ASPA Advocate
Welcome to the online home of ASPA at the University of Saskatchewan
ASPA Member Highlight – Graham Wisser, Architectural Designer, Infrastructure, Planning and Land Development
Written by Karen E. Mosier
Graham Wisser studied Architectural Technologies through the Southern Alberta 
Institute of Technology (SAIT) and graduated in 2000. Graham joined the University of Saskatchewan in December 2014 working in the Facilities Management Division, which has been recently restructured so his position now falls under the umbrella of Infrastructure, Planning and Land Development. His work includes drafting for the planners and project managers on campus, as well as signage changes. The bulk of his duties include updating and creating You Are Here maps across campus.
ASPA Member Awards
Written by Karen E. Mosier
We are pleased to announce that Lana Elias, Director of Science Outreach in the College of Arts and Science, and Darrell Solie, a Mechanical Engineer with Infrastructure, 
Planning and Land Development, are the 2019 recipients of the University Staff Excellence Award. This award honours staff members who have provided extraordinary service and who clearly demonstrate the University of Saskatchewan’s principles and values. Along with a certificate, they will receive a $1,000 prize.
Congratulations to our ASPA members for their outstanding contributions to the university community.
https://news.usask.ca/articles/people/2019/science-outreach-director-recognized-for-service.php
Did you Know – Tuition Waiver
Written by Darcy Hryn-Bird, ASPA Member Services Officer
Did you know that if you are a member of ASPA that you are most likely eligible for a Tuition Waiver?
Article 12.11 of the ASPA Collective Agreement allows ASPA members to take one (1) for
credit course per academic term at the University of Saskatchewan. The cost of the tuition would be waived. You would however still be responsible to cover the cost of the student fees but these may be eligible expenses under your Accountable Professional Development Account (APDA) (Article 12.10). Read More
Random Acts of Kindness at Work
Written by Karen E. Mosier
Have you ever been having a bad day, and someone did something nice for you, and your mood instantly changed? Kindness is an often overlooked attribute. Simple acts of kindness do not have to cost a lot of money. In fact, sometimes the smallest gifts can be the most thoughtful. Doing something nice for your coworkers is a wonderful way to improve your relationships and raise moral in the workplace. Read More
CUPE 1975 members vote to ratify Collective Agreement
Members of CUPE 1975 have voted to ratify the collective agreement reached with the University of Saskatchewan.
“We want to thank all of our members for staying strong and united through a difficult round of bargaining. The gains we made at the table would not have been possible without the strong strike mandate from our members, their ongoing support, and the positive essential services ruling on our behalf,” said Craig Hannah, president of CUPE 1975. READ MORE
ASPA Member Highlight – Allison Fairbairn, Instructor
By Karen E. Mosier
Allison Fairbairn has her BMus in Music (Theory & Composition) and a BA in English from the University of Saskatchewan. She also has a MA in Ethnomusicology & Popular Music from the University of Alberta. She is currently working towards a MEd in Educational Technology & Design through the University of Saskatchewan. Read More
CUPE 1975 reaches tentative deal with University of Saskatchewan
Posted on June 28, 2019
“This deal has been a long time coming but, in the end, we were able to come an agreement that serves our members now and, in their future,” said Craig Hannah, President of CUPE Local 1975. “After seeing very little movement for so long, we were glad the university agreed to our request to come back to the table this week. We were even happier when they agreed to move toward a deal.” READ MORE
Bargaining rights bill passes after all-night session in Alberta legislature
The Canadian Press ·
Legislation that will strip away some bargaining rights for 180,000 Alberta public-sector workers passed Thursday after an all-night session in the legislature.
Bill 9, the Public Sector Arbitration Deferral Act, was passed around 7 a.m. after the government forced closure on third reading of the bill a few hours earlier.
The legislation will delay wage arbitration for teachers, nurses and other public sector workers until the end of October. READ MORE
The wild woman of the Winnipeg strike
Written by Darren Bernhardt, May 30, 2019, CBC News
On a hot summer afternoon in Winnipeg’s Market Square in 1917, a crowd of 2,000 listened to labour activists urge them to resist conscription and burn their military registration cards.
An enraged mob of 1,000 soldiers shoved through the crowd to get to the speakers.
Some of the activists fled. Others — including Helen Armstrong — stayed and fought back. READ MORE
