The fall has been an exceptionally busy period for member services. Much of my time has been spent supporting members through workplace concerns, assisting with collective bargaining preparation, and working with the University on a variety of employment and labour relations matters.
Supporting Members
As is often the case, the majority of member contacts do not result in formal grievances. Many concerns are resolved through discussions, advice, coaching, and direct communication with Human Resources or management.
Over the past several months, a significant portion of member inquiries have involved workplace relationships, accommodation issues, return-to-work concerns, workload challenges, employment status questions, and interpretation of collective agreement provisions. Supporting members through difficult workplace situations remains one of the most important functions of ASPA. Frequently, early intervention and constructive dialogue can help address concerns before they escalate.
Members continue to reach out for assistance navigating probation, term appointments, internal job opportunities, merit concerns, position reviews, and workplace conflict. These issues can be complex and highly individual, but ASPA remains committed to ensuring members understand their rights and options.
Grievances and Collective Agreement Enforcement
While many issues are resolved informally, grievances remain an important tool when necessary.
Several grievance files remain active or are being monitored, while other matters have been resolved through discussion and problem-solving. ASPA also continues to monitor the implementation of past settlements and arbitration outcomes to ensure commitments are being fulfilled.
Protecting the integrity of the bargaining unit remains a priority. This work often occurs behind the scenes but has a direct impact on job security, representation rights, and the long-term strength of ASPA.
Bargaining Preparation and Negotiations
A major focus this year has been collective bargaining.
Throughout the spring and summer, ASPA gathered member feedback through one of the highest participation rates in recent survey history. More than 1,000 members participated in the pre-bargaining survey, helping to shape the priorities brought forward by the Bargaining Committee. Survey responses highlighted concerns regarding compensation, inflation, merit, health benefits, workload, flexibility, job security, and workplace expectations surrounding after-hours work.
Since then, considerable time has been spent researching comparator agreements, developing proposals, reviewing collective agreement language, and supporting the Bargaining Committee as negotiations get underway. The goal remains to advance proposals that reflect member priorities while strengthening protections and improving working conditions across the bargaining unit.
Job Security and Workplace Change
This year has also seen increased discussion around organizational restructuring, staffing changes, and employment security.
ASPA has continued to support members affected by layoffs, position changes, and organizational reviews. In addition to assisting individual members, work has been underway to explore stronger layoff protections, and improved support for members navigating employment transitions.
Institutional knowledge remains one of the University’s greatest assets. ASPA continues to advocate for fair treatment of long-serving employees and for processes that recognize the value, experience, and expertise members bring to their workplaces.
Looking Ahead
s bargaining continues, member engagement will remain critical. Members are encouraged to read bargaining updates, attend information sessions (such as the Bargaining Town Hall on October 26), and share questions or concerns.
Beyond bargaining, ASPA will continue its day-to-day work representing members, enforcing the collective agreement, protecting bargaining unit work, and supporting employees through workplace challenges. Whether a concern requires formal representation or simply a conversation about available options, members are encouraged to reach out early.
Thank you to everyone who has contacted ASPA, participated in surveys, attended events, volunteered on committees, or contributed to the work of the Association. Your involvement helps ensure ASPA remains a strong and effective voice for administrative and supervisory employees at the University of Saskatchewan.
In solidarity,
Shayne Meggs
ASPA Member Services Officer
mso@aspasask.ca