Archive for the ‘um’ Category
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 is 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 is 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 is 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!
Welcome to August – the so-called mid-way point of summer, and it’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Welcome to August – the so-called mid-way point of summer, and it’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Before you finalize your last vacation details, take a few moments to read this issue, which includes:
- A Memorial for Chris McCann
- A Memorial for Gerry Strom
- AESES Appointments
- Can You Can Be Directed to Flex Your Time to Avoid Overtime Costs?
- Ongoing union and member grievances
- The CCU Affiliate Report for June
View the August issue and previous ones here.
Take care, and enjoy your summer!
Passing of Chris McCann, AESES President
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

It is with heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Chris McCann, AESES President. Chris passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning at his residence. Our thoughts are with Chris’ loved ones, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them. For now, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of Chris’ family during this difficult time.
Chris had been deeply involved with AESES since 2000, starting on the UM Negotiation Committee and being active over the years on many committees and Board positions. It culminated with him being elected as AESES President in 2022 and in May, re-elected by acclamation for his second term.
Chris was always eager to join the conversation, and his tenacious commitment and passion have led AESES to where we are today. This loss will be deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Chris. A longer tribute will be in the August issue of insideAESES.
If you need support during this time, please don’t hesitate to visit https://aeses.ca/wellness or your respective Human Resources department.
AESES is in the early stages of evaluating this loss to our association. In the meantime, our Executive Vice-President, Karen Simpson, will be the interim President. We will keep all members informed of any updates.
AESES and its members have always been a community that comes together in times of need. As we mourn this loss, let us also celebrate the positive and lasting impact Chris had on our organization and each of us.
And just like that, it’s June! It’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
Before you slather on some sunscreen (or grab an umbrella) and hit the garden or the park, take a few moments to read this issue, which includes:
- A message from AESES president Chris McCann
- The new AESES Representatives and Executive Council for 2024-2026
- Members’ Day Lunch recap
- Questions about submitting your job for classification review
- Details about discounted tickets to an upcoming Winnipeg Goldeyes game
- Ongoing union and member grievances
Invitation for AESES Members to Purchase Discounted Tickets to the Winnipeg Goldeyes Game on June 21
Friday, May 31st, 2024
The AESES Activities Committee purchased 100 discounted tickets to the Winnipeg Goldeyes versus Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks game.
Date: Friday, June 21, 2024
Time: Game starts at 7:00 pm
Location: Blue Cross Park, One Portage Avenue East
Seating: Section P
Cost: $15.00 / ticket
See you at the game!