdoor shoes are not allowed in the Dance Studio. (space – 15 participants)
Metis Flower Beading – Monday, March 30. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Metis women developed a distinct flower design that would become the most widely used style among the Metis people of the 19th century. Come and learn how to create this design. We have instructors that are ready to show you how and the supplies are included. Free parking lot next to the main MMF doors, free street parking, and a paid parking lot across the street. (space – 20 participants)
Indoor Succulent Planter – Wednesday, April 15. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Get ahead with some pre-spring thoughts while you build your own indoor succulent planter. You will have a choice of containers, 3 plant plugs, soil and decorative dressings, all included. (space – 20 participants)
Introduction to Guitar – Saturday, April 18. 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Learn how to hold and get to know where things are on a guitar. You will be taught the basics about frets, chords and proper finger positioning and movement. (space – 20 participants)
Let’s discuss Discipline & Grievances – 5:15 – 6:45 p.m.
– University of Winnipeg – Monday, April 6
– University of MB – Bannatyne Campus – Thursday, April 16
– University of MB – Fort Garry Campus – Monday, April 20
Join Lorne Hilton and Colleen Thompson for an interactive discussion on Discipline and Grievance Procedures in the workplace. We will explore the Collective Agreement together and cover topics such as employer investigations, criminal behavior, insubordination, along with the mechanism used in resolving disputes (*spoiler alert* this is where we talk about grievances!). (space – 25 participants)
Barre – Saturday, April 25. 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Endurance, strength, flexibility and restoration. This total body workout is intense and rewarding. Using a variety of props, you will blend cardio, Pilates, balance work, and strength training into one invigorating fun movement all done with motivating music. (space – 18 participants)
If you’ve read through the seminar descriptions and would like to attend, fill out the online registration form and submit it to the AESES Office (AESES, c/o mailroom). Be sure to include your payment and submit before the March 13th deadline. These seminars are intended for AESES signed members and their partners. All sessions are filled on a first come, first served basis, with your completed registration form and payment.
**Please note that as of 2018, AESES has implemented a policy which requires that members be signed as union members in order to participate in our education seminars. If you are not yet signed (or aren’t sure), but are interested in attending, contact the AESES Office and we can have you fill out a membership form if needed.