JUNE 2026
AESES Newsletter | insideAESES | June 2026 | Vol. 49 Issue No. 03
Dear Member,
Here's the newest issue of insideAESES!
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President’s Message – June 2026
Hello AESES!
On May 12 it was with both humility and pride that I was elected to be your new President. The previous term was unlike anything the union has experienced before, following the sudden death of past-President Chris McCann. I personally want to thank both past-President Karen Simpson and past-President Rob Parker for holding this office following that tragic loss, and to everyone for keeping the union running and serving our members through those challenging times.
This term, it's exciting to see that our Board has a great blend of old and new representatives eager to serve their districts. On our Executive we also have veterans alongside fresh faces, and with our exemplary AESES Business Office Officers and Staff, I know that the union has a recipe for success for this upcoming term.
It has been a very busy time since the last President's Message in April. The AESES Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 14. While everyone can appreciate brief meetings, we heard your feedback that it was, perhaps, too brief, and we will look at addressing that for next year.
Also in April, we held the AESES Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Friday, April 24. An enjoyable meal was served at the Norwood Hotel, and a dedicated group of volunteers enjoyed the dance floor with the live band well into the night.
Signed members attended AESES Members' Day Lunches in May at The University of Winnipeg (UW), and the University of Manitoba (UM) Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses. This year saw the greatest number of registrants, and I know that several members complimented the lunch at the Fort Garry campus.
Also in May, the AESES Education Committee held six Spring Education Seminars, with topics in Birding, Bike Maintenance, Enneagram, Hatchet Throwing, Samosa and Chai Cooking, and a Labour Relations presentation on Investigation Meetings. These seminars are always fun and practical, with the next set happening in the fall.
On the bargaining front, UW has chosen their new contract administrator, and I'd like to welcome Dan Bailey to the role and thank him for representing the UW membership.
Finally, the UM Negotiating Committee selected the UM Bargaining Team, who held their UM Member meeting on Monday, April 13. During this meeting, we outlined that we were again going to use the Interest Based Negotiating style with the employer. This method involves both sides discussing their proposals, their interests, and workable solutions collaboratively. We also presented the final list of proposals from the membership and the AESES Officers, which resulted in a good discussion with attendees. As of the time of writing, the UM Bargaining Team has met with the employer's representatives nine times, and all non-Monetary items have been discussed. Additional meetings are scheduled into June and you can check updates here: aeses.ca/aeses-um-bargaining-2026.
Finally, as we head into summer, I hope that everyone takes the time to rest, recharge, and reinvigorate themselves with their loved ones and family!
In Solidarity, 
Will Christie
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Can You Tell Me: What is a Performance Review?
A Performance Review can sometimes be a stressful or uncomfortable experience for AESES members. Members should understand that Performance Reviews are outlined in our Collective Agreements, including the purpose for having them as well as ways that Employees can engage with the process.
The process for a Performance Review is similar at both Universities. At the University of Manitoba, Annual Performance Reviews are encouraged for all regular (continuing or sessional) full-time and part-time Employees in Article 30. At the University of Winnipeg, under Article 24.7.3, a Performance Review should be completed within 20 working days preceding the Employee’s Anniversary Increment Date, which is normally on an annual basis for Employees working full-time hours (but may be less frequent for Employees working less than full-time hours). Both Collective Agreements also refer to a Performance Review form, provided by the Employer, typically filled out by the Employee’s direct supervisor and reviewed together during a Performance Review meeting.
The purpose of a formal review as outlined in each Collective Agreement is to provide a fair evaluation of the Employee’s performance in their job, assisting them with developing and improving their skills. The review process is intended to be constructive, not punitive, and whenever performance is evaluated as unsatisfactory, the Employer should identify the areas for improvement and suggest a path to remedy the issues. The review is also not intended as a one-way assessment. Where an Employee wants to provide their own feedback, additional information for context, or disagrees with the review, both Collective Agreements (UW 24.7.3, UM 30.3) allow them to include their own comments. These comments can be either added to the review form itself or in a separate document to be attached to the form and included with it in the Employee’s file.
While the Performance Review meeting can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is a workplace conversation meant to provide feedback and set expectations. As such, members are not entitled to Union representation at the meeting. Both Collective Agreements also mention that the completed Performance Review form should be provided to the Employee after the meeting to read and sign. Refusing to sign the review may be interpreted by the Employer as insubordination and subject to discipline. Signing the Performance Review form only indicates that the Employee has had a chance to read the form, and is not an acknowledgement that they agree with the comments or the review.
AESES encourages members who have any questions about the Performance Review process to contact our Business Office at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
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June 2026 Here are updates on active Association cases with each employer as of June 1, 2026.
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A new Executive Council was elected for 2026-2028 and a new Board of Representatives term started May 1. Read more below. Lauren Ivonchuk (UM) was appointed to the Education Committee and Andrea Castro (UM) to the Activities Committee. Welcome everyone!
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Visit our New Faces page to view the latest AESES hires for June 2026 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, and seasonal employees.
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AESES Announces New Executive Council for 2026-2028
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)
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AESES Board of Representatives for 2026-2028
The AESES Board of Representatives are nominated and elected by their fellow members within each district. There are twenty-four (24) districts that represent the University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, and St. Andrew’s College. They are responsible for the Annual and Monthly operations of the organization, including the approval of the annual budget that goes forward to the membership.
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events
2026 Members' Day Lunch and 25 Years of Service
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!
Members who have 25 years of service were recognized at the lunch. Congratulations!
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insideAESES
AESES Volunteers' Appreciation Banquet 2026
Annually, AESES acknowledges, thanks, and celebrates its Board of Representatives and longstanding volunteers. This year’s event took place at the Norwood Hotel at the end of April. Karen Simpson, AESES President, presented the pins and awards after supper.
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insideAESES
Discounts for Winnipeg Goldeyes, Winnipeg Sea Bears, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers games!
On May 25 we sent out discount links for The Winnipeg Goldeyes, Winnipeg Sea Bears, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers games. If you missed the email, tickets still might be available. Please act quickly as ticket quantities are limited!
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Member Spotlight
AESES Honourary member publishes second novel
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AESES Honourary member Anna Stein (Retired - UM), published her second novel, The Brass Lamp in November 2025. It's a riveting tale involving two time periods: Queen Victoria / First World War and the 1950's to the 1970's. Her first novel, The Black of the Room was well received, and Anna says she is currently working on a third novel.
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