Posts Tagged ‘insideAESES’
Welcome, Daniel Matthes!
Monday, April 7th, 2025
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 Daniel!
Can You Tell Me: How can workload issues be addressed?
Monday, April 7th, 2025
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.
President’s Message – April 2025
Monday, April 7th, 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
Spring Education Seminars – Registration Now Open!
Friday, March 14th, 2025
We have a large selection of seminars taking place in April, May and June which include:
Brew Kombucha at Home (Virtual)Easter Egg Decorating (Pysanka)Learn Ballroom DancingFULLPaint NightFULLWooden Spoon CarvingFULL- Cooking with Nancy – Palak Paneer
- Labour Relations – Exploring Union-Employer Negotiations (Virtual)
- Labour Relations – Fundamentals of Discipline (Virtual)
Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk 2025
Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
Thank you for your donations! We raised $1590!
Join us as we honour the legacy of our beloved former president, Chris McCann, by continuing the tradition he started: participating in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk on Saturday, February 22, 2025. This marks our third year supporting this cause, and Chris McCann’s Crew: Team AESES is walking in his memory to raise funds for St. Boniface Street Links. Help us celebrate Chris’s dedication to helping others by contributing to this meaningful cause.
Team donations can be made here until March 31, 2025.
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
President’s Message – February 2025
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
February is upon us, and with it, the hope of an early spring since Manitoba Merv did not happen to see their shadow – if you believe in that sort of thing. While the winter solstice is behind us and the days are getting longer, there are still cold days ahead.
And nights.
Indeed, the coldest night of the year will be here on February 22! I know, I know – I am no meteorologist, and even good ones cannot forecast this far in advance. I am referring, of course, to the Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk, and Chris McCann’s Crew: Team AESES. The team will walk in support of the St. Boniface Street Links program. Chris was an ardent supporter of this event and had been pivotal in AESES’ involvement since 2023. We felt naming the team after him would be a fitting tribute. Our very own Colleen Thompson is Team Captain, please get in touch with her if you would like more information. If you are ready to join the walk, please visit the signup page. If you would rather donate from the comfort of your home, please visit this link. We truly appreciate your support for this worthy cause.
If walking in the cold is not your cup of tea, we have a variety of other activities coming up in the next few months that may interest you, including our popular bowling night and annual Members’ Day Lunches. Keep watching for more details on these and other entertaining and educational activities.
AESES hosted a surprise retirement party for outgoing Executive Director Lisa McKendry on December 16, and it was well attended by colleagues, friends, family and even professional adversaries from past and present. The diversity of the attendees stands as a testament to how beloved and respected Lisa was at AESES, the universities, and the entire labour community. Lisa will be missed around the business office.
Colleen Thompson is settling nicely into her new role as Executive Director, which means the business office is still down one staff member. We have posted for a new Member Services Officer, and interest has been encouraging, with many applications coming in. The posting closed on February 2, so I hope to have an update in the next edition.
AESES has also been working hard advocating for you and protecting your rights under our collective agreements. Our excellent Labour Relations Team remains busy and vigilant ensuring that your rights and entitlements are protected. Please don’t hesitate to contact them at labourteam@aeses.ca if you feel like you are being unfairly treated or your rights under our collective agreement are being compromised. Any discussions with the AESES Business Office are confidential and handled discreetly.
The University of Winnipeg members of AESES will begin bargaining with the employer imminently, and while recent federal policy changes regarding International Student Enrollment have caused great concern for the fiscal outlook of the institution, our members deserve to be paid what they are worth. We are expecting a robust series of negotiations.
You will notice that these missives will be coming a wee bit more frequently but will also be markedly less lengthy. This is in hopes of doing our very best to keep you informed in a timely fashion. We hope you like the change!
In Solidarity,
Rob
Can You Tell Me: How Seniority Plays a Role in Vacancy Selections
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Seniority and Vacancy Selections
Seniority may play a significant role in vacancy selections, as outlined in the collective agreements of both the University of Manitoba (UM) and the University of Winnipeg (UW). Specifically, Article 6.3 of these agreements mandates that employees with greater seniority be given preference in filling vacancies, provided their qualifications are “relatively equal” to those of less senior candidates.
The term “relatively equal” refers to the need for qualifications to be sufficiently comparable, rather than identical. For instance, if a position requires an undergraduate degree and two years of experience, a senior employee with a comparable combination of education and experience should be given preference. The core consideration is that the qualifications must be demonstrably relevant to the role in question.
In situations where a junior employee holds higher qualifications, but these qualifications are not directly applicable to the position, the senior employee’s qualifications—more aligned with the role’s requirements—should take precedence. However, seniority preference does not imply that a senior employee will be automatically overlooked if a junior employee holds qualifications that are more directly suited to the position due to prior experience in a similar role. Ultimately, the priority remains on the relevance of an applicant’s qualifications to the specific requirements of the position.
The collective agreements mandate transparency in the selection process. If a junior applicant is selected over a more senior candidate, the employer might expect a request to provide a rationale for the decision, as outlined in Article 6.3.1 at the UM and Article 6.6 at the UW. Senior applicants have the right to discuss these reasons with the relevant administrator, and the union may request access to this information through Human Resources.
Should a grievance arise regarding the selection, the appointment is deemed temporary until the grievance is resolved. If the grievance results in a reversal of the decision, the employee initially appointed will return to their prior position or a comparable vacancy, as per Article 6.3.4 at UM or Article 6.6.1 at UW.
If concerns arise regarding the application of seniority or qualifications, AESES can provide support and clarification. A good first step would be to start by asking the hiring manager for the rationale and, if insufficient, follow up with the AESES Labour Team at LabourTeam@aeses.ca. Phone calls can also be directed to the Business Office at 204-949-5200.
Call for Volunteers – Diversity Committee and the Board
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Help shape the future of AESES by filling an open position in these important roles!
- Diversity Committee
- Education Committee
- University of Manitoba, Districts 4, 5, 30, and 34.
- The University of Winnipeg, Districts 52 and 56.
- St. Andrew’s College, District 61
New members would be appointed for a two-year term ending on April 30, 2026.
Contact the AESES Business Office at 204-949-5200 or aeses@aeses.ca to learn more.