During these times of quarantine and pandemic, people often take the opportunity to reflect. How much toilet paper does the average person use in a month? Should I change out of my pajamas before noon? And most importantly... what is APSA?
As social distancing is in effect, our plans for APSA professional development have had to change. We are planning your APSA online workshops and will announce these as they become available.
Also, thank you to our members who gave us ideas for workshops that you would like to see from us. We are considering all your suggestions.
In the meantime, we've curated some workshops that may be of interest to you from LinkedIn Learning, edX and Coursera.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to participate in our annual member survey. Here are the results of this year's survey. A few members asked for answers to specific questions, please contact APSA directly as we require more information from you to answer these questions. Your call or email is confidential.
We would also like to congratulate the winner of our draw for a $25 Amazon Gift Card...
During these times, you're stepping up and doing your part to reduce the effects of COVID-19. You've been working hard to keep SFU running and engaged. You're leading teams, moving the University to remote teaching and learning and communicating our new normal during this pandemic. All of you have shown strength, productivity and agility.
Here are some quick updates on current issues:
Colin Taylor Award
APSA and the University are returning to arbitration. Due to personal circumstances, Colin Taylor will not be the arbitrator. Both the University and APSA have agreed to Robert Pekeles as the arbitrator instead. The earliest date to begin arbitration is January 2021.
Other Arbitrations
APSA and the University are going to arbitration on a case regarding hours of work.
As I write this, COVID-19 continues to provide challenges to all of us in both our work lives and especially our personal lives.
On a personal level, I find there is a fine line between prudence and paranoia... between too much and just enough information... between things that are relevant to me and things that are not.
Each month, our Advocacy Committee answers your questions about the AD 10 polices (aka, your terms and conditions of employment.)
Here is the Advocacy Committee Chair, Wanda Dekleva, to answer some of your questions about workplace issues.
* Please note, medical notes for COVID-19 and flu symptoms are waived at this time.
Last year, our volunteers worked tirelessly on improving your terms and conditions of employment.
They have attended countless meetings and worked on creating proposals, writing negotiation points, meeting with senior administration and defending members via phone calls and email.
In honour of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), help us celebrate our 39 dedicated and hard-working volunteers. If you know any of these volunteers, please thank them by sending them an email to express your gratitude for the work they do on your behalf.