Posts Tagged ‘ccu’
AESES Delegate Experience at the Biennial Convention of Confederation of Canadian Unions
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Tessa Petrychko (UM) and Sarah Steidl (UW) were randomly selected from all submissions to attend the Biennial Convention of Confederation of Canadian Unions in Ottawa as AESES Delegates. Read about their personal experiences attending the convention.
Building Solidarity at the 2025 CCU Convention
Tessa Petrychko
Attending the 2025 CCU Convention in Ottawa as a first-time attendee and delegate of AESES was an inspiring reminder of what unionism in action truly looks like. Joining unions from across Canada to discuss the current state of labour in our country was both energizing and motivating. Hosted in historic downtown Ottawa, the convention was filled with passionate discussions, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to standing up for the rights of workers—a spirit that could be felt in every room.
The keynote speakers brought in by the CCU made a lasting impression on me. Lawyer Daniel Legris (JD) spoke about what independent unions can do in support of reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of bridging the political gap by sharing expertise and lived experiences. His message was a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not just a government responsibility, it’s also a shared duty for all of us within the labour movement.
Professor Brian McDougall provided an engaging look at the history of the labour movement in Canada. He shared historical documents and accounts of major labour protests and strikes in Ottawa, highlighting their significance and reminding us of where we came from—and what we continue to work toward.
Photographer and broadcaster Tod Maffin offered a moving reflection on what it means to be Canadian, saying, “It’s about stepping in where we’re needed, helping when we can, and then quietly moving on to the next people that need our help.” His words are a reminder of what the spirit of unionism itself—showing up for one another, standing together in solidarity, and continuing the work quietly but persistently to improve conditions for all workers.
Beyond the speakers, one of the most valuable parts of the convention was the collaborative work among delegates. We reviewed and debated proposed resolutions—an exercise that allowed sisters, brothers, and friends from across the country to share perspectives and engage in healthy, respectful debate. Reports from trustees and committees provided valuable updates on the ongoing work within their unions, offering insight into the collective progress being made across the CCU.
Throughout the convention, it was clear that the CCU’s work is vital in supporting unions like AESES. The CCU advocates for the advancement of workers’ rights, promotes unity among small and medium independent unions, and strives for fair and progressive legislation. This collective approach strengthens us all, allowing our unions to come together as part of a truly democratic and national labour movement.
The convention reminded me that our collective voice is strongest when every member is engaged. I’m proud to bring that spirit of solidarity back to AESES as we continue advocating for fairness, dignity, and respect in our workplaces.
I would like to sincerely thank AESES, our Executive Board, our President, and the CCU for allowing me the opportunity to take part in this inspiring and meaningful experience as a delegate.
In solidarity,
Tessa Petrychko
CCU Convention AESES Newsletter Write-Up
Sarah Steidl
I had the pleasure of attending the Canadian Confederation of Unions’ 32nd Biennial Convention in Ottawa from October 18- 20. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to AESES for making this exciting and valuable opportunity possible. As an AESES delegate, I was able to participate in the convention and learn more about the CCU’s structure, mandate, and operations. I also appreciated the opportunity to get to know my fellow AESES delegates, including members of the AESES leadership team and Board of Directors.
The gathering began with a one-day labour school that featured talks from three engaging keynote speakers: Daniel Legris, Brian McDougall, and Tod Maffin. These speakers focused on a range of topics, including opportunities for union collaboration and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, the history of the labour struggle, both in Ottawa and nationally, and the importance of upholding our Canadian identity in the face of an increasingly polarized and nationalistic world.
The gathering continued with the opening of the two-day CCU 32nd Biennial Convention on October 19. The convention brought together delegates from CCU union affiliates, representing workers in a wide range of industries. It was eye-opening to see the different perspectives that delegates brought to the table that reflected their own experiences in the workplace, and within their unions and the broader labour movement.
The convention began with a talk by Greg Meekis, Coordinator of the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, who shared his story and highlighted what ‘truth and reconciliation’ means to him. The day also included presentations by Tim McSorley, National Coordinator for the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, who spoke on stopping the ‘Strong Borders’ Acts and defending privacy, civil liberties, and human rights in the face of Bills C-2 and C-12, and Emily Leedham, a journalist and photographer who spoke about her experience reporting on labour movements.
I really enjoyed being able to participate in the CCU’s process of voting on policy and constitution resolutions, which included a review of the proposed resolutions, respectful and engaged debate amongst delegates regarding proposed resolutions, and ultimately, a democratic vote on each proposed resolution. A cornerstone of democracy is that everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone’s vote is counted equally, and these principles were upheld throughout the resolutions process, as delegates were given the opportunity to speak to resolutions, raise concerns, and propose amendments.
Being able to participate in this process provided me with a valuable look into the CCU’s operations. During the two-day convention, we voted on a wide-ranging slate of proposed resolutions. I was also able to participate in the election of CCU National Executive Board Members, including the roles of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Nominations for these positions are accepted at every biennial convention, and appointees serve for two-year terms.
My biggest takeaways from attending the CCU labour school and 32nd Biennial Convention were an improved understanding of the CCU and a renewed enthusiasm and respect for unions and the important work being done by AESES’ executives, staff, and board members to advocate on behalf of union members. Membership in the CCU allows AESES to be part of a larger movement and connect with other unions, while still maintaining its own independence and control over governance and policies. Throughout the keynote speeches and group conversations, the importance of solidarity with our fellow union members in times of struggle was highlighted.
Thank you again to AESES for providing me with this opportunity!
Confederation of Canadian Unions Affiliate Report – June 2022
Saturday, July 22nd, 2000
AESES thanks the Confederation of Canadian Unions for inviting us to Laval, Quebec, the traditional unceded territory of the Huron-Wendat people. AESES members live and work on Treaty One Lands, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
AESES has experienced a significant change since the last meeting of the CCU. Laurie Morris has stepped down after eight years of serving as President. Laurie did great things in her four terms, not the least of which was reaching out to the CCU and bringing us in as an affiliate. Interestingly, this was not the first time AESES considered membership in the CCU. Joining the CCU was one option put to a vote by our members as part of a strategy to fend off a raid by CUPE in 1977. We would like to again acknowledge and thank Laurie for her service. While she is beginning the transition to a new lifestyle involving a lot more fun travel for her and Ron, we know she will stay involved with the union movement that she has been instrumental in advancing over the years. AESES has elected to new executive roles Chris McCann as President and Gloria Saindon as Executive Vice President (University of Manitoba – Fort Garry). Continuing in their roles are Melissa Blonjeaux, Vice-President (University of Manitoba – Bannatyne); Meaghan Michaluk, Vice-President (The University of Winnipeg); Will Christie, Treasurer; and Joan Duesterdiek, Contract Administrator (UW). New to our Executive Board are previous CCU delegates, Karen Simpson as Secretary and Rob Parker taking over as Contract Administrator (UM).
AESES is pleased to report that we have been able to agree on a new contract with the University of Manitoba after more than three years. The contract covers seven years and includes general salary increases of 6.5% over the life of the contract. It also consists of expansion to the last four steps of each job classification, with over a third of our members seeing immediate increases of up to 9.5%. All members can receive these increases as they gain seniority. We also negotiated accelerations in vacation accrual for junior members and new language to allow the union to attend investigative meetings to defend members before discipline is applied. Several of these benefits would not have been allowed under the Conservative Government’s Public Services Sustainability Act. Although we were able to make achievements beyond the limitations imposed by the unproclaimed act with time and persistence, we are still seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. It is important that the courts have the chance to rule that governments cannot abridge our Charter Rights to free and fair collective bargaining to prevent future governments’ misuse of the law.
This agreement was accepted by 78% of our membership. Some members against this contract expressed frustration at the offer and were very vocal, correctly feeling disrespected by our Provincial Conservatives and their interference. AESES has targeted several more disruptive members for recruitment to positions within our union. The sh*t disturbers make great unionists.
Negotiations with The University of Winnipeg are still ongoing, but we have made progress with offers and counteroffers being exchanged. We are using the U of M contract as leverage. However, the funding models and realities of the two Universities are very different. We are optimistic we will be able to take an offer to our membership soon.
As reported at the last CCU Executive Board meeting, AESES grieved the cessation of rapid testing at the University of Manitoba for employees unable or unwilling to take a COVID vaccine. We have successfully settled that grievance with the employer with those few members able to return to work and made whole, or nearly so, for time missed from work.
AESES continues to work with both Universities with an anticipated return to full in-person instruction this September. There will be many challenges with managing the return safely and the many members who have become comfortable with the work-life balance afforded by working from home. As we move forward with this next phase of the pandemic, it will be necessary for affiliates of the CCU to share knowledge and experience to organize safe and beneficial outcomes for all our members.
June is Pride Month, and AESES members participated with their universities by walking in the Winnipeg Pride Parade on Sunday, June 6th, where they proudly carried the CCU Pride Flag. Ceremonies were held to raise the Progress Flag at both The Universities of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. The University of Manitoba has committed to the Pride Flag being permanently flown over the campus. The Progress flag incorporates new chevrons symbolizing intersex, trans and marginalized people of colour. The arrow pointing to the right shows forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made. As symbolized with this flag, much of the “progress” is due to the allyship between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Two-Spirit (LBTQ2S+) communities and unions. The CCU called for Canada’s Federal and Provincial governments to include sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination in their Human Rights Acts in a 1987 resolution and has repeatedly advocated against discrimination against sexual orientation. The only protection the LGBTQ2+ community had in the workplace was their union card in many places. With trans people currently being attacked in neighbouring jurisdictions, progress has to continue in all areas. We should also, as unions, look to the successes of the LGBTQ2S+ communities and learn the lessons from their achievements.
AESES expresses our support for the CCU elevating the issue of mental health care at this June Executive Board meeting. Recently, the University of Manitoba’s results from participating in the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey have shown an increase in students self-reporting feelings of moderate or severe mental distress, an increase in contemplation or making a plan to seriously attempt suicide and a decrease in knowledge of how to access mental health resources. These findings align with the overall Canadian averages. The CCU and affiliates must strongly advocate for a universal, accessible, and affordable mental health care system for all Canadians.
AESES is excited to announce that 2023 will mark the 50th Anniversary of our initial certification as a bargaining unit. We have started preparing activities to recognize this milestone. If the CCU plans to hold a board meeting in Winnipeg next year, we will look to arrange our planned ‘Manitoba Social’ to coincide with that meeting.
I wish everyone a great and rejuvenating summer. The pandemic challenges are still very present in our lives, and we all deserve a chance to disconnect from work and enjoy time with our families and friends.
In Solidarity,
