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AGM Election Results!

ASPA is pleased to announce the winners of our annual Executive election!  

We are pleased to welcome Dawn Giesbrecht, Erica Li-Humen, Evan Potts, John Costa, Julie Maier, and LaVina Watts as our new 2024-2025 team. 

Thank you to all our members that took the time to vote in this year’s election. We received 710 votes in total (237 more votes than last year!). 

We would also like to thank all 23 members who let their names stand. We hope you will continue to show interest in supporting ASPA in the future. 

Be on the lookout for future posts announcing the new President, Vice Presidents, and Treasurer.  

2024 List of Executive Nominations with Biographies

ROBERTSON-FREY, Tanya

Tanya Robertson-Frey is an experienced research and evaluation specialist who has meaningfully supported ASPA’s Research Committee since 2018. Of note, her past technical and leadership contributions significantly informed ASPA’s bargaining strategy. 

In her primary role, Tanya coordinates evaluation and quality improvement projects within the Postgraduate Medical Education office at the University of Saskatchewan. Working in the field of program evaluation for the past 20 years within both the non-profit sector and post-secondary education, Tanya has expertise in designing and implementing evaluation projects, and communicating the results in useful and meaningful ways. Through her work, Tanya has welcomed opportunities to collaborate with others and to explore and research a variety of topics such as the social determinants of health, equity, diversity, and inclusion, wellness, competency based medical education, and learning environments within postgraduate medical education. As a member of the ASPA executive, Tanya would welcome the opportunity to support ASPA in a leadership capacity and continue to be an active member of the Research Committee.

READ, Darla

Darla Read (she/her) is a queer cis white settler who joined the USask community a little more than a year ago as a communications officer with the TLSE Service Team. During that time, she began working towards a certificate in Applied Gender Justice and collaborated on the Pride Planning Committee.

Outside of work, she volunteers with SURJ YXE (Showing Up for Racial Justice), Winterruption, JazzFest, Regina Folk Fest, and regularly reads (for fun!) books on social justice issues. She has 20+ years experience in communications and journalism. She is committed to racial and social justice at work and in her personal life. 

DUNCAN, Britney

Britney Duncan is currently working with the University of Saskatchewan Respiratory Research Centre which is housed under the College of Medicine. Britney serves dual roles as both Research Coordinator and Research Facilitator for the Center.

She began working at the University in 2018 supporting the research activities of members of the Centre primarily from the Division of Respirology but also those researchers from outside the division with an interest in respiratory health.

Britney is a US citizen and permanent resident of Canada. She attained both her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and MPH from US institutions. She maintains certification as a Certified Heath Education Specialist (CHES) and is a member of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) –both US based. She also sits on the Board of Directors for LungSask as well as the CoM EDI Committee.

Britney offers her research expertise and background as well as strengths in knowledge translation and EDI principles. She is also excited to bring her unique perspectives to the ASPA Executive.

MAIER, Julie

Julie Maier has worked at USask as an Instructional Designer since 2017, starting with the Distance Education Unit and more recently transitioning into the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching & Learning. Julie works with faculty and instructors in the design, development, and support of online and technology-enabled learning.

Julie really enjoys serving as an advocate for students by ensuring high-quality learning experiences and helping the best teaching practices and brightest ideas of the teachers I work with come to life in their digital classrooms.

Julie is a USask alumna, where she has earned a B.Ed., B.Sc, and M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Design. In her time around campus, she has also been a Graduate Teaching Fellow and Seminar Instructor with the Department of Curriculum Studies, provided website support for the College of Education, and worked as a Teaching Assistant in the first-year Biology labs.

Julie is about to complete her first three-year term as an ASPA Executive member, which began in spring 2022. During that time, she has also served as ASPA’s representation on the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) Executive Council. This experience has been very valuable to her, both professionally and personally. Julie has appreciated every opportunity to hear more from other Executive members, general ASPA members all over campus, and union organizers around the province about their concerns and priorities in their working life.

Julie has learned a lot about how ASPA supports its members, collaborates with other unions, and interacts with the employer, and would love to continue contributing to ASPA’s mission and advocating for the general membership by renewing her term.

Julie’s philosophy of labour organization and collective bargaining can be summarized in a quote by Courtney Laudick: “A union isn’t an outside organization that comes in to help you, a union is YOU and your colleagues coming together to empower each other as a collective. And trust me, that’s way more powerful.”

In volunteer work outside of the university, Julie has been an on-air host and trainer at CFCR 90.5 FM (Saskatoon’s community radio station), as well as a music instructor, Marketing & Communications Committee and Board Member with local youth arts camp Girls Rock Saskatoon. Lately, she spends most of her free time playing bass in a local rock band (The Garrys), or on long walks with her husband and their pup Rosie.

TAYLOR, Ashley

Ashley Taylor is a USask alum (B. Ed 2010) who has been working on campus since summer 2016. She has worked almost exclusively as a Graduate Administrator for the last 8 years and am currently Program Coordinator at the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS). Ashley works with students and faculty throughout the various stages of a student’s lifecycle. She enjoys every aspect of this work and love that she is able to support students throughout their entire program. Supporting students and leading them through their graduate programs has been a great privilege for her.

Ashley loves building relationships with students and collaborating with them to learn where there are “gaps” in information and resources. And then collaborating with her fellow staff members and faculty to bring awareness to these issues and to find a solution. This is something she hopes to also do as an ASPA executive. Ashley’s goal is to learn more about what ASPA members need and work to find solutions to areas of concern. She looks forward to serving her fellow colleagues like she does her students and faculty.

This fall 2024, Ashley will be starting the Graduate Certificate in Leadership program through Edwards School of Business. She hopes that her work experience and knowledge and skills gained through her future schooling will be an asset to the ASPA Executive Committee.

When she is not working, she is usually running her three children from one activity to another. In her downtime, she loves spending time gardening, paddleboarding, pottery and just being in nature.

COSTA, John

After completing a graduate degree at USask, John worked in the private sector for almost 10 years before returning to USask as an employee in 2003. He spent 12 professionally formative years in the College of Medicine building the IT operation from the ground up, and helping the College open a new campus in Regina and transition to a distributed model of education. John took a new position in Research Computing (ICT) in 2015 and has worked since then supporting the thriving research community on our beautiful campus. 

During the past 21 years on campus, John has been fortunate rub shoulders with many, many talented people, participate in numerous academic, administrative committees. Personally, he was fortunate to be named the licensee of TEDx Saskatoon and hosted and co-hosted TEDx Saskatoon twice. John is a former board member of the Consumer Association of Saskatchewan, former board member of ASPA, and current board member of the Saskatchewan Elocution and Debate Association (active), taking on various executive level roles over the last 8 years. John also spent several years on the ASPA board and worked to build member engagement. He chaired and co-chaired committees (Research and PR) and participated in others. John spearheaded the 40th anniversary initiative and co-chaired the planning committee along with other dedicated member-volunteers.

John’s goal for returning to the ASPA leadership will be to work with the board, our members, allies, and partners to help prepare ASPA navigate the challenges of technology and its implications on the future of employment. 

MOAZED, Raha

Rosa brings over a decade of invaluable experience to the USASK community, having performed in various capacities such as a professional skills specialist, lecturer, and EDI specialist. Rosa became an ASPA member in 2023 in her capacity as a professional skills specialist at Career Services, where she spearheads the development of EDI-focused courses and ensures that EDI principles are integrated into all Career Services’ programming.

Rosa’s extensive background includes teaching various undergraduate and graduate courses, collaboration with academic leaders, faculty, administrators, and students across diverse disciplines, and involvement in key committees such as the University of Saskatchewan’s Interdisciplinary Studies Committee and the Teaching, Learning, and Academic Resources Committee (TLARC) of University Council. Her consistent commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion, combined with her experience in creating opportunities for the professional development of USASK members at various levels of their career journeys, will enable her to contribute meaningfully to the ASPA executive committee. Rosa’s academic achievements include a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Saskatchewan, with a focus on understanding the communication needs of medical professionals.

Outside of work, Rosa loves volunteering with various organizations including Dress for Success, Women Empowering Women, and spending time with her family.

RUDNITSKIY, Ilia

Ilia has been a part of the TLSE Service Team since 2019. Before that, he worked with international students at the Language Centre, and he was a summer research assistant for the Department of Computer Science. Ilia is passionate about community organizing and hopes to use his skills and experience to benefit the ASPA community.

In Ilia’s spare time, he enjoys cycling and sailing in the Summer time, and cross-country skiing in the Winter time.

NAWARATHNE, Amila

Amila Nawarathne has been a lab instructor/coordinator for the Department of Surgery and since 2022. Teaching student labs. His journey in the academic realm at U of S commenced in 2012 when he began as a technician at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to his academic role, Amila held the positions of Notary Public and Commissioner of Oaths for Saskatchewan since 2020, assisting numerous individuals in meeting their legal requirements for notarization and attestation of documents. As the former president of the Buddha Mediation Centre Saskatoon, Amila actively engaged in community initiatives such as blood and food donations to organizations like Lighthouse Saskatoon and many more.

Moreover, Amila has dedicated his time as a volunteer worker at the WCVM La-Ronge Veterinary Clinic, contributing to providing medicine and conducting sterilizations/vaccinations for the dogs and cats of First Nation people. His involvement reflects a commitment to community service and the well-being of people and animals.

MOSIER, Karen

Karen E. Mosier was born and raised in Saskatchewan. She is a proud Saskatchewanian. Karen has called campus her home since 1996 when she started out as a student. She has a BA in Psychology and an MSc in Pharmacy both conferred from the University of Saskatchewan.

She has worked in different departments and colleges over the last 18 years, including the Department of Psychiatry, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and currently in the Department of Surgery. As a Research Coordinator, Karen primarily helps faculty to find funding opportunities and guides them through the grant writing process. Karen is an active member in ASPA, serving as the ASPA Executive since September 2023. Recently, she volunteered to chair the ASPA Education Committee and co-chair the ASPA Social Committee. Prior to this, Karen was a member of the ASPA Executive from May 2020 to April 2022. Karen joined the former ASPA Communications & Public Relations Committee as a committee member in April 2018 and stepped up to serve as the Chair of this committee from August 2019 to April 2022. Karen also enjoys writing and meeting new people. To date, she has written 34 ASPA Member Highlights. Karen began her involvement with ASPA by serving as the ASPA Observer on the Non-Academic Pension and Benefits Committee (NAPBC) from March 2016 to June 2019. Karen is also incredibly involved with the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA). She has been on the CARA Executive board since May 2020, and she is also the co-chair of the CARA Professional Development Committee.

FLORIZONE, Chris

Chris completed his undergraduate degree here at the U of S in 2021, and in 2022 began his current position in the College of Medicine, in student affairs. Outside of this Chris spends his time studying as a Master of Public Policy student at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, focused on public sector leadership theory.

Chris also spends a significant amount of time walking his highly energetic 3.5-year-old half-miniature, half-Moyen/Klein poodle.

COMPTON, Joseph

Joseph has been a member of ASPA for almost three years now. He is the Field Technology Support Specialist which has given him the unique perspective of supporting the University community across the province at the Saskatoon and Prince Albert campuses but also many off-campus sites. As Joseph is based out of the Health Sciences ICT support hub, you may know him especially if you’ve submitted an IT ticket as part of the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, or Pharmacy and Nutrition!

Joseph joined the Saskatoon community in 2018 after moving here from the United States. Since he arrived here, he and his partner have volunteered in several local groups in Saskatoon, mostly focusing on food sovereignty in underserved areas of the city. Much of that work reiterated to him the need for us all to listen to each other, empathize, and work together to build community. 

Our union is only as good as we make it! 

NEUFELD, Heather

Heather Neufeld has worked at the University of Saskatchewan for over 20 years, starting as a departmental research technician in the College of Medicine. In 2013 she transferred to her current role as one of the Laboratory Managers for the USask Health Sciences.

She has an MSc in Health Sciences (Pathology) from the University of Saskatchewan. Heather enjoys her role with the students and researchers she supports and the teams she works within here on campus. She is happiest when adventuring outdoors and enjoys live music, learning how things work (science!), hiking and crafting. Heather would love to add her experience and skills from serving on campus and community committees to the ASPA team and looks forward to the opportunity to be more involved.

LU, Dave

Department: College of Engineering

Position: Executive Assistant to the Associate Dean Academic and Associate Dean Research and Partnerships

Years in Current Position: 1

Joined University: 2022

Other U of S Positions: College of Engineering – Undergraduate ESC Clerical Staff

MAZURIK, Kathrina

Kathrina has been working as a Patient Oriented Research Specialist at the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research since January 2024. She completed her PhD in Psychology at the U of S in 2022 and during her graduate training worked as a research assistant, sessional instructor, teaching assistant, and writing tutor.

Before her current role, Kathrina was a User Experience Researcher at Google and Cadence (a Saskatoon-based start-up company). In the community, she has served as an organizer for Girls Rock Camp, Showing up for Racial Justice, and the Canadian Psychological Association. Kathrina does not have prior union organizing experience, but is an adaptive learner, empathetic listener, and enthusiastic team-mate.

POTTS, Evan

Evan Potts is currently the Manager of First Year Programs and Recruitment in the College of Arts and Science. He has been an ASPA member for many years and now gets to supervise a small team of ASPA employees, too! Before his current role he has worked as an Academic Advisor in the College, as well as a Student Life Coordinator in Residence. Evan was the recipient of the USSU Academic Advising Award in 2023.

Outside the university Evan has had a wide breadth of experiences. He has worked in the oil field, in an environmental laboratory, and in a crisis shelter. However, he has a passion for the human services, and connecting with other ASPA members would be part of this role I would love. Evan is a life-long learner, currently studying in the Master of Public Policy program in JSGS. His two undergraduate degrees (in Chemical Engineering and Psychology) are also from the University of Saskatchewan.

Evan deeply appreciates the ways in which ASPA has supported him through his career, it is one of the reasons he came back to the University after an off-campus hiatus! Evan wants to ensure the same wonderful experience for our current and future members and look forwarding to bringing my knowledge and experience to the table.

HAUSER, Patrick

Patrick has over 17 years of experience in safety management system consulting, development and implementation in post-secondary education and research laboratory and fieldwork settings, as well as construction and arboriculture safety. He has worked at the University of Saskatchewan since 2008, and is currently the Safety and Compliance Coordinator at USask Safety Resources and a member of ASPA.

Patrick recognizes that safety management systems must be clear and be easy to empower employees and students to maintain safe and healthful work, research and learning environments to continually improve our proactive culture of safety, and ultimately prevent workplace injuries.

LI-HUMEN, Erica

Erica Li-Humen is excited to express her interest in serving as one of your representatives on the executive members for ASPA. With a background deeply rooted in finance and a strong commitment to community involvement, Erica believes that she can bring valuable perspectives and contributions to this role.

Having graduated from the Edwards School of Business with her MBA in 2003. Erica has dedicated her career to the field of research finance, holding various roles within the university, including her current position as the Research Finance Coordinator with the College of Engineering. Through these experiences, Erica has honed a diverse set of skills and gained extensive knowledge in financial management and stewardship.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Erica has actively participated in ASPA, serving as an executive member since April 2021 and fulfilling the role of Treasurer since August of the same year. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Erica demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring sound financial practices and fostering transparency within our union. Her dedication to ASPA’s financial performance and governance is unwavering, and she is eager to continue serving the interests of our members in this capacity.

Beyond her involvement with ASPA, Erica has deep roots in the Saskatoon community, where she has resided for her entire adult life. Erica is passionate about giving back and has volunteered extensively with organizations such as the Lakeridge Community Association and Lakewood Soccer Association, where I have held various leadership positions, including Membership Coordinator and Youth Programs Coordinator. Her vibrant personality, coupled with her enthusiasm for connecting with people, has enabled her to make meaningful contributions to these organizations and support our community’s well-being.

As a dedicated professional and community advocate, Erica is committed to representing the interests of ASPA members with integrity, diligence, and a steadfast focus on collaboration and inclusivity. She is excited about the opportunity to continue serving ASPA in a leadership capacity and contribute to the advancement of our shared goals and values.

GIESBRECHT, Dawn

Dawn Giesbrecht is running for a position on the executive. She is a lab coordinator and program coordinator in Biomedical Sciences at USask. Over the past 26 years Dawn has taught a variety of lab classes in similar programs. She believes in the work that ASPA does and knows that unions provide better working environments, salaries, and benefits for people.

Dawn has previously served as ASPA President and was twice a member of the bargaining team in addition to serving on the jurisdiction review committee. She is currently a member of the ASPA position review appeals committee.

Dawn is once again willing to put in the time and effort to serve as a member of an executive that strives to best meet the needs of its membership. ASPA now has the largest membership it has ever had in its history, so it is more important than ever to have a strong executive to support its membership. Dawn hopes to be a part of that strong executive.

CRAFT, Nicole

Nicole joined the Department of Medicine in October 2022 as an administrative assistant with the Core Internal Medicine program, and she is now in a term position as Coordinator, Finance and Administration with the Department of Medicine. Nicole was born in Saskatchewan but grew up in Calgary; Friendly football banter is always welcome!

Prior to starting her career, Nicole was a stay-at-home Mom to two biological children (16, 12) and five foster children.

Nicole has been blessed to explore most of her passions; most recently, studying the Spanish language and learning more about neuroscience and spirituality. Nicole also enjoys hiking, being in nature and attending live sporting events.

CONACHER, Edith

Edith currently works as a Coordinator at the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) in the College of Medicine where she has been in this role for over 10 years. Edith is a member of the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus (USASK) and serves as its secretary. Additionally, Edith also served as co-chair for this year’s USask Black History Month Planning Committee. She has an educational background in Social Work, Education and Public Administration.

Outside of campus, Edith is married with three adult children ages 25-28 and recently became a grandmother. Her spare time is spent with family and friends, reading, volunteering for various causes.

WATTS, LaVina

LaVina Watts has worked at the University of Saskatchewan for over 17 years and has been the Manager of Study Abroad and Interdisciplinary Programs for the College of Arts and Science for the past seven years, a position she absolutely loves. LaVina has been a strong advocate for ASPA and served as President for two years (2021-23) and a Vice-President for four years prior.

In her capacity as a member of the ASPA Executive committee, LaVina served on several integral committees, such as Bargaining, Jurisdictional Review (which she is still a member of), Grievance, and Education. She also functioned as the ASPA representative on the Central Strategy Committee for the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL).

LaVina enjoys giving back to the ASPA community and the opportunity to intervene and protect the rights of our members.

YIN, Helen

Helen Yin joined the University, ASPA, and Department of Civil, Geological, and Environmental Engineering as a lab coordinator nine years ago. She was trained in environmental engineering and the reason Helen chose environmental engineering was that she wanted to make a difference to make our planet better.

As a lab coordinator, Helen oversees the safety of the lab as well as facilitates research projects. Outside the University, Helen has been volunteering as a mental health helper in the Chinese community in Canada since COVID.

To Helen, life is an adventure and people with different stories are the most valuable beautiful gifts to our life. Helen is excited to know more people and connect more with people from diverse backgrounds.

2024 ASPA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE OF MEETING

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION (ASPA)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Health Sciences Theatre 1130, E Wing

1:30 pm (Call to order)

Please note: Zoom polls may be used during the meeting. Some devices may need to be updated to view polls.

Click the links below to access documents related to the Annual General Meeting.

ASPA Wins Preliminary Hearing for the Judicial Review Regarding Work of the Bargaining Unit

On February 28, 2024, ASPA went before The Honorable Justice Crooks and successfully argued the application for judicial review was premature and therefore should be dismissed. ASPA has contacted the University to set up a meeting between the parties to discuss the possibilities for damages and your hopeful settlement on this issue. Once those discussions have occurred ASPA will be informing the membership to inform them of next steps.

ASPA respects the decision of The Honorable Justice Crooks and appreciates all those involved in fighting for our membership rights. This is another significant win for our membership. We respect those affected by this delayed process and we promise to do our best to keep all informed.

Lastly, I thank and appreciate all the effort but forward by the current Executive, Past-President, Lavina Watts, Past -Vice President Chris O’Grady, and the retired Memeber Services Officer Darcy Hiryn-Bird for all the hours put into making this a success for all.

“Our movement is of the working people, for the working people, by the working people.” – Samuel Gompers

In Solidarity,

Glenn Billingsley

ASPA Service Awards

Since 2016 ASPA has been recognizing members for their years of service within the ASPA Union.  ASPA recognizes those members who have reached a milestone year of as of December 31 each year. 

This year ASPA will be recognizing 244 members who have been on campus for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years as of December 31, 2023. We would like to thank you for all of your work! 

Continue reading “ASPA Service Awards”

Call for ASPA Executive Nominations 2024

Please consider putting your name forward to join the ASPA Executive.  Completed Nominations are due on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Noon

ASPA Annual General Meeting

The 2024 ASPA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on April 17, 2024, at 1:30pm, Education Building, Quance Theatre, and online via Zoom.

At the AGM, six (6) ASPA Executive positions will need to be filled by election or acclamation.

We are now actively seeking ASPA members who want to join the ASPA Executive.

What is the ASPA Executive?

The ASPA Executive consists of twelve (12) ASPA members who volunteer their time to benefit our Association. The roles of the Executive include determining the strategic direction of ASPA, and to help implement it through participation on ASPA committees. The ASPA Executive is supported by two ASPA employees, who provide operational and strategic support to the ASPA Executive.

Why You Should Join

By joining the ASPA Executive, you can…

  • Provide input into the strategic direction of ASPA.
  • Learn more about what goes on behind the scenes on our campus beyond your own department/unit.
  • Expand your professional network.
  • Gain new skills in areas of your interest.
  • Receive access to the ASPA Matching Grant to support you in your professional development activities (up to $1,100 annually), on top of your APEF.
  • Receive funds to access union-related professional development training.
  • Sit on Joint Committee’s with the employer (such as Position Review Appeals, Merit Audit Review, Jurisdictional Review (New Positions), EFAP, OH&S, Pensions, and others.
  • Have monthly free lunches with the executive team.
  • Power to providing valuable support and guidance
  • Making a positive impact and giving back in a meaningful way to the University community

Who Can Join

  • Executive positions are open to any ASPA member, regardless of their years of employment at the U of S, employment status, work area, or campus (Saskatoon, Regina, or Prince Albert)

What Participation Involves

  • Typically, ASPA Executive members serve three-year terms, but there are circumstances where shorter terms are in effect (such as one-year or two-year terms)
    • These terms are separate from the President, Vice-Presidents, and Treasurer terms, which are each one-year commitments.
  • The Executive meets once per month, in person and Zoom; Executive meetings require about 2.5 hours of time commitment (typically 2nd Thursday in the PM). Lunch is provided for in-person attendees.
  • Executive members can optionally participate on ASPA committee(s) of their interest.
  • Typically, Executive members contribute their ASPA volunteer time during regular work-time hours. Our Collective Agreement describes the ability of ASPA members to contribute time for ASPA business (Article 5.4), without the need for ASPA Executive members to compensate their volunteer time through working extra hours.
  • There are additional professional development benefits and opportunities when volunteering on the ASPA Executive; join the team!

How to Join

If you are interested in joining the ASPA Executive, you need to be nominated, as shown on the Nomination Form. Please plan to submit a completed Nomination Form to the ASPA email aspa@aspasask.ca by noon on Friday, March 15, 2024, so that your name can be added to the list before the AGM.

Brianna Groot, the current chair of the ASPA Nominating Committee, will answer any questions and help ensure all nominations are complete and submitted before the date above.

If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns about the nomination process, please contact ASPA at aspa@aspasask.ca or 306-966-2471.

If you have additional questions about the Executive duties or commitment, please contact the ASPA Nominating Committee members, in confidence:

President’s Message

February 2024What has ASPA been up to?

Prince Albert Campus Visit

The ASPA president and two vice presidents and our admin assistant visited the PA campus on November 20, 2023. Currently, there are seventeen (17) members at the PA campus and twelve (12) of the ASPA members working on PA campus attended our lunch and learn gathering. ASPA members from PA campus appreciated our visit. They also had many questions to leadership regarding issues such as benefits, leave, salary revision/reviews, vacation accumulation, and hosting events/socials in PA. Thanks to Bonnie Kraska, Operations Manager, from PA campus for coordinating this event.

Continue reading “President’s Message”

The Union Wage Premium Remains Strong Across Canada

Written by Adam D.K. King January 22, 2024 ∙ The Maple ∙ 

A new report also finds that unionization’s advantages are greatest among workers who otherwise face disadvantages in the labour market. Despite organized labour facing decades of attacks from employers and governments, the union wage premium remains strong. 

Continue reading “The Union Wage Premium Remains Strong Across Canada”

Did You Know – Prescription Vaccinations

Prescription vaccinations covered by benefit plan

Are you planning on a hot holiday this winter, worried about getting shingles, or are susceptible to respiratory viruses? Our benefits provider, Sun Life, covers the cost of some prescribed vaccines that aren’t covered by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan including RSV vaccines, Shingrix, and Twinrix to name a few. To be eligible a doctor must prescribe the vaccine. Please note the cost of administering the vaccine is not covered by the plan but if you have a health spending account, you can submit the cost for reimbursement. To find out if a vaccine is covered, please use the drug lookup tool on the Sun Life website or app or call 1-800-361-6212. If you don’t have a family doctor or can’t get in to see your doctor, all USask employees and their families have access to virtual health care through Lumino Health.

This update can be found in the YouSask Faculty and Staff Newsletter.