The past six months have gone by quickly since I joined the ASPA team, and the experience has been both energizing and meaningful. Supporting members through difficult situations has shown me, time and again, the resilience, commitment, and strength that define our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this work and have genuinely enjoyed my time so far.
Learning the ins and outs of ASPA and the university has been a steep but rewarding journey. With more than 1,700 members working across campus, and at satellite locations, our association is made up of people doing incredibly diverse, essential work. ASPA members are truly the hidden gears that keep the university operating. At the same time, I’ve seen the tougher side of this role: layoffs, discipline, and the limits of what our collective agreement can protect. These moments highlight both the value of our contract and the areas where employer flexibility can disadvantage members.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to dig deeper into bargaining work with the executive and the bargaining team. The coming months will also bring a new election cycle for ASPA.
This is an important moment for members to step forward, get involved, and help guide the direction of our association. I encourage anyone interested to consider putting their name forward or taking on a role that contributes to a stronger union and better working conditions for all.
No MSO update would be complete without recognizing the invaluable work of Angeline, our Financial and Administrative Assistant. Her support is foundational to both ASPA and my role. I would also like to thank Presidents Rob, Alexis, and Candice for their leadership, and to express my appreciation to the entire executive and our other volunteers for their ongoing work and commitment.
As always, I’m here if you have concerns, questions, or just want to talk about your experience as an ASPA member. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is mso@aspasask.ca.