APRIL 2025
AESES Newsletter | insideAESES | APRIL 2025 | Vol. 48 Issue No. 02
Dear Member,
Welcome to April! Here is our newest issue of insideAESES!
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insideAESES
President’s Message – April 2025
Of the many things that AESES does, bargaining on your behalf for a fair and equitable contract is certainly among the most important. Whether early in the life of a contract, or getting closer to the expiration of one, getting the best possible deal from the employer is always at the top of the list of concerns for most of our members. Rightly so. Besides bargaining for the best possible monetary outcome for our membership, AESES also bargains to ensure that the protections and rights afforded us via the current agreement are not eroded, and that improving other rights and benefits beyond the monetary are also explored and advocated for. Protecting and championing the rights of our membership is central to AESES’ mission, and our membership is intrinsically aware of this. This is evidenced by the fact that we routinely receive questions in anticipation of our next round of bargaining, such as when the process will begin, and how folk might get involved. This is very encouraging to see! Bargaining at The University of Winnipeg is already underway, with the Negotiations Committee (who is responsible for vetting proposals from the membership) having put forward many proposals for action by the Bargaining Team (who is selected from the negotiations committee and does the actual bargaining with the employer). We will be scheduling a membership meeting to approve the final list of proposals in the very near future. Still, AESES has other things in store for the coming months, as well. Our Members' Day Lunches will be taking place in May (Brodie Centre, May 7, Fort Garry, May 21, and The University of Winnipeg, May 28). More information to follow. We also still have a few spots open in some of our Spring Educational Seminars, which include two invaluable sessions on labour relations led by our very own Labour Team. There is also time to register for the AESES Annual General Meeting, to be held virtually on April 8th. It’s a great opportunity to find out what’s being going on with your union over the past year, including the financials and reports from standing committees. Finally, as always, remember we are here for you. Should you feel like you’re being unfairly treated, or have questions regarding things such as reclassification, please don’t hesitate to contact the office. We’re here to help! In Solidarity, 
Rob
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insideAESES
Welcome Daniel Matthes!
Daniel Matthes has joined the AESES Business Office as a new Member Services Officer, excited for a fresh challenge. Before this move, he was the Public Services Coordinator for The University of Winnipeg (UW) Archives, and leaves behind a 21-year career in the UW Library, at the Archives since 2010. Daniel is also an alumnus of The UW with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in English and Theatre and, in another life, was involved in independent theatre and film productions around the city. At the UW Archives, Daniel worked with researchers from around the world and has processed a wide variety of archival records, ranging from those of former MP and President of UW Lloyd Axworthy, Distinguished Alumna Delza Longman, former Artistic Director of the Royal MTC Steven Schipper, to activist filmmaker Victor Dobchuk. The Archives hold other important records related to Labour Studies, including the papers of labour activist and former CUPE President Paul Moist and that of the social justice coalition CHO!CES. The Archives even possess some records from the early days of AESES at the UW! Daniel’s experience working with AESES began in 2014 as the Board Representative for District 55. Since then, he has served on the Classification Committee, three times on the Negotiation Committee, on the COVID-19 Assistance Fund, and part of the Bargaining Team for UW’s 2019-2025 Collective Agreement. The fulcrum of his commitment to AESES developed when he attended the CCU’s 50th Anniversary Convention in October 2019, meeting a diversity of union members from across Canada, learning the history of the CCU, hearing the Labour School speakers, and appreciating the importance of unions on a new level. This understanding of AESES’ important work, deepening over time, is what inspired him to apply for this position. At the AESES Business Office, Daniel will be joining and supporting the Labour Relations Team, consisting of Colleen Thompson, Executive Director; Lorne Hilton, Labour Relations Officer; and Leanne Shumka, Member Services Officer. He feels grateful and energized in this new role and looks forward to being able to work with and directly help the membership. Welcome to the AESES Business Office, Daniel!
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Annual General Meeting - April 8
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Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 PM All signed AESES union members are invited and encouraged to attend this year’s virtual AESES Annual General Meeting.
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Introducing the members of The University of Winnipeg Bargaining Team:
- Daniel Bailey (Chair)
- Eric Benson
- Pamela Delorme (Secretary)
- Marika Prokosh
- Jessica Smilar
- Jeff Lefebvre (1st Alternate)
- Chen Chen (2nd Alternate)
- Lorne Hilton (AESES)
- Leanne Shumka (AESES)
- Colleen Thompson (AESES)
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April 2025 Here are the cases that our members are currently facing with each employer as of April 1, 2025.
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Visit our New Faces page to view the latest AESES hires for April 2025 at both universities, as reported to us by the University of Manitoba (UM) and The University of Winnipeg (UW). The lists include full-time, part-time, temporary,…
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Can You Tell Me: How Can Workload Issues Be Addressed?
AESES members should not work through breaks or lunch and normally should only work beyond regular hours if compensated at overtime rates. While extra work may sometimes be necessary to manage workloads, working unpaid hours is not the appropriate solution. This practice can obscure underlying workload issues, creating the false impression that more work can be completed in a typical day than is realistic. Additionally, performance concerns can arise if extra time is reduced or stopped, leading to the assigned work no longer being completed within previously established timelines—timelines that may have become the employer’s expectation. Both the AESES-UW and AESES-UM Collective Agreements include a Letter of Understanding (LOU) regarding managing excessive workloads. At UW, the LOU outlines that the employee should first discuss their concerns with their supervisor, who will attempt to resolve the matter. If unresolved, the employee should contact AESES. If necessary, AESES and the Human Resources Department will further discuss the issue. If both parties agree the concern is reasonable and likely to persist, they will explore potential solutions to assist the employer in addressing the issue. The process at UM is similar, with AESES and the University meeting to discuss concerns and possible solutions as needed. If workload demands become difficult to manage, the first step is to speak with your supervisor, as outlined in the LOU. Potential solutions, such as reassigning tasks or setting new priorities within the department, are within the employer’s control. It is important to inform the employer when struggling with workload so that appropriate solutions can be identified. To prepare for this discussion, start by tracking time over a week or two, noting instances when working beyond scheduled hours occurs. A helpful next step is to prepare a written outline of the workload issues, including specific examples. For instance, one might say, “I was only able to take a half-hour lunch instead of the full hour on this day for the following reason.” While potential solutions can be suggested, it is important to understand that the employer has control over the final decisions and may choose a different approach. Once prepared, consider presenting your summarized concerns to your supervisor so that solutions can be explored. If workload issues remain unresolved after these steps, the AESES Labour Team can assist by engaging in discussions with HR on your behalf. Please contact LabourTeam@aeses.ca for further support.
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Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk 2025
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This was our third year participating in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk, and this year we honoured the legacy of our beloved former president, Chris McCann. Thank you for your donations! Chris McCann’s Crew: Team AESES raised $1590!
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Members’ Day Lunch - Save the Date
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Join us for the 2025 AESES Members’ Day Lunches- University of Manitoba
- Bannatyne Campus, May 7
- Fort Garry Campus, May 21
- The University of Winnipeg
There will be two sessions at each campus, 12:00 - 1:00 and 1:00 - 2:00 pm. More information and registration will be released soon.
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Spring Education Seminars
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Thanks for everyone who has already signed up, we still have some spaces open for the following: - Cooking with Nancy – Palak Paneer
- Labour Relations Topic – Exploring Union-Employer Negotiations
- Labour Relations Topic – Fundamentals of Discipline
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Scholarship
UM Employees Scholarship
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The University of Manitoba Employees Scholarship (UMES) is a scholarship that is available to the spouse or dependent children of UM employees or retired former employees.
Applications are now open and close May 31, 2025.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Harry Crowe Lecture Series
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The University of Winnipeg Faculty Association presents:
Harry Crowe Lecture Series
Navigating Current Constraints on Academic Freedom
Prof. Eve Haque, York University April 10, 2025, 7:00 pm | Winnipeg Art Gallery
Tickets are free, but limited
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Event
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Are you a UM employee considering retirement and interested in exploring the non-financial impacts of this significant life transition? Join the Retirement Readiness Peer Network to connect with others at UM and discuss issues related to the retirement transition process. The event will begin with a brief introduction from the University of Manitoba Retires Association (UMRA), followed by time for networking and conversation facilitated by the Family Resource Coordinator, Rady Family Centre Coordinator, and HR Employee Wellness Specialist. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
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