ASPA Advocate
Welcome to the online home of ASPA at the University of Saskatchewan
Closure of International Centre for Northern Governance and Development
University of Saskatchewan says provincial funding cut means closure of research centre
The University of Saskatchewan says it has to close a research centre because funding was cut in the provincial budget. Read More
University to offer buyouts to ASPA Union
University of Saskatchewan to offer voluntary buyouts to ASPA union members: memo
May 24, 2017 Alex MacPherson
The University of Saskatchewan is planning to offer voluntary buyouts to members of the 1,100-strong ASPA union as part of the school’s plan to deal with a five-per-cent cut to …Read More
President’s Message
My name is Peter Krebs and it is my pleasure to announce the recent decision made by the ASPA Executive members to appoint a new president/vice-president complement for the year 2017-2018.
I have accepted the position of ASPA President for this year. I have done so in knowing that I will be supported by the two experienced vice-presidents, Lisa Bagonluri and Dawn Giesbrecht; that I can count on my fellow ASPA Executive members for their wisdom and guidance; and last but not least, that the all-important business of the association is in the capable hands of our staff members, Annetta Gellner and Darcy Hryn. Read More
The Origins of April 28th as The Day of Mourning
At the 1984 Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress a resolution was adopted declaring April 28th as a “National Day of Mourning” to honour those workers in Canada who have been killed, injured or disabled on the job, or who suffer from occupational diseases. April 28th was chosen because on that day in 1914 Ontario proclaimed the first comprehensive Workers Compensation Act in Canada. Read More
How Weakened Privacy Laws In America Affect Canadians
How Weakened Privacy Laws In America Affect Canadians | Matthew Held
Huffington Post Canada
Internet users want convenience and privacy. However, more convenience means less privacy and vice versa. In a 2010 Wall Street Journal article, … Read more
ASPA Service Awards Recipients – AGM APRIL 25, 2017
2016 was the inaugural year for the ASPA Service Awards, and the initiative continues for 2017.
We would like to thank you, and recognize you for your years of service to the University of Saskatchewan as an ASPA member.
ASPA AGM Update
Please note updated info regarding the upcoming ASPA Annual General Meeting:
NOTICE
ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY
PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION (ASPA)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017
241 ARTS BLDG.
3:00 pm (Call to order)
There will be several door prize draws.
You must be in attendance to win.
A Social will follow at The University Club
AGENDA
ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
241 Arts
3:00 pm (Call to Order)
The University agrees to allow ASPA members time away from their duties to attend this meeting. Arrangements should be made within your department to minimize disruptions.
AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Adoption of Minutes
- Annual General Meeting, April 28, 2016
- Business Arising from the Minutes
- Election of Officers 2017 – 2018
- President’s Report
- Treasurer’s Report
- Questions on the Committee Reports
- Thank you to the retiring Executive Members
- Introduction of the 2017 – 2018 Executive
- Motion to destroy the ballots
- New Business
- Adjournment
A social will be held at the University Club immediately following the meeting.
Click to access the 2016 AGM Minutes
Access the 2016-2017 AGM Reports here.
NOMINATIONS
The following nominations have been received for Executive Member:
BROCK EGETO – Employment Coordinator, Student Employment and Career Centre, SESD
Brock joined the university in 2013 as an ASPA member. He has been on the ASPA Executive for the past three years serving on the Communications / Public Relations, Research and Engagement Committees.
DAWN GIESBRECHT – Departmental Assistant / Instructor, Division of Biomedical Sciences
Dawn has served as president-elect and the past two years as president. She has given leadership to the Administrative Employees Consultative Committee (AECC), the grievance process, Jurisdiction and New Positions Committee, Scope and Classifications Committee, negotiations, and general ASPA representation. She has been an ASPA member since September 1999.
ANDREA SMIDA – Biosafety Officer, Safety Resources, Human Resources
Andrea has been an ASPA member since January 2008. She has served on the ASPA Executive since December 2012 with involvement in the Research Committee, the Engagement Committee and the New Positions Committee.
LAVINA WATTS – Study Abroad Coordinator, Programs Office, College of Arts and Science
This past year LaVina stepped up to fill a vacant position on the Executive until the end of the term. She has been a member of ASPA since October 2013.
Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Annual General Meeting.
Click to access the 2016-2017 Executive List
Click to access the 2016-2017 Committees List
Do you travel for work?
Did you know that travelling for work related activities is considered work time?
Did you know that the University has a policy and procedure regarding travel and travel expenses?
If you travel for work related activities, the time you travel is considered work time and you should be compensated accordingly. If you are required to travel off campus or away from your principal office/work location for University business then you can claim expenses incurred and the time travelling is considered work time. Read More
SASKATCHEWAN’S 2017 AUSTERITY BUDGET
By Andrew Stevens and Charles Smith
Saskatchewan’s 2017 budget landed with an unenthusiastic thud last week. Riddled with cuts, job losses, public sector wage reductions, and tax increases, the Saskatchewan Party’s austerity budget has garnered few friends, with critics ranging from organized labour movement to small businesses. The government’s budget has several fiscal goals: aggressively tackle its $1.3-billion deficit in three short years, overhaul the tax structure away from progressive forms of taxation to consumption taxes, and dismantle key aspects of the social welfare state. Read more!
Beyond Bread and Butter
Jacobin, December 27
When we think of strikes, we usually think of disputes over wages and benefits. Strikes make the case that it’s easier for bosses to pay workers more than to run a company without them. But unions often fight for more than money. Workers can walk off the job to demand new rights at work, fighting for control over their working conditions.
