Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
The fall term at MtA is in full swing and we are all very busy. Your exec is looking forward to providing some fun events and a full GMM with plenty of items to discuss.
The Strategic Plan Inplementation Group is holding a number of Consultation Zones on various topics. We encourage you to attend any and all of them to ensure that you are infromed and that your voice is heard.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We are ready to assist.
Yours in solidarity,
Jordon Davidson
Communications Officer
CUPE 3433
Acting President’s Message
Hello Masa Members,
I hope you are all doing well and have been able to enjoy some of the beautiful fall days we have been having.
As some of you may already know, the university has been asking departments to review their operations and identify opportunities to improve workflows and better support institutional needs. To be clear, these discussions are not about layoffs. In many areas, this review process has provided an opportunity to update job descriptions, clarify responsibilities, and improve departmental workflows.
A few things to remember. You are always able to ask questions and reach out to the union if you do not understand why something is happening and how it could affect you. The more we are aware of what is happening with our members, the better we can help make a positive work experience for everyone.
The Collective Agreement is your friend, look it over, familiarize yourself with it. If you do not have a paper copy you can access it online or reach out and we can get you one.
I would also personally like to remind you that our next General Membership Meeting will be held Nov 25th 2026 from 11:30-1pm in Tweedie hall. I hope to see as many of you as possible either online or in person. Lunch will be served for everyone who attends in person if you have dietary restrictions reach out to Charline as soon as possible.
As we head into the hustle and bustle of Exams and the holiday season, remember to keep an eye out for some fun social events being offered by your Masa Social committee.
Take care and see you all soon,
Jess
Acting President CUPE Local 3433
Mount Allison Staff Association
Since Last Time
GMM
On Wednesday 23 September we had the first GMM chaired by Interim President Jessalyn Hart. (Thanks to Jess for stepping up into a bit of an uncomfortable role.)
In her report Jess filled us in with her interactions with the admniistration regarding parking and fitness centre fees, and the removal of the Payroll Deduction program. We are all encouraged to continue to voice concerns to them so they realise that there is real concern from the staff.
She also addressed her interactions with Labour Management regarding the Development Review document and OT caused by student interactions at the end of a shift.
On the bright side the latest staff pricing for meals at Jennings was announced.
Generic emails
We have completed the introduction of generic, position-based emails for the executive. This will provide the members a consistent method of commiunicating with the executive as the position holders come and go over time.
The full slate of emails is as follows:
- cupe.3433.president@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.vp@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.treasurer@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.secretary@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.communications@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.education@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.grievance@gmail.com
- cupe.3433.membershipofficer@gmail.com
MASA Student Retention Award
Cathy Petipas introduced the proposed new award that would replace the existing MASA Bursary. Highlights of the new award are:
- 6 awards annually of $1500 each.
- For full-time students in year 2, 3, or 4 of an undergraduate program.
- Recipients can only recieve the award one time.
A lively discussion ensued and the committee intends to integrate the comments and suggestions to create a revised proposal with the intention of it being voted on at the next GMM in November.
Social Committee
Thanks to all of you who have taken part in our Halloween quiz – there are a few fighting for top spot! It’s not too late to complete the quiz!
MASA’s Great Halloween Brain Battle! – Fill out form
Join us on Friday, October 30th in the Commerce Lounge (1st floor) Avard Dixon, for a treat and some spooky fun. Winner of MASA’s Great Halloween Brain Battle will be announced.
Plans are underway for a Christmas social – if you have any ideas or things that worked/didn’t work in prior years, please let us know at MASASocial@mta.ca. And as always, if you’d like to join our Social Committee, reach out to us – we won’t bite, we promise!
Jess and Char
Education
A couple of Executive members have recently attended CUPE education sessions related to their positions. Any of the membership is welcome to attend CUPE training.
Stayed tuned in the winter semester for a few lunch-n-learns.
Sessions ideas include retirement planning, an ergonomic and posture walkthrough of a proper desk and screen setup to prevent back and eye strain, cybersecurity tips and tricks, Teams tips and tricks, and others.
Anyone having an idea for a Lunch-n-Learn or is interested in CUPE training, please let me know at CUPE.3433.Education@gmail.com.
Charline
MASA Award
The Mount Allison Staff Association Award provides two awards of $1,000 each to eligible MASA members and their immediate family members who are attending Mount Allison University full-time.
Applications for this year’s award must be submitted through the University General Bursary Application in the Self Service portal by 15 November 2026
Upcoming Events
Hallowe’en Lunch Party
- 30 October, 12 noon in the Commerce Lounge, Avard Dixon Building. Tricks, treats and games. Costume Optional
Flu Vaccination Clinic
- 7 November 2026
- 9h00 – 17h30 Tweedie Hall (Wallace McCain Student Centre)
3433 GMM Meeting
- 25 November 2026 (In Person and online)
- Tweedie Hall 11h30 – 13h00
Some items to be discussed and possibly voted on by the membership: – Updates to the MASA Bursary/Award – Installing new technology in the MASA office – Annual Charitable donations to worthy causes.