Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
Quick aside: Is it just me, or does “Brothers and Sisters” feel not quite inclusive? I’m not sure what works better. “Siblings” is fully inclusive, but doesn’t really capture the Solidarity feel of Brother or Sister in this setting. “Fellow Members” also works, but feels a little formal. Let me know what you think would be the most appropriate salutation.
The second quarter is upon us and, as promised, here is the next instalment of our newsletter. (Maybe not quite as soon as I would have liked, but here it is nonetheless.)
Probably the most important thing to bring to your attention is the elections that will be taking place at next week’s Annual General Meeting. ALL of the positions on the Executive are up for grabs. You still have time to nominate someone (or yourself) for any of these jobs.
Contact the Nomination Committee before the meeting to give your nominee a heads up, or nominate from the floor if you want it to be a surprise.
Yours in solidarity,
Jordon Davidson
Communications Officer (Interim)
CUPE 3433
President’s Message
Greetings, MASA members.
We have reached the end of another Winter term! Many of us are preparing for our Summer layoffs, while others are already preparing for the 2026/2027 year. The end of April also brings with it the MASA Annual General Meeting. This year is very important to have a great turnout as every executive position is up for election. Being on the executive is an extremely rewarding path that can develop your education, team building, and other professional skills. I encourage anyone who is interested to nominate yourself for a position.
The next year looks as if it will be active, as the university is coping with reduction in government funding. Through this we must stay vigilant and make sure the employer is not allowed to take shortcuts through our Collective Agreement. Our agreement with the employer is brand new and not negotiable. Please be on the lookout for any changes to your job or other working conditions in the university and do not be shy to bring them up at a meeting or directly to an executive member.
I hope to see everyone at the AGM, and bring your democratic activism!
In Solidarity,
K.C. Hingley,
President CUPE Local 3433
Mount Allison Staff Association
Since Last Time
GMM
The General Membership Meeting held on 25 February was well attended both in-person and online. This was quite encouraging as it was the first GMM held after the ratification of our new Collective Agreement.
Both Parking and the recent provincial budget were hot topics that had a lot of engagement from the attendees.
Regarding parking we are all encouraged to treat the University as a service provider and to speak up if we don’t feel that we, as customers, are treated fairly.
On the topic of the provincial budget, it was pointed out that its effects would not be fully felt until MtA’s 2027 budget, but that we should be vigilant and vocal should we see any trends that would negatively affect the university, and, by extension, ourselves.
There was also a concern about members having access to the Local’s financials. Sadly they are a bit hard to read on the screen at the meeting. The concern of the executive has always been working to avoid providing an opportunity for the employer to be fully versed in our financial situation. However, going forward the Secretary/Treasurer has pledged to provide a written copy of their report at the meetings.
Pleas not that all members have the right to inspect the books at any time. Just contact the Secretary/Treasurer and set up an appointment.
Lunch and Learn
In order to prepare the members for the upcoming executive elections, a lunch and learn was held on 9 April to explain the functions and duties of all the positions on the executive. All who attended came out full of both lunch and knowledge.
CUPE NB Convention
On the 15th through 19th K.C., Alana, and Jordon attended the 63rd annual CUPE NB convention in Fredericton.
As usual there was a lot of information to take in from a diverse array of speakers. Including a bombshell regarding one of the executive members of CUPE NB itself. (We’ll be detailing this in the full report to the members at the AGM.)
Upcoming Events
3433 Annual Membership Meeting
- 29 April from 11h30 – 13h00: Tweedie Hall (In Person only)
- All Executive positions are up for election at this meeting. Members need to be present to cast their votes.
Canada Labour Congress Constitutional Convention
- 11-15 May: Winnipeg, Manitoba (K.C. Hingley attending)
Education Opportunities
- With the potential of a lot of new faces on the executive next week, there are a number of trainings provided for the various roles provided by CUPE NB in the upcoming months. Visit the Education Page for details.