Call to order: 3:05 PM
Motion to call meeting to order: Elfreda Murray; 2nd: Sam Scrimshaw
Executive in attendance: President – Mike Framst, VP – Evonne Cugliari, Chief Steward – Sue Rattray, Treasurer – Wendy Dresser, Secretary – Jen Woodburn, Steward for Chef’s Hall – Tara McAuley
Transit Program Update
The U of G Employee Transit Pass program ended on September 30, 2025. Until then, enrolled staff paid $2.25 per ride with a monthly cap of $72. As of October 1, employees pay standard Guelph Transit fares through the OnYourWay system. FSEA explored options with Hospitality to continue a local subsidy, but the complexity and cost made it unfeasible.
Social Events
Family Christmas Party — December 14, 2025: Crafts at the Athletic Centre, pizza party, and skating at the U of G arena. U of G Hockey Night date to be announced.
Financial Update
Current bank balances: Unit 2 – $52,906 | Unit 1 – $78,591. These funds are used for member support (flowers for births, deaths, retirements), sponsored events, and legal fees as needed.
Due to the good health of the accounts, the Executive will be distributing Walmart Gift Cards to members around December 1st: Unit 2 members will receive $50 cards; Unit 1 members will receive $100 cards.
Regular Full-Time Positions
The Association continues to push for more regular full-time positions, with ongoing conversations with management about providing quality year-round employment for members.
Member Questions & Issues
Cooks Towels/Cleaning Cloths: Members raised concerns that towels are not sturdy enough and that the allocation of two per shift is insufficient. The Executive will raise this with management.
Staffing: Many areas are short-staffed and struggling to complete work on time. Members need two consecutive days off. The Executive acknowledged the strain is real and will be in conversation with management. Historically, pressure eases after Thanksgiving.
Unit 2 Wage Increases: Part-time employees should have received a 3.5% increase in August. The increases are still being processed by HR/Total Compensation, and retroactive pay will be issued once finalized.
Parking: Oversold parking continues to be a problem. No progress has been made despite raising it repeatedly with HR and at bargaining. The Association will continue to push. Some “lot full” signs have been installed.
Workload Survey Results — Key Findings
A preliminary report has been completed and will be distributed once finalized. Key findings:
- Members report high job satisfaction and strong co-worker support
- Main concern: workload and pace — short staffing means 60% of members are skipping breaks
- Low recognition: hard work often goes unnoticed
- Few opportunities for skill development or advancement
- Unpredictable schedules and little control over work methods
Fixing staffing, breaks, recognition, and development will be key bargaining goals.
Other Business
Unit 1 Flex Credits allocation window: November 1–20. A suggestion was raised to replace the Dance/Dinner event with a Blue Jays baseball game.
Motion to adjourn: Kathy; 2nd: Kerry
UGFSEA 