Posts Tagged ‘insideAESES’
Spring Education Seminars
Monday, April 13th, 2026
AESES Spring 2026 Education Seminars
- Learn Hatchet Throwing | Sat., May 2 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Birding for Beginners | Sat., May 9 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Introduction to Enneagram | Thu., May 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- Basic Bicycle Maintenance | Tue., May 19 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- Cooking with Nancy – Samosa and Chai | Sat., May 30 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm
- Labour 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
Can You Tell Me: What is the Employee and Family Assistance Program?
Monday, December 1st, 2025
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a benefit offered by both Universities aimed at the well-being of their employees and employees’ family members. AESES members at both Universities have access to EFAP guaranteed by their respective Collective Agreements: Article 27.1 (UW) and Article 32.1 (UM).
At the University of Winnipeg, the program is administered through Manitoba Blue Cross and is available to all employees who are eligible for Blue Cross benefits. The employee’s spouse and dependent children may use the service as well. The program can be accessed by placing a call to the Manitoba Blue Cross Employee & Family Assistance Centre at 204-786-8880 and requires the Blue Cross Client and Certificate Number to verify. More information is available through the U of W HR’s EFAP page.
At the University of Manitoba, the program is offered through Kii by CloudMD and is available to all employees covered by the AESES-UM Collective Agreement as well as their immediate family, including dependent children. Kii can be accessed through an online portal with the organizational access code, available through the UM Sharepoint along with other details about the plan. Registration does not require a work email address; a personal address can be used for the purpose of confidentiality. In addition to counselling, Kii provides a library of health and wellness articles.
The objectives of the EFAPs are employee health and wellness. The free short-term personal counselling offered through the EFAP is not restricted to mental health, however, and can support a variety of other potential areas such as addiction, physical health, financial advice, legal issues, and connecting with child or elder care resources. Employees who have not considered using the program may be surprised by the breadth of assistance and resources it offers.
A central concern when using the EFAPs, due to the sensitive topics they support, is confidentiality. The employer will not be notified that an employee or family member has accessed their EFAP whatsoever. The employer provides the EFAP but does not administer it in any way other than providing access. Members’ inquiries through the program are completely confidential.
The EFAPs are a negotiated benefit in our respective Collective Agreements and provide confidential counselling and resources on a breadth of topics and issues that members may not expect. AESES encourages members to make use of these resources when needed. For any inquiries related to the EFAPs, please reach out to the AESES Business Office at 204-949-5200 or LabourTeam@aeses.ca.
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!
AESES Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza 2025
Monday, December 1st, 2025
On Sunday, November 30th, 249 guests, made up of members, children and their families, attended the Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays at UMSU University Centre on the UM Fort Garry Campus.
Everyone enjoyed a fun afternoon of food, gifts, face painting, cookie decorating, clowns, and main stage entertainment by Comedy Illusions of Greg & Oonaugh, Santa and Mrs. Claus also stopped for a visit and photos.
Thank you to the AESES Activities Committee and all the dedicated volunteers who made the event possible again this year! Also, thanks to Leanne Shumka and Denis Côté (UM) for the use of their photos.
2026 Proposed Budget
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Below is the AESES Finance Committee’s proposed budget for 2026. These estimates are subject to approval by the Board of Representatives at their meeting on December 9, 2025. AESES Proposed Budget 2026 (PDF)
