Posts Tagged ‘insideAESES’
AESES Volunteers’ Appreciation Banquet 2025
Friday, August 1st, 2025
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. Rob Parker, AESES President, presented the following pins and awards after supper:
Bronze Pin – 5 Years of Service
- Michaela Ablaza*
- Joey Pothe
Silver Pin – 10 Years of Service
- Debbie Armstrong
- Tessa Pearen*
- Melinda Sasek
- Colleen Thompson
Gold Pin – 15 Years of Service
- Lynne Wichenko
* pictured
Dedicated Service Award
The Dedicated Service Award was posthumously awarded to Anne Ferenc and presented to Anne’s close friend, Louise Sabourin. Anne’s consistent and unwavering dedication to AESES was recognized with this award. Anne’s contributions to AESES started over 15 years ago with the Board and various committees over the years, ending with the Activities Committee that oversaw the Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza, among other events.
Honourary Life Member Award
An Honourary Life Membership is the ultimate recognition by AESES and, therefore, should be considered as being somewhat restrictive. Honourary Life Membership will be granted only to those who have contributed outstanding or meritorious service to the Association over a substantial period of time. This year, Gloria Saindon was recognized with an Honourary Life Membership award at the banquet. Unfortunately, Gloria was unable to attend.
Past-President Memorial
The final presentation of the evening was by Laurie Morris in memory of Chris McCann. Laurie retold stories of Chris’ achievements for AESES and how proud she was to have known him. Laurie then presented Chris’ wife, Karey, a bronzed bison statue in honour of his commitment and past presidency to AESES. The plaque on the statue read, “Chris McCann Thank you for your tenacious commitment to AESES and its membership since 2000, culminating as president in 2024. AESES celebrates your positive and lasting legacy.” Sarah McCann then took the stage for an emotional thank you on behalf of the McCann family.
After the presentations and speeches, the night ended with fun-filled casino games.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers who provide their time and expertise to help the organization and the members. Volunteers are the lifeblood of AESES and essential to continued success and support for members.
If you are reading this and would like to volunteer, visit these respective pages: Board of Representatives or Committees, or email aeses@aeses.ca.
Can You Tell Me: Can The Employer Change My Work Schedule?
Friday, August 1st, 2025
While many members enjoy a steady routine in their hours of work, the employer does have the right to alter work schedules as operational needs may require. The employer can make these changes without the approval of the employee; the respective Collective Agreements, however, provide guidelines that ensure employees receive sufficient notice for any such changes.
The guidelines are essentially the same for both Universities, found in Article 12.5 in the UM Collective Agreement and in Article 12.4 for UW. Management is required to give three working days’ notice for a schedule change affecting 1 to 4 days. For emergency changes (UW), or circumstances beyond the employer’s control (UM), they must inform the employee before quitting time on the day before the change takes effect. When the schedule would be changed for greater than 4 days, management is required to give one calendar week’s notice. And finally, if these guidelines for notice are not fulfilled, the employee is entitled to compensation at overtime rates for the first day of the altered schedule.
The employer can alter the work schedule in ways such as the start and end of the workday, say, changing a shift from 8:30-4:30 to 9:00-5:00. However, they do not have the right to extend an employee’s workday on a time-for-time basis, bypassing the Collective Agreement’s provisions for overtime. As an example, with 7 hours being the standard workday for most AESES members, the employer should not schedule a member to work 8 hours one day in exchange for working 6 the next as a way to avoid overtime compensation. Overtime, Callback, and Modified Work Weeks are separate from the type of schedule changes described here.
We encourage our members to reach out to the AESES Business Office with any questions or concerns at labourteam@aeses.ca or 204-949-5200.
President’s Message – August 2025
Friday, August 1st, 2025
Ah – the dog days of summer!
The thought often connotes lazy doggos, lounging and relaxing in the summer heat. At least that is what I see in my mind’s eye. Historically, however, the adage has had a completely different meaning. More specifically, it was associated with the rising of the star Sirius, which ancient folk believed coincided with extreme temperatures, eventually driving people and, yes, even dogs mad!
These days, however, we understand that it is merely just a wonderful time of year to take some time off, recharge, and enjoy the hopefully great weather we all so much deserve.
Things are no different at AESES, where our folks, both paid and volunteer, look forward to taking time to spend with family and friends. Still, there are always things happening to ensure that our members are well cared for and that our best interests are kept at the forefront.
Bargaining at The University of Winnipeg is underway, and at the University of Manitoba, the deadlines for the submission of proposals and nominations for the Negotiation Committee have now passed. We have had many proposals from our members, and the negotiation committee will soon begin the work of preparing these submissions for the bargaining table. The Bargaining Committee will then be struck from this body and will begin to bargain in earnest with the University.
Information on the process at the UM can be found here if you’re interested. Please keep an eye on this space as well as on our website and social media (Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn) for updates.
Both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game on July 18 and the Winnipeg Goldeyes afternoon on July 27 were well attended, and a wonderful time was had by all. A huge shout-out to all four of our local sports teams for the great deal they provided again for our members!
Finally, I would like to remind you that we have deals in place for member discounts with both Perkopolis and Union Savings on a variety of goods and services. Lots of ‘em! Please take advantage! You can learn more here.
Enjoy these wonderful dog days of summer! Remember – AESES is here – whenever you need us!
In Solidarity,
Rob
Can You Tell Me: How Does Sick Leave Apply to Mental Health?
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Sick leave as defined in our respective Collective Agreements, does not distinguish between mental and physical health conditions. For the UM, in Article 17.1, Sick Leave is defined as “the period of time an employee is permitted to be absent from work with pay by virtue of being sick or disabled, or because of an accident.” The language for the UW in Article 15.1 is identical but uses the word “injury” instead of “accident.” Sickness and disability are not limited to physical conditions, but also encompass mental health issues.
Depression, anxiety, addiction, and other psychiatric disorders, whether acute or chronic, can be just as debilitating. An employee suffering from such a condition might require the use of sick leave. They might also require time off to attend a medical appointment related to their mental health. Full-time employees are entitled to use sick leave for dental and medical appointments (UM 17.1.3, UW 15.1.2).
A medical certificate or “sick note” is not typically required for short absences, whether they are related to mental health or physical conditions. The employer does, however, have the right to request one (UM 17.4, UW 15.6), especially in cases of extended, frequent, or unusual absences. The note would include the dates the employee was/is unable to attend work, a general description of their condition (but not the diagnosis), and the expected timeframe of their return to work.
Confidentiality may be a key concern, especially given the stigma that mental illness may carry. Both Collective Agreements include rights to privacy and the protection of Personal Health Information (UM 17.2, UW 15.6). An employee is not required to disclose the nature of their illness to their supervisor or coworkers; any required medical documentation may be submitted confidentially to a designated representative in Human Resources.
Both Universities offer Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs), which provide access to free and confidential mental health and wellness services. The University of Winnipeg’s services are delivered through Blue Cross, and the University of Manitoba’s services are provided by Kii. These programs reflect each University’s commitment to supporting the health and wellness of their employees. Support is available through counselling, offered in person, by phone, or online, as well as through educational resources, crisis support, and referrals to specialized care when needed.
AESES encourages our members to reach out to the Labour Team for assistance in understanding their rights related to Sick Leave and mental health. We can be reached at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
Members’ Day Lunch 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Thank you to the hundreds of members who attended our Members’ Day Lunches at the UM Bannatyne, UM Fort Garry, and UW campuses. This year, over 730 members registered to join us. This was our largest turnout ever! It was amazing to see everyone and enjoy lunch! Over $300 in monetary contributions were collected, and over 95 pounds of non-perishable food was delivered to the campus food banks. Thank you for your generosity!
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus – May 7
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus – May 21
The University of Winnipeg – May 28
25 Years of Service
During lunch, President Rob Parker acknowledged members who have 25 years of service and presented them with a token of appreciation.
25 Years of Service – 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
During our 2025 Members’ Day Lunches, President Rob Parker acknowledged members who have 25 years of service and presented them with a token of appreciation. Congratulations to the following members:
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- Kathryn Chmelnytzki
- Jose Coreas
- Jean Lyon
- Terri Martin
- Ginger Shurek
- Ruth-Ann Soodeen
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- Jeff Durston
- Pauline Lawson
- Louise Roy
- Fred Wong
The University of Winnipeg
- Karen Barkhouse
- Mark Bezanson
- Christy Campbell
- Stefanie Dram
- Colin Fijal
- Marnie Loewen
- Mark Rogowski
- Brad Russell
- Carmine Vizza
Safety and Health Corner – June 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
AESES Safety & Health Committee Update
The Committee held its Winter term meeting on April 2, 2025. The main topics of discussion were incident reporting, prevention auditing, and training provisions. These discussions focused on understanding the current practices and procedures to see where work may be required by AESES and this Committee to help facilitate improvements in these areas. No items were identified as requiring action at this time. As requested at the previous meeting, the AESES office is continuing to explore ways to best facilitate communication and info/document sharing between meetings for the Safety & Health Committee members. The next meeting will be held in Fall 2025.
Any workplace safety and health items you would like to bring to the committee’s attention can be emailed to labourteam@aeses.ca.
AESES appointed UM LASH Representative Vacancies:
- Admin UC LASH Committee
- Education, St, Paul’s, St. John’s, NCTR or CATL LASH Committee
If you are an AESES-UM member working in one of these LASH districts and are interested in sitting on the AESES Safety & Health Committee and being the AESES-appointed representative on this LASH committee for a 2-year term, please contact labourteam@aeses.ca.
- For more info on UM Local Area Safety and Health (LASH) committees, visit the UM Intranet website.
- For more information on the UW Workplace Safety & Health Committee, visit the UW Human Resources website.
President’s Message – June 2025
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Ah, June! The time when many of us look forward to the warmth of summer, to planning vacation time, and reconnecting with our friends and family. A time for warmth, community, and continued solidarity. And as always, no matter the season, AESES continues to fight for equity, member rights, and respect in the workplace. But that’s not all…
We do have some exciting activities coming up over the summer months. A chance for us all to connect, boost morale, and remind ourselves that life definitely does not center around the work day! Over the coming months, we will be providing deals for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Sea Bears, Winnipeg Goldeyes, and Valour FC. Tickets for these events are specifically discounted for AESES members. I’m reminded that teamwork in sports is not unlike the teamwork we need in the labour movement. All of us are working together towards a common goal. Watch your email and our website for more details.
June is also Pride Month, and our union stands proudly with 2SLGBTQIA+ members. Inclusion is not optional—it’s foundational to the labour movement. We support safe, respectful workplaces where all members can thrive without fear of discrimination.
Finally, as I stated in our last update, bargaining is about to get underway at The University of Winnipeg. We held our first AESES-UW Members Meeting on May 29 and presented the members in attendance with proposals that will begin the bargaining process with the employer.
We’ll also be calling for proposals and creating the University of Manitoba’s Negotiation Committee imminently. We stand firm in our commitment to securing strong collective agreements that protect wages, improve working conditions, and defend the rights we’ve fought so hard to win.
Our union is only as strong as its members are engaged. Make sure to watch for email updates and to follow us on social media (Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn)!
In Solidarity,
Rob
AESES Appointments
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
New appointments for August 2025
Tessa Pearen (UW) was appointed as Vice-President (UW) on the Executive Council. The following members have been appointed to the Board of Representatives: Alex McGregor (UM) to District 1, Jeff Lefebvre (UW) to District 54, and Ingrid Krenn (UW) to District 57. Welcome everyone!
New appointments for June 2025
Will Christie was appointed as UM Contract Administrator on the Executive Council. The following members have been appointed to the Board of Representatives: Tobe Duggan (UW) to District 55, Kevin Ferreira (UM) changed from District 30 to 5, and Harley Stasiuk (UM) to District 4. Jillian Golby Borsa (UW) was appointed Chair, and Natasha Taiarol (UW) a member, of the UW Workplace Safety & Health Committee.
New appointments for April 2025
The University of Winnipeg Bargaining Team:
- Daniel Bailey (Chair)
- Eric Benson
- Chen Chen
- Pamela Delorme (Secretary)
- Lorne Hilton (AESES)
- Jeff Lefebvre (Alternate)
- Marika Prokosh
- Leanne Shumka (AESES)
- Jessica Smilar
- Colleen Thompson (AESES)
New appointments for February 2025
Andrea Castro (UM) was appointed to the Safety & Health Committee.
New appointments for December 2024
The following members have been appointed to the Board of Representatives: Zach Henderson (UM) District 4, Sarah Slagerman (UM) District 32, and Natasha Taiarol (UW) District 51.
New appointments for August 2024
The following members have been appointed to the Board of Representatives: Jade Tanner (UM) District 3, Kamal Dhir (UM) District 4, and Dave Nicholls (UM) District 8. New committee additions: Charlene Hawryluk (UM) and Shivani Bhukhureea (UW) to the Finance Committee and William Toms, William Fischer, Samuel Ariyibi, Kristine Ballantine, Carla Kirkpatrick, Finley Makila, Christina Phillips to their respective LASH Committees (UM) and to the Safety and Health Committee (UM).
