By Glenn Billingsley, ASPA Member Services Officer
A Membership Services Officer (MSO) plays a crucial role in resolving workplace disputes and ensuring fair employment practices. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the responsibilities of the MSO.
Liaison Between Employer and Employees
- A MSO uses their strong understanding of employment law and excellent communication skills to work as mediators and resolve disputes between employers and employees. They help negotiate between the two parties, bridge gaps in understanding, avoid litigation, and manage collective bargaining.
- While ASPA and the MSO act as a liaison between the University and employees, their primary role is to advocate for the employees.
Advocate for Employee Rights
- A MSO is a specialized human resources professional who administers and interprets labour contracts regarding issues like healthcare, wages, pensions, unions and management practices. They interpret formal communication between employers and employees through meetings, letters, and other forms of contact.
- The MSO helps employees fight for fair working conditions and advise employers on acceptable salaries and benefits. Working with employees, they investigate the validity of labour grievances and help them resolve conflicts.
Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining begins at the end of each expired collective agreement. The MSO assists the ASPA Bargaining Committee by:
- Gathering or writing contract proposals or counterproposals for labor negotiations or collective bargaining.
- Negotiating items such as wages, hours of work, terms and conditions of employment, safety policies, healthcare, or other employment conditions.
Other Duties
Membership Services Officers are also responsible for:
- Working with the members and with the ASPA Executive, the MSO advises on contracts, disciplinary procedures, and employee grievances.
- Monitoring the University’s practices to ensure adherence to labor agreements and regulations.
- Collecting evidence and representing ASPA at labour negotiations, arbitration, or legal proceedings.
Get in Touch
Any time ASPA members want assistance or clarification on the collective agreement, or anything regarding their rights to hours of work, rates of pay, or terms and conditions of the employment with the University, they can contact me:
Glenn Billingsley
glenn@aspasask.ca
(306) 966-7392
302 Kirk Hall, 117 Science Road