On November 15, the Globe and Mail reported on the meeting of G20 leaders in Washington, DC. Read the entire article here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081115.wmeltdown111...

Leaders of the world's major economies took their first coordinated steps toward stabilizing the global financial system Saturday. The Group of 20 industrialized and emerging countries promised to co-operate more closely on strengthening regulation of financial markets, aligning accounting standards, reviewing executive compensation, and shedding light on the exotic credit products that helped fuel the recent economic crisis.

Please remember that ASPA is holding two General Meetings this week to provide a Bargaining and Conciliation Update to members. You are strongly encouraged to attend one of the two offerings:

Thursday, November 20
3:00pm
Room 105 - Thorvaldson

Friday, November 21
3:00pm
Room 133 - Arts

If you have questions concerning the timing of these meetings, please refer to the earlier article, Timing of ASPA Meetings.

Last Wednesday, the Star-Phoenix reported on the remarkable strength of the Saskatchewan economy. See the original article here:

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=da74f867-6...

Fluctuating commodity prices make it difficult to forecast government revenues in a commodity-based economy, like Saskatchewan's. But Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer isn't complaining too loudly, especially since many of his provincial counterparts are dealing with deficits and economic slowdowns these days.

"Saskatchewan's economy... is a bit of a sea of tranquility in the middle of very turbulent and stormy times,'' Gantefoer told reporters at a news conference to announce the province's mid-term financial report.

Prevalence Declining
Statistics Canada published a long-term Workplace and Employee Survey on 24 September, 2008. This study showed that the prevalence of performance-related pay systems is on the decline in Canada. In 1998, the figure stood at just over 40% but by 2005, this had been reduced substantially to 36.9%. This represents a substantial decline of nearly 10% over the period.

Are They Appropriate at the University?
Many authors in the field of compensation and management recommend strongly against the use of incentive pay in high-engagement work places. The overall conclusion is that such pay practices undermine teamwork, collaboration and engagement, the very desired characteristics of the “Engaged University.”

ASPA’s 30th Anniversary Finale last Friday was a huge success! Greetings were warmly accepted by the attendees from Trent Kolbe, ASPA President, and Peter MacKinnon, University President, as was the good food, fine wine (and beer, of course), and the wonderful company of all ASPA members. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated this high point in ASPA’s years – there are many, many more to come!! A special thank you also to the members of the 30th Anniversary Committee for all their hard work in putting this, and the two earlier celebrations leading up the 30th Anniversary Finale, over the past year.

Sandra Paradis
30th Anniversary Committee Chair
ASPA Member-at-Large

Members of ASPA may be unfamiliar with the term "unfair labour practice". In light of the University''s recent action of filing an application for an Unfair Labour Practice against ASPA, we provide the following information for our members.

An "Unfair Labour Practice", or ULP, is defined in Section 11 of the Trade Union Act.

It is with regret that ASPA has learned of the University's decision to file an application for an Unfair Labour Practice with the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board.

It is ASPA's preliminary understanding that this pertains to developments that took place during conciliation talks between the parties in recent weeks.

In the meantime, ASPA remains committed to continuing its efforts to conclude a satisfactory collective agreement. Meetings between the Bargaining Team and the Negotiations Advisory Committee are underway and will continue toward the development of proposals and ideas that can be used to restart the currently adjourned conciliation process. Other approaches aiming at a successful conclusion of bargaining are being developed in parallel with this effort.

ASPA is excited to announce the culmination of our 30th Anniversary activities:

ASPA 30th Anniversary Reception
TODAY - Friday, November 14, 2008
3:00pm
Marquis Hall

Please join us in celebrating this historic year for ASPA, meet some special guests, and enjoy some food and a drink on us!

Further to other information releases on this website, ASPA has prepared a document which further expands upon ASPA's settlement proposal and the principles which form it's foundation. All members are encouraged to review this document to assist in informing themselves prior to the General Meetings scheduled for November 20 and 21. Further information will continue to be released over the coming days.

What is ASPA Proposing? (PDF)

ASPA encourages members to review the many other Bargaining Updates and articles published on this website. Of particular note:

ASPA's Proposal: "A Good Investment"

The Saskatchewan Government has released its Mid-Year Report, showing that the province's finances remain strong in the midst of turmoil in the financial markets. Read the entire story here:

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=18497e83-1804-4e12-a08c-f35e35f4457a

Despite the recent drop in oil prices, provincial revenue shows continued growth in Saskatchewan's tax base, potash revenue and Crown land sales. Saskatchewan's financial position remains strong and the provincial government is still on track to reduce the provincial debt by $2.7 billion, or by about 40 per cent this year.