Welcome Back!
Welcome to a new academic term. As we settle into the routines of fall, we would like to welcome our newest ASPA members and welcome back our returning ones. I hope that you were able to enjoy some time away from work over the lovely summer months. The ASPA Executive team will be meeting monthly over the coming year. We are looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our upcoming events as we mark our 40th anniversary of certification.
To kickstart the fall term, ASPA, in solidarity with the other unions on campus, hosted the third annual free pancake breakfast. Congratulations to the winners of the ASPA door prizes: Kevin Bitinsky, Mike Dietrich, Cindy Farrar, Leah Lozinsky, Jonathon Nicklin, Katelyn Sarvas, John Shelling, James Shewaga, Brenna Stuckel, Graham Wisser, and Eileen Zagiel.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the ASPA staff, Annetta and Darcy, to our Executive Committee members, and to all of the ASPA committee members for all of your hard work. We currently have several committees: the Communications Committee, Engagement Committee, Research Committee, and Social Committee. If you are interested in volunteering in an existing committee or in initiating a new committee, please contact Annetta at aspa@aspasask.ca.
As you may be aware, the ASPA Collective Agreement expires April 30, 2019. ASPA has been working with a number of members who have identified an interest in bargaining. Most recently 10 members participated in a two day workshop put on by Scott Walsworth. The workshop included a bargaining simulation in which both teams were able to conclude a collective agreement successfully. The Executive will now begin the hard task of forming a team.
As our returning members know, we are greatly anticipating our big 4-0 celebration in October. We will be hosting a luncheon at Marquis Culinary Centre on October 23 from 11-1 for only $5. Michael Kerr will be providing the lunch entertainment and, following lunch, there will a providing a workshop on Inspiring Workplaces/Inspiring Leadership for up to 250 members from 1:30-2:30 for only $5 (confirm the time away from your unit with your supervisor and please watch for an Eventbrite announcement to register for the events). We are looking forward to celebrating our volunteers and retirees at this event as well. Thank you to the members of the 40th Anniversary Committee and to Jennifer Lutzko for their roles in helping ASPA organize the celebrations for this momentous year. Please visit the ASPA Advocate website (https://aspasask.ca/), where more information will be made available shortly.
CUPE 1975 and the Employer have declared an impasse with bargaining. They have asked the Government to appoint a mediator and will be taking a strike vote next week. For more information please go to their website https://1975.cupe.ca/. ASPA supports our fellow workers in CUPE 1975 and hopes that the bargaining process comes to a negotiated resolution. ASPA will continue to provide updates to our members as we become aware of them.
In closing, on behalf of the ASPA Executive, have a wonderful fall. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at future events.
Warmest regards,
Joanie Crandall, ASPA President joanie@aspasask.ca
ASPA (Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association) 