Posts Tagged ‘insideAESES’
Can You Tell Me: How Does Step Placement Work When Changing Positions?
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
A common question members ask is how their salary step is determined when they change positions. The Collective Agreement language related to salary administration is similar for both Universities, and can be found in UW Article 24 and UM Article 26, respectively. When an employee changes position, their step placement is determined based on whether the new classification is lower, the same or similar, or higher than their previous job.
If an employee moves to a lower classification, their new step is based on the experience and qualifications they bring to the position. Their salary cannot be higher than what they were earning before and must remain within the salary range for the lower classification. This can be found in UW 24.2.1 and UM 26.2 (a).
When moving to the same or similar classification, employees will normally keep their current salary and step. The exception is when their previous experience and qualifications are not directly relevant and they require significant retraining for the new role. In those cases, Human Resources determines the appropriate step. This can be found in UW 24.2.2 and UM 26.2 (b).
Another exception is that, when changing classification families that use different salary grids, the step number itself may change. In those situations, the employee is placed at the first step that pays more than their previous salary, provided their experience and qualifications are relevant and the salary remains within the range for the new classification.
When an employee moves to a higher classification, their salary will normally increase by at least the value of two steps in their current salary scale. This can be found in UW 24.2.3 and UM 26.2 (c). For example, an employee at UW classified as an Administrative 1, Step 5 earns $31.35 per hour. Two steps higher in that salary scale is Step 7 ($34.02 per hour). Because the employee must receive at least that amount in the higher classification, they would be placed at no lower than the step that pays $34.02 per hour. Under the current salary schedule, that would be Administrative 2, Step 5.
The employee’s salary must fall within the range of the new position. In addition, the employee should not receive a salary that is less favourable than what a newly hired employee with the same qualifications would receive, which may involve a step placement above Step 1 based on experience and training directly applicable to the new role.
Members who have questions about their step placement in a new position are encouraged to contact the AESES Business Office at 204-979-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
President’s Message – August 2026
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
Hello AESES!
While summer is when many workers enjoy a well-earned break, everyone knows that work never rests, and June and July were no exception for the union.
In June, Winnipeg was host to the National Executive Board meeting for the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU). The event was held at the Fort Garry Hotel, and several AESES members volunteered their weekend to attend Labour School on Saturday and participate in CCU meetings on Sunday. The Labour School offered an in-depth look at key labour issues, with notable presentations from Adam King and Niigaan Sinclair, both University of Manitoba professors. The sessions focused on the many benefits and societal changes unions have delivered to workers and society over time. While these contributions are well documented, they are increasingly being challenged by divisive rhetoric. This narrative is being amplified by increasingly polarized political voices, often backed by interests that benefit from lower wages and a less skilled workforce. We need to work to counter that message and ensure that the hard-fought benefits from the previous century are not forgotten. Union workers may take for granted benefits such as health coverage, a regular work week, paid vacation, the right to disconnect, workplace safety laws, and maternity and family leave, to name just a few. We should never forget that these were hard-won gains achieved through the efforts of previous generations, and we must continue to protect and strengthen them.
AESES hosted a meeting at our Business Office with the Manitoba Minister of Finance, the Honourable Adrian Sala. The meeting with the Minister was initiated by the provincial government to discuss public sector bargaining in Manitoba. Minister Sala talked of their intent to catch up and keep up with increases for the public sector, while we noted that over several contracts our increases have not kept pace with inflation. I intend to keep this line of communication open and will follow up with Minister Sala’s office once the University of Manitoba’s bargaining is complete.
For our members at The University of Winnipeg, the official AESES-UW Collective Agreement – 2025-2028 has been posted to the AESES website.
At the UM, bargaining has been an intense process. All non-monetary issues have been discussed, with several now resolved or closed. Additional meetings have been booked for this month and into the fall, when we intend to discuss the monetary priorities identified by our members. Updates can be found on the AESES website here: aeses.ca/aeses-um-bargaining-2026
Relatedly, I’d like to welcome Robert Dvorski to the UM Contract Administrator role and to thank him for representing the UM membership.
The new Executive Council held a retreat in July to discuss the operation of AESES for the 2026 – 2028 term. A key theme was strengthening Board engagement and encouraging greater feedback from the rest of our members. AESES continues to have unrepresented districts, so if you know someone who would be interested in representing a district, please let us know! We encourage members to connect with their district representatives and share the issues that matter most to them. The strength of any union comes from an active membership and the voice that they share.
In lighter news, members took advantage of AESES discounts at several local sporting events over the past two months, including the Winnipeg Goldeyes hosting the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks on June 28 and the Winnipeg Sea Bears hosting the Calgary Surge on July 12. At the time of writing, AESES still has tickets available for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as they host the Ottawa Redblacks on August 14. More information can be found at the end of the newsletter. Go Blue!
In closing, as summer goes by, I hope everyone is able to enjoy the weather and some vacation time!
In Solidarity,
Will Christie
President’s Message – June 2026
Tuesday, June 2nd, 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
AESES Volunteers’ Appreciation Banquet 2026
Monday, June 1st, 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 following pins and awards after supper:
Bronze Pin – 5 Years of Service
- Katy Hunt
- Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot
Silver Pin – 10 Years of Service
- Judy Archibald
- Lara Coombs-Sokalski
- Robert Dvorski
- Jillian Golby Borsa
- Daniel Gwozdz
- Leanne Shumka
- David Waller
Dedicated Service Award
The Dedicated Service Award was awarded to Mary Kuzmeniuk. Mary’s consistent dedication to AESES was recognized with this award. Mary was unable to attend.
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, Joan Duesterdiek was recognized with an Honourary Life Member award at the banquet. Gloria Saindon was also in attendance to be presented with her Honourary Life Member award that she was awarded last year but could not attend in 2025.
After the presentations and speeches, the night ended with a live band and dancing.
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.
Spring Education Seminars
Monday, April 13th, 2026
AESES Spring 2026 Education Seminars
Learn Hatchet Throwing | Sat., May 2 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pmBirding for Beginners | Sat., May 9 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pmIntroduction to Enneagram | Thu., May 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 pmBasic Bicycle Maintenance | Tue., May 19 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm – FullCooking with Nancy – Samosa and Chai | Sat., May 30 | 12:30 – 3:30 pmLabour Relations – Inside Investigation Meetings: What Every Member Should Know (Virtual) | Mon., June 1 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
President’s Message – April 2026
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
As I prepare my second and final message for insideAESES, I’ve been thinking about the whirlwind of the last few months. When the AESES Board of Representatives voted me in this past January to complete the current term ending in May, I knew it would be a busy stretch. It has certainly lived up to that, bringing its share of concerns and challenges, but also plenty of laughter and camaraderie along the way.
I want to share that I will not be seeking re-election for the Presidency or any other positions on the AESES Executive Council this May. While my time in this new role was short, I will truly miss working so closely with our members, the Board, and the AESES Business Office staff.
Bargaining Updates Success is a team effort! In February, The University of Winnipeg support staff voted to approve their new contract. A huge thank you goes out to the UW Bargaining Team and the AESES Business Office staff for the tireless work to reach this agreement. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Meanwhile, the University of Manitoba Bargaining Team is moving forward with proposals vetted by the Negotiations Committee. While I am writing this in March, by the time this reaches you in April, a membership meeting will have been scheduled to approve the final list of proposals for the UM. Please attend the meeting if you can.
Committee Highlights and Upcoming Events A big thank you to the Activities Committee for hosting such a successful Cosmic Glow Bowling in March and it was wonderful to see our members connecting. Looking ahead, the Education Committee is hard at work finalizing the Spring Education Seminars, and the dates for our Members’ Day Lunches have been set. Lunch details will follow, but please plan to join us on campus:
- The University of Winnipeg: May 5
- University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus: May 11
- University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus: May 20
Annual General Meeting (AGM) I encourage you to attend our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 14. The AGM will be held virtually, and an email was sent out last week with notice about the availability of the AGM report and registration details. This is the best opportunity for our members to hear financial reports, review updates from our standing committees, and ask important questions about the direction of AESES.
Please keep an eye on your email or our website for more information about all these upcoming events. Thank you for your ongoing support.
In Solidarity,
Karen
Staying Connected in Retirement – UM Retirees
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
As you look forward to this exciting stage of your life, we hope that you will consider joining the University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA). We are a community of University retirees that, since our establishment in 2003, have focused on enriching the lives of retirees through advocacy and community.
It was UMRA who was instrumental in reviving the retirement planning sessions offered by the university in spring and fall, by working collaboratively with the University administration and several of the unions (including AESES) to answer a need that we saw in the University Community. And more recently, the support of AESES and UMFA has been instrumental in UMRA’s negotiations with the University administration for improved retiree benefits i.e., health and dental. These are just a couple of ways that we serve our community of retirees.
Why join UMRA? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- UMRA allows you to continue your association with the University where you may have spent most of your working life.
- UMRA provides the forum for renewing acquaintances with colleagues and peers, make new friends and enjoy social activities such as the semi-annual President’s reception and other organized events.
- UMRA defends the interests of retirees in the pension and benefits plans of the University and has a representative on the U of M Staff Benefits Committee.
- UMRA has benefits the University offers only to retirees who are members of UMRA and discounted insurance rates for travel, trip cancellation, car, house, and pets available through Johnson Insurance due to UMRA’s membership in CURAC (College and University Retirees Association of Canada).
- UMRA provides an informative Newsletter twice a year.
To learn more about UMRA, please visit our website: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association
Information specific to UMRA’s membership and application form is included in the package of retirement information you would normally receive from the U of M Staff Benefits Office. Or you may access the same information on the UMRA Membership web page at: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association/membership
You can also obtain the membership application form by contacting UMRA by email at retirees@umanitoba.ca , or by phone at 204-474-7175, or by writing to us:
UMRA, c/o Learning & Organizational Development, 309 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at retirees@umanitoba.ca
Please make joining UMRA one of your retirement plans and make the most of your retirement!
Janet Sealey
President, UMRA
Can You Tell Me: What Personal Medical Information is the Employer Entitled to Receive?
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Sick leave can be a stressful and confusing time, and members may be unsure what information they need to share with the employer. Understanding what personal medical information the employer can request is important for protecting medical privacy and helps navigate both short and long-duration sick leave confidently. The details of the right to medical privacy are outlined in our respective Collective Agreements through Article 15.6 at The University of Winnipeg and 17.2 at the University of Manitoba.
For brief sick leave absences, members may be required to provide some basic information. The employer can ask about the general nature of the illness, but typically not the specific medical diagnosis or detailed treatment information. Examples of this distinction might include reporting a “mental health issue” as opposed to “anxiety and depression,” or “respiratory illness” as opposed to “bronchitis.” They can also ask about the length of the absence and the expected date of return. This information can help the employer plan operations and staffing while still considering the member’s privacy.
Extended sick leave absences may require sharing more information. As with shorter leaves, the employer can request a prognosis for return and a general description of the condition. Additionally, they may ask further questions to explore potential support and accommodation. This often comes in the form of a medical questionnaire to be provided to the member’s medical practitioner. The Collective Agreement entitles the employer to some information for the administration of sick leave, coming from Article 17.4 (UM) and 15.6 (UW). Requests for information will depend on the individual circumstances and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The purpose of these types of questions is not to pry into private medical details, but rather to help the employer better understand the condition and any limitations it imposes. It is important for the member to cooperate with the process in these scenarios. Failure to furnish necessary medical information could result in undesirable consequences, as per Article 17.4 (UM) and 15.6.3 (UW). The additional information not only helps the employer to plan temporary adjustments in their operation, but also to provide necessary accommodations and ensure a safe, supported return.
Members should know that they do not have to navigate these questions on their own. Please contact the AESES Business Office if you are unsure whether a question from the employer related to medical information or sick leave is appropriate. We are able to clarify your rights to privacy and help balance that right what information the employer can request.
Cosmic Glow Bowling Recap – March 2026
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Thanks for everyone who attended on March 21 at Billy Mosienko Lanes. Almost 50 members and their friends and families enjoyed pizza, prizes and bowling!
Thanks to Blair Zelinsky for the photos of the event!
The winning teams:
Round 1
Tessa Pearen, Frank and Marie Leskovjan, Angela Carlson, Nick Yates, and Laura Butler
Round 2
Dave Nicholls, Montana and Kirsten Quiring, Mark, Aria and Jack Nuttall
Round 3
Viviana Burgos Camacho, Gustavo Abella, Brandy Currie, and Tracy McDonald
President’s Message – February 2026
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
As I sit down at the computer to compose my first Message from the President for insideAESES, I find myself reflecting on the significant changes that have come my way since I began my term as Executive Vice-President in May 2024. After serving two terms as Interim President, I am honoured to have been voted into the role of President for the remainder of this term, ending May 2026.
I would like to take a moment to thank Rob Parker for his 20 plus years of dedication to AESES. Having served as a Board member, Contract Administrator, member of various committees and most recently as President, Rob’s tireless work on behalf of our members will not be forgotten. His insight and commitment will be greatly missed.
January was a time of cold reflection, warm hot chocolate and time well spent with family and friends as we endure yet another Winnipeg winter anticipating warmer days ahead. While the weather is cold, the work within AESES remains as active as ever.
The Education Committee and Activities Committee are gearing up for another great year of fun and educational events that our members can attend. Watch your email and aeses.ca in the coming months for details.
Our Labour Relations Team remains extremely busy ensuring your workplace concerns are heard and your rights are protected from your employer. If you feel your rights under the collective agreement have been compromised, please reach out to labourteam@aeses.ca. As always, all dealings with the AESES Business Office are strictly confidential.
The University of Winnipeg has concluded bargaining sessions with the employer and that AESES should have a contract offer to present to AESES-UW members in the upcoming weeks. For the University of Manitoba, the Negotiations Committee has been hard at work, vetting numerous proposals submitted by you, our members. We will soon schedule a AESES-UM membership meeting to approve the final list of proposals. Watch your email for further details about these important meetings. As Rob noted in his final President’s message, AESES stands firm in our commitment to securing strong, fair collective agreements.
In Solidarity,
Karen