Archive for the ‘um’ Category
President’s Message – October 2026
Thursday, October 1st, 2026
Hello, AESES!
As the foliage shifts from green to yellow and orange we know that autumn has truly arrived in Manitoba. While students settle into their schedules, they will bid farewell to the constellations of the summer triangle as they greet the great square of Pegasus rising over the prairie harvest.
For AESES members, fall brings a new slate of events from both the Activities Committee and the Education Committee. The Education Committee is offering new seminars this Fall, so please look out for that announcement in this month’s insideAESES for the details. The Activities Committee is deeply involved planning this year’s AESES Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza for Sunday, November 29. If you are planning to attend, please register before the October 27 deadline so we can plan accordingly.
The University of Manitoba will be hosting the ASE Career Fair on Tuesday, October 6 in the MPR in UMSU University Centre. This is a wonderful opportunity to display one of Manitoba’s post-secondary cornerstones that AESES members support and encourage another generation of students to further their education. Likewise, The University of Winnipeg will be hosting their career fair on January 26, 2027. I will be reminding everyone of that opportunity in December’s insideAESES.
October brings fall convocations at both institutions involving many AESES members in the preparations for and during the ceremonies. The University of Winnipeg will host their Convocation and PACE Graduation Celebrations on October 15. The University of Manitoba will host Convocation Celebrations at the Fort Garry campus on October 20-22.
The UM Bargaining Team has also been hard at work these past few months, caucusing and meeting several times with the employer for subcommittee meetings. As we resolve non-monetary issues, we will soon begin to discuss a financial package with cost-of-living increases, which is primarily on the minds of our membership. Needless to say, we will remind the University of Manitoba of our provincial government’s discussions of catching up and keeping up. Public updates are posted at aeses.ca/aeses-um-bargaining-2026 when available.
Finally, I hope everyone was able to take time on Wednesday, September 30 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Our Land Acknowledgements are only a small part of the recognition of the role of Indigenous peoples in building the nation we enjoy today. The legacy of residential schools is a nadir in Canada’s history and something to sombrely reflect upon to ensure that it never occurs again. As union members, we value protection against unfair treatment and discrimination. It is especially important for us to support those same values and work toward rebuilding our relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities. At the University of Manitoba, that spirit of healing is demonstrated with the newly renamed L’offis Wiichihihwahk (formerly the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)). L’offis Wiichihihwahk is a Michif name meaning “the office that helps” and was gifted to them by UM Elder Charlotte Nolin. At The University of Winnipeg, the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre is their bridge to reconciliation and offers educational and cultural programming rooted in Indigenous knowledge to the community. Wii Chiiwaakanak is Ojibwe for “walking together.” Both offices offer Indigenous resources, stories, and education.
In Solidarity,
Will Christie
Safety and Health Corner – October 2026
Thursday, October 1st, 2026
AESES-Appointed Representatives on Workplace Safety and Health Committees
Most workplace safety and health committees at UM and UW have an official representative appointed by AESES. This representative serves as a formal connection between the committee and AESES.
AESES-appointed representatives receive paid time away from their regular duties to participate in workplace safety and health committee meetings, working alongside employer representatives to address workplace safety and health matters. They provide meeting minutes to AESES and bring workplace safety and health concerns to the union’s attention when appropriate. Appointments are generally for two years and may be renewed.
AESES-appointed representatives also participate on a separate AESES Safety & Health Committee, which normally meets twice a year outside of regular working hours.
Most AESES appointments are currently filled, but there are a few vacancies:
UM Local Area Safety and Health (LASH) Committees:
- Architecture
- Education, St. Paul’s, St. John’s, NCTR or CATL
- Faculty of Arts
For more information about UM LASH Committees, visit the UM Intranet.
If you are interested in becoming an AESES-appointed official representative on one of the committees listed above, contact labourteam@aeses.ca before October 16, 2026.
The AESES Safety & Health Committee looks at workplace safety and health issues from a union-wide perspective. If you have a concern you believe should be brought to the committee’s attention, contact labourteam@aeses.ca.
2026 Members’ Day Lunch
Monday, June 1st, 2026
Thank you to the 585 members who attended our Members’ Day Lunches at the UW, UM Bannatyne, and UM Fort Garry campus. It was amazing to see everyone and enjoy lunch!
This year, altogether, $292.05 in monetary contributions and two full bins of non-perishable food was collected for the two campus food banks. Thank you!
25-Years of Service
Members who have 25 years of service were recognized at the lunch. Congratulations!
The University of Winnipeg
- Kevin Doyle
- Jennifer Gibson
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- Matthew Dahl
- Kevin Janzen
- Myke Kurnell
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- Epifania Austria
- Suzanne Beaudet
- Linda Carnegie
- Wayne Chan
- Gerard Gagnon
- Pam Gauthier
- Denise Gill
- Thomas Holovach
- Jarod Innis
- Colleen Loewen
- Brian McLean
- William Moore
- Montana Quiring
- Jennifer St Laurent
- Jared Whiklo
- Lynda Whitlam
- Lesley Wiebe
- Andre Worms
AESES Announces New Executive Council for 2026-2028
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Last night at the May 2026 AESES Board of Representatives meeting, Will Christie was elected by acclamation as President for the 2026–2028 term. Congratulations, Will! We thank outgoing President Karen Simpson for her guidance and professionalism over the past six months, and we wish her all the best on her upcoming retirement from UM later this year.
Divjyot Grewal was re-elected as Executive Vice-President and Vice-President (Fort Garry), and four positions were elected by acclamation:
- Vice-President (Bannatyne) – Danielle Saj
- Vice-President (UW) – Tessa Pearen
- Secretary – Alex McGregor
- Treasurer – Charlene Hawryluk
We are thrilled to welcome Alex as a new member of the Executive Council in his role as Secretary and are equally pleased to see Charlene step into the Treasurer role vacated by Will. Congratulations to all members who have committed to this two-year term. The AESES Business Office looks forward to working with the Executive Council to advance services and supports for all members.
AESES 2026–2028 Executive Council
- President | Will Christie, IST – Computer/Network Services (UM)
- Executive Vice-President | Divjyot Grewal, Career Services (UM)
- Vice-President (Fort Garry) | Divjyot Grewal, Career Services (UM)
- Vice-President (Bannatyne) | Danielle Saj, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (UM)
- Vice-President (UW) | Tessa Pearen, Student Services (UW)
- Secretary | Alex McGregor, Arts – Dean’s Office (UM)
- Treasurer | Charlene Hawryluk, Animal Science (UM)
- UM Contract Administrator | Will Christie, IST – Computer/Network Services (UM)
- UW Contract Administrator | Dan Bailey, Awards and Financial Aid (UW)
Join Us for Our Members’ Day Lunch
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Join us for a “Tex Mex” inspired lunch with pulled pork on a bun along with all the fixin’s, dessert, and a beverage. There are vegetarian, halal and other dietary restriction options available, please include this on your registration.
Please support your campus Student Food Bank by bringing and donating a non-perishable food item or contributing a monetary donation. In appreciation, your name will be entered into a draw to win a prize!
The University of Winnipeg
- May 5, 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Riddell Hall
The deadline to register was April 28, 2026
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- May 11, 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
J. Hildes and J. Doupe Concourses
2nd Floor Basic Medical Sciences Building
The deadline to register was May 4, 2026
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- May 20, 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
MPR, UMSU University Centre
The deadline to register was May 8, 2026
Register here!
Staying Connected in Retirement – UM Retirees
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
As you look forward to this exciting stage of your life, we hope that you will consider joining the University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA). We are a community of University retirees that, since our establishment in 2003, have focused on enriching the lives of retirees through advocacy and community.
It was UMRA who was instrumental in reviving the retirement planning sessions offered by the university in spring and fall, by working collaboratively with the University administration and several of the unions (including AESES) to answer a need that we saw in the University Community. And more recently, the support of AESES and UMFA has been instrumental in UMRA’s negotiations with the University administration for improved retiree benefits i.e., health and dental. These are just a couple of ways that we serve our community of retirees.
Why join UMRA? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- UMRA allows you to continue your association with the University where you may have spent most of your working life.
- UMRA provides the forum for renewing acquaintances with colleagues and peers, make new friends and enjoy social activities such as the semi-annual President’s reception and other organized events.
- UMRA defends the interests of retirees in the pension and benefits plans of the University and has a representative on the U of M Staff Benefits Committee.
- UMRA has benefits the University offers only to retirees who are members of UMRA and discounted insurance rates for travel, trip cancellation, car, house, and pets available through Johnson Insurance due to UMRA’s membership in CURAC (College and University Retirees Association of Canada).
- UMRA provides an informative Newsletter twice a year.
To learn more about UMRA, please visit our website: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association
Information specific to UMRA’s membership and application form is included in the package of retirement information you would normally receive from the U of M Staff Benefits Office. Or you may access the same information on the UMRA Membership web page at: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association/membership
You can also obtain the membership application form by contacting UMRA by email at retirees@umanitoba.ca , or by phone at 204-474-7175, or by writing to us:
UMRA, c/o Learning & Organizational Development, 309 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at retirees@umanitoba.ca
Please make joining UMRA one of your retirement plans and make the most of your retirement!
Janet Sealey
President, UMRA
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
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
Virtual New AESES Members’ Meeting – October 2
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
Virtual New Members’ Meeting on October 2 at 5:30 pm
If you started at the University of Manitoba or The University of Winnipeg in the past 12 months, please look for your invite sent to your work email on September 17. If you started more than a year ago or didn’t receive the invite, and would like to attend, please send an email to jpothe@aeses.ca to be invited.
This meeting is your chance to:
- Understand your collective agreement and how it protects your rights as an employee.
- Discuss the steps for filing grievances, thinking about reclassifications and navigating office concerns.
- Learn about the services and supports that the AESES Business Office provides.
- Explore exclusive member discounts and offers on everything from mobile plans, to travel, and electronics.
- Get your questions answered!
Don’t miss this opportunity on October 2 at 5:30 pm to maximize your union membership!
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!