Message to Our Members/Update: COVID-19
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.