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Can You Tell Me? Can Work Hours Be Modified?

Sunday, December 10th, 2023

LaptopModified Work Hours

The concept of a 4-day workweek or having every second Monday off is an appealing idea for many. From time to time, an AESES employee may need or want to adjust their hours of work temporarily or permanently. There is language in the AESES Collective Agreements that allows members to request a modified work schedule.  

Members at both UM and UW can request a modified work schedule. It is important to note that while the language in both the AESES-UM and AESES-UW Collective Agreements allows employees to make such a request, approval is not guaranteed. The employer must consider the feasibility of the request by examining particulars such as the type of work the employee does, the Department’s hours of operation, staffing levels and current workloads. If the request is approved on a temporary or permanent basis, it is also important to note that the employer can still amend or cancel the arrangement if they deem it necessary. 

As covered in Article 11.2 of the AESES-UW Collective Agreement, UW members can submit a request for a modified work week in writing to their supervisor. When making the request, you should be aware that a modified work week may include but is not limited to, flextime, banked time, or a compressed work week. The employer will consider the request and provide a written response in a reasonable period. If approval is granted by the Employer for a modified work week, the terms and conditions of the modified work week are confirmed in a Letter of Understanding (LOU). 

The process is similar for UM members, as outlined in Articles 11.1 and 12.8 of the AESES-UM Collective Agreement. When a recurring exchange of work for time off exceeds one pay period, it is considered a modified work schedule. UM members can submit a request for a modified work schedule to their supervisor. If granted after due consideration by the employer, the terms and conditions of the modified work schedule shall be confirmed by a LOU signed by the Department, Human Resources, the employee(s), and the Association. 

If you need assistance with a modified work schedule request, contact us at LabourTeam@aeses.ca

For info on short-term or one-time schedule change requests, referred to as the Banking of Regular Time, see the Can You Tell Me article in the August 2024 insideAESES newsletter.

2025 Proposed Budget

Sunday, December 10th, 2023

Below is the AESES Finance Committee’s proposed budget for 2025. These estimates are subject to approval by the Board of Representatives at their meeting on December 10, 2024.

PROPOSED BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR YEAR 2025
YTD BUDGET ESTIMATES
as of Sept. 30 2024 2025
INCOME:
   Dues – U of Manitoba  $1,031,699.03  $1,338,642  $1,428,903
   Dues – U of Winnipeg  $198,722.13  $238,945  $261,320
   Dues – St. Andrew’s College  $1,095.01  $1,441  $1,528
TOTAL INCOME $1,231,516.17  $1,579,028  $1,691,751
EXPENSES:
MEMBERS’ SERVICES
   Activities $36,223.32  $49,800  $54,800
   Diversity $-  $2,500  $2,500
   Health & Safety $-  $-  $2,500
   Public relations $10,882.00  $23,725  $20,925
   Remuneration $19,370.75  $24,240  $41,675
   CCU Affiliation $52,987.70  $65,862  $78,279
   Members’ education $14,346.67  $33,000  $30,000
   Printing $-  $1,000  $2,000
   Meeting expenses $4,073.55  $3,700  $14,550
   Professional fees $58,115.88  $210,500  $195,500
   Special projects $3,412.50  $-  $5,500
 $199,412.37  $414,327  $448,229
PERSONNEL
   President – salary & benefits $57,905.68  $82,835  $96,269
   Staff – salaries & benefits/education $565,223.83  $769,077  $807,749
 $623,129.51  $851,912  $904,018
OFFICE OPERATING
   Equipment services $1,691.98  $2,750  $3,050
   Office expenses $11,040.63  $17,550  $17,750
   Premises $80,014.53  $110,000  $109,000
   Professional fees $22,648.54  $23,900  $27,000
   Communications $7,504.98  $12,500  $11,000
 $122,900.66  $166,700  $167,800
TOTAL EXPENSES $945,442.54  $1,432,940  $1,520,047
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) FOR PERIOD $286,073.63  $146,088  $171,704
ADDITIONS TO FURNITURE & COMPUTERS $7,985.77  $10,000  $4,000
NET INCOME (LOSS) FOR PERIOD $278,087.86  $136,088  $167,704

President’s Message – October 2024

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

Rob ParkerGreetings my fellow AESES members! Rob Parker here, your newly minted AESES President. It is both my honour and privilege to be serving you in this role for the current Board term.

I am keenly aware of the large shoes I have to fill, as our late president, leader, and friend Chris McCann’s influence and impact were far-reaching. Rest assured; I will do my very best not to let you down. Chris’ passing has affected us all in AESES quite profoundly, and grief can be a very lonely and isolating process. His memorial service was quite cathartic though, as it was so well attended that it became obvious that no one there was alone in their grief and sadness. We were all there for each other. This is precisely how Chris, and certainly I, feel about AESES.

We’re in this together. We are here for you. You are not alone.

With the arrival of fall comes a new term and a renewed energy on our campuses. This is no less the case with AESES, as we look for ways to connect with you. We have several Brown Bag Lunches planned over the coming months, as well as a recent New Members’ Meeting on October 2nd.

There is also no shortage of social and educational activities coming up. Everything from our Education Seminars (some which are already sold out and new ones have just opened!) to our legendary (and renamed), AESES 2024 Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza are on tap for the fall term. More exciting announcements and activities are to come. Please watch for communications and follow us on social media for further updates.

Of course, our primary mission is to ensure that your interests, concerns, and priorities are well-represented and protected as we navigate the peaks and valleys that come with being employed in post-secondary education. We all experience challenges and invariably have questions regarding what rights and protections we are afforded in the workplace. We also want to be sure that our best interests are represented when it’s time to bargain for a better, more equitable deal for us all. Always remember: We’re in this together. We are here for you. You are not alone.

I sincerely look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the coming months. Please feel free to reach out to me, your board rep, or anyone at the AESES Business Office should you have any questions or concerns, or should you need advice regarding workplace issues.

In solidarity

Rob

Contract Admin

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

Contract Admin

February 2025

Here are the cases that our members are currently facing with each employer as of February 1, 2025.

University of Manitoba

  • The member grievance filed on behalf of a member alleging that the University failed to reasonably accommodate the member in a return to work following extended medical leave was settled prior to Arbitration.
  • A new member grievance was filed on behalf of a member who received a 1-day suspension for allegedly poor performance.
  • A new member grievance was filed on behalf of a member alleging the University failed to reasonably accommodate the member’s return to work following a medical leave.

 

The University of Winnipeg

  • None

 

October 2024

Here are the cases that our members are currently facing with each employer as of October 1, 2024.

University of Manitoba

  • The grievance filed on behalf of a member whose family status issue was not adequately accommodated by the University has been referred to arbitration.
  • The member grievance filed on behalf of a member who received a 2-day suspension for allegedly failing to provide an adequate level of service based on their training was denied at the First Stage and has been referred to Second Stage.

The University of Winnipeg

  • None

AESES Appointments

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

Welcome on Board

Here are the new appointments since February 3, 2025.

Andrea Castro (UM) was appointed to the Safety & Health Committee.

 

Here are the new appointments since December 6, 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.

 

Here are the new appointments since August 1, 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).

Members Events, Community Events and Initiatives

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

EventsUM Winter Clothing Library – Donations Requested

The University of Manitoba International Centre’s Winter Clothing Library piloted last year to help provide international and exchange students access to gently used winter clothing. Due to overwhelming need, we are continuing the project this upcoming year and are eagerly hoping for donations of winter jackets, boots and cold weather accessories.Donate your items to the International Centre office, 541 UMSU University Centre (Fort Garry Campus) during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 pm).

If there are any department offices or staff that would like to act as a drop-off location, the International Centre can pick up items as needed in various locations, and can provide promotional materials as necessary. Click here to review our donation instructions. For more information contact international@umanitoba.ca

 

Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk 2025

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 Friday, February 22, 2025. Save the date – February 22, 2025

AESES 2024 Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza Registration

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

Holiday lightsJoin us December 1!

The AESES Activities Committee is excited to announce the annual AESES 2024 Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza! It’s been renamed!

Enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment from Brian Glow, “International Illusionist and Comedy Magician,” face painting, balloon twisting, food, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Sunday, December 1, 2024, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
MPR, 220-224 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus

  • Dependent children aged 10 and younger will receive a hot meal and gift, courtesy of AESES.
  • Lunch will also be available for purchase for parents /guardians and children over the age of 10. This is a cash only event.
  • This event is for signed AESES members. If not yet signed, visit: aeses.ca/forms/membership-application to fill out a form.
REGISTER TODAY!

The deadline to register is November 6, 2024.

The Committee is also looking for volunteers to help during the event. Visit the registration form above to learn more.

New Faces

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

New FacesWelcome new members to AESES!

Visit our New Faces page to view the latest AESES hires for October 2024 at both universities, as reported to us by the University of Manitoba (UM) and The University of Winnipeg (UW). The lists include full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees.

AESES Volunteers’ Appreciation Banquet 2024

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

Annually, AESES acknowledges, thanks, and celebrates its Board of Representatives and longstanding volunteers. This year’s event took place at the Viscount Gort Hotel in April. Chris McCann, AESES President presented the following pins and awards after supper:

Bronze Pin – 5 Years of Service
Tracey Clifton-Hanslip and Jennifer Holbrow

Silver Pin – 10 Years of Service
Glenn Bergen, Melissa Blonjeaux, Daniel Matthes, Funmi Owoade and Blair Zelinsky

Jennifer Holbrow, Melissa Blonjeaux and Blair Zelinsky

The Dedicated Service Award was presented to Meaghan Michaluk for her consistent and unwavering dedication to AESES, for which we are profoundly grateful. Meaghan started at The University of Winnipeg over ten years ago in Kinesiology, then took on further roles as an Academic Advisor, then the Faculty of Education. Meaghan made time for AESES, stepping up and serving in many important roles such as a member of the Classification, Finance and Diversity Committees, as a Board rep, and serving as Vice-President for UW.

Meaghan Michaluk and Chris McCann

The final presentation of the evening was for Laurie Morris, AESES Honourary Life Member – Past President. Until she retired from the Department of Philosophy in 2023, Laurie had worked at the University of Manitoba for 42 years. For AESES, she was a wonderful presence. Laurie joined the board in 1999 and served AESES is so many capacities. She was an organizing force for the Activities Committee, diving into Negotiations and being a leader at that bargaining table through four contract negotiations and serving on the Executive Board first as Secretary way back in 2008 and then Executive VP for four years and culminating with eight years as AESES President. Chris thanked Laurie for all the time and wisdom she provided over the years! Congratulations on this prestigious award.

Tom Moyle, Laurie Morris, Chris McCann

Can You Tell Me? Caregiving Leaves

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

NotesCaregiving Leaves

Situations may arise where an employee needs time off work to care for a family member with a serious illness or injury. Leaves are available through the AESES Collective Agreements and the Employment Standards Code of Manitoba allowing members time off work to manage longer-term caregiving obligations.  

Members required to care for a family member facing a significant risk of death can take Compassionate Care Leave. As covered in Article 18.5 in the AESES-UM Collective Agreement and Article 16.5 in the AESES-UW Collective Agreement, Compassionate Care Leave provides eligible members with up to 28 weeks of unpaid leave. It can be taken in one or two periods, but each must be at least one week long.  

UM members are eligible for this leave once they have completed 30 calendar days of employment, and UW members are eligible once they have completed 90 calendar days of employment. When possible, UM members are to provide their supervisor with notice of at least one pay period, and UW members are to provide at least 10 working days’ notice. Members must also submit a medical note as soon as possible stating that the family member has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks and requires the care and support of one or more family members.

Compassionate Care Leaves in both the AESES-UM and AESES-UW Collective Agreements state that an eligible family member means a family member as defined by the Employment Standards Code of Manitoba. Family is defined very broadly in the Employment Standards Code. Children, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, spouses, common law spouses, brothers, sisters, step-brothers, step-sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews are all considered family members. The definition also includes those who are not related, but whom the employee considers to be like a close relative. 

If the family member is not at risk of death, another option available is Leave Related to Critical Illness provided under the provincial Employment Standards Code. Employees can take up to 37 weeks of Leave Related to Critical Illness within a 52-week period to provide care to a critically ill child under 18 years old, and up to 17 weeks within a 52-week period to provide care to a critically ill adult. It can be taken in one or more periods, however, each period must be at least one week long. Leave Related to Critical Illness is an unpaid leave. 

An employee caring for a critically ill child must have worked at least 30 days with the employer to be entitled to this leave. While an employee caring for a critically ill adult must have worked at least 90 days with the employer to be eligible. When possible, employees must give at least one pay period of notice before the leave and provide their employer with a medical note as soon as possible. Employees are still entitled to Leave Related to Critical Illness even if they are unable to give notice. 

Compassionate Care Leave and Leave Related to Critical Illness allow employees time off to deal with these obligations without the loss of their job, but they are unpaid leaves. AESES members may be eligible for the federal EI (Employment Insurance) special benefits for workers who take time off work due to caring for a critically ill or injured person or family member. To find out more, call Service Canada toll-free at 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or use their online Benefits Finder: canada.ca/en/services/benefits/finder.html   

If you need consultation on a caregiving situation, contact us at LabourTeam@aeses.ca. 

For info on short-term family care leave options, see the Can You Tell Me: Resources for Family Care article in the December 2023 insideAESES newsletter. 

Did you know

AESES is affiliated with the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU).

AESES' Charter Meeting was held in December of 1972.

We offer bursaries for AESES dependents at both universities.

Anyone can attend a Board meeting by calling the AESES Business Office prior to the meeting and confirming their attendance.

AESES requires new volunteers for various committees. Please contact the Business Office if you are an AESES member interested in joining one of our committees.