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General Meeting
September 23, 2026
Motion to call the meeting to order
Motion: Freda
Welcome from the President
Introduction of the Executive:
President: Mike Framst
Vice President: Evonne Cugliari
Treasurer: Wendy Dresser
Chief Steward: Sue Rattray
Secretary: Jennifer Woodburn
Steward: Tara Mc Auley
Who We Are
The union is there to represent you when you have a workplace issue, make sure the agreement is being followed, and advocate for fair wages, benefits, working conditions and fair treatment.
We are not just here when something goes wrong. We’re here to help members understand their rights, navigate the workplace and make sure they don’t have to deal with a problem on their own.
At the end of the day, we’re here for our members. We’re a group of employees who have come together to make sure we have a voice at work
That is really what the union is about-a collective voice and having each other’s backs
Financials
Wendy spoke about the current bank account totals.
Unit 1 $62,362
Unit 2 $ 42,152.
This money is used to pay for flowers that are sent when there is a death or a birth in a member’s family, or for a retirement celebration. The money is used to help pay for FSEA sponsored events like the Xmas party, Hockey Night, and Summer BBQ. It is also used for lawyer fees as necessary.
This year we are going to give the membership Gift Cards due to the good health of the accounts. In December Unit 1 will receive a $100 Gift Card and Unit 2 will receive a $50 Gift Card.
This is proportional to the dues paid by part time/ full time, and is considered a return of dues.
Grievance/Complaint software
AI Grievance Software
Evonne spoke about how the Association has begun using a new AI-powered grievance and labour-relations software platform developed by a university professor and currently implemented by several major organizations. The Association was able to participate at the ground level and secured a one-year free trial, followed by a negotiated subscription rate of $200 per month, reduced from the original $400 per month.
The software provides access to a broad knowledge base, including uploaded collective agreement language, labour legislation, arbitration decisions and other relevant labour-relations resources. It can help identify relevant provisions, legislation and precedents, assist with framing and assessing issues, and provide guidance on potential next steps.
This tool is intended to complement, not replace, the knowledge and experience of the Association’s executive and legal counsel. It gives the Association additional research and analytical support and helps us respond to member issues more effectively, consistently and efficiently.
Social
Sue spoke about the upcoming social events that FSEA have scheduled. In December a Family Holiday party is scheduled on December 20th. The holiday event takes place in the Gym, starting with crafts, face painting, a picture with Santa and cookie decorating.Then guests can move to the arena for lunch and an afternoon of ice skating.
In January 2027 we will have a night of Gryphons Hockey. Tickets for the event will be available in the new year for admission, food and a change to win a door prize.
Guelph Transit
Onyourway2Work Program
In partnership with Guelph employers, Guelph Transit’s ONYOURWAY2WORK Program provides employees with discounted, easily accessible transit. We take care of 10% and the employer takes care of the other 10%, providing employees with a discount of up to 20% off the cost of regular adult fares.
https://guelph.ca/living/getting-aroung/bus/fares-and-passes/onyourway2work-program/
Snow Days
In accordance with HR policy 512 and its obligations Hospitality Services, the University will identify those essential services and associated positions on an annual basis and provide a list to the Association and those impacted employees. Those part time employees that are employed in positions designated by Hospitality Services as being essential and that are required to work during an emergency closure will be paid at straight time for all hours worked (in addition to their regular pay).
Those regular full-time and limited full-time employees that are employed in positions designated by Hospitality Services as being essential, and that are required to work during an emergency closure, will be paid as follows: (i) (ii) straight time for all hours worked ( in addition to their regular pay); OR an equivalent amount of time off (in addition to their regular pay) to be utilized at a later date at a time mutually agreeable to the supervisor, subject to department operational requirements being met.
Parking
At the moment, there is nothing in the works to give members a break with the cost of parking. Each round of negotiations, we fight to try and lower the cost of parking. So far, no union on campus has had any success. We still fight for it though.
Minimum wage increase
Minimum wage is set to increase to $17.95 on October 1st. Part time staff are the ones affected by this. The levels above $17.95 will not increase when the hourly rate changes.
Negotiations
We will be going into negotiations in the summer of 2027. It is 9 months away, but not too early to be thinking about it. We have been building a list of points for negotiations and will be keeping a close eye on what the other labour unions are doing in their negotiations
Pensions
All staff are encouraged to explore their pension portal.
Here is the website:
https://myupp.ca/members/member-portal/
FSEA WEBSITE
Check it out!
https://ugfsea.ca/
Motion to Adjourn meeting:
Motion: Sam |
