Bargaining for Residence Dons | 2023

Your Bargaining Committee will develop a short survey (~10-12 minutes).  Please watch your Queen’s email for more information (check your junk mail folder).

Survey data will be used to set the bargaining priorities for the Membership as a whole, and will be shared below for Members to review.

Short Survey: 

Survey Data:

Isa (Daniel) Fichtinger

Hello everyone, my name is Isa! I’m stepping into my fifth year in Computer Science at Queen’s, and thrilled to start my second year serving as a Don. While many of you may recognize me from our recent unionization campaign, I realize we also have a number of new faces among the Dons this year.

For those unfamiliar with my background, I was intimately involved with the campaign to unionize right from the get-go. I was there at the genesis of the idea and part of the pioneering group of Dons who first liaised with USW. As a member of the Internal Committee, I was privileged to campaign alongside some remarkably talented individuals. Their collaboration enabled me to authentically champion our cause, persuading numerous Dons who ultimately voted for unionization. This journey expanded my social interactions, letting me engage with a diverse group of Dons from various backgrounds, bolstering my appreciation for the consistent hard work they invest every day to maintain Residence as a safe and welcoming home for our students.

Through the campaign, I gained significant insights into the intricacies of how Residence operates, and, most crucially, what the Dons truly need and deserve. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Bargaining Committee, and I believe that my campaign experience makes me uniquely equipped to effectively represent each of you at the bargaining table.

Nate (Layth) Malhis

Nate (Layth) Malhis is a dedicated candidate running for the position of union representative for our residence Don team. Currently a fifth-year Concurrent Education student at Queen’s University, specializing in History and FNMI Curricula, Nate brings a wealth of experience and commitment to this role. Having worked in various roles since the age of 15, Nate is well knowledgeable on the divide and the exploitative nature employees face in the workspace. Having completed practicums in the English Developing Learners program, Nate has a proven track record of bridging gaps in diverse classroom settings.

Nate’s unique perspective, combined with his passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, makes him an excellent candidate for the role of union representative. His vision includes the integration of culturally responsive strategies that promote understanding and collaboration among our diverse team of residence Dons. Vote for Nate to ensure effective representation and a brighter future for our union and community.

Aarchi Shah

A second-year undergraduate
I am an international student going into my second year in the Faculty of Arts and Science. This being my first-year donning, I am eagerly waiting to meet and assist the incoming students have a smooth transition to Queen’s by associating with them and joining the team to make important decisions about the proposals and regulations.

Having worked for the Queen’s front desk and clubs such as MUN, DANCERAMA, and QSAT, I have been able to lead some events, communicate with numerous students and members, take essential steps, make decisions, and know how to back them up. I strongly believe this has made me more prepared for the bargaining position.

If elected to the team, I will be thrilled to listen to more views and ideas brought to our attention! I will utilize my skills and experiences to review them thoroughly and negotiate the agreement. Observing the bargaining procedure closely, giving the members in the union and students an equal opportunity to share their views would be one idea I would implement.

I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to working with the unions in bargaining and the negotiating process!

Jessica Sun

Hello, my name is Jessica Sun and I am excited to run for the Residence Don Bargaining Committee. As a health science student with a passion for equitable healthcare, I am eager to bring positive change to this community.

A bit about me: Last year I was media assistant and academic writer for the Learning Theory Dog Project at Bader College. This year, I am a Bader College Ambassador and Tour Guide.

Through my studies in health science, I have engaged in critical discussions of social justice, equitable healthcare, and workers’ rights in healthcare. These experiences have fueled my passion for improving collective well-being in healthcare, and now for residence dons.

Recognizing the vulnerable position dons are in with the possibility of overworking and blurred responsibilities, I am determined to protect our rights so that we can fulfill our duties in a supportive and fair work environment while ensuring our own positive university experience.

Having captained a rep hockey team and a varsity field hockey team, I have honed essential skills in team building, communication, and conflict resolution. I understand how to consolidate ideas and reach an agreement that pursues our best interests. I will bring this experience to the committee and be an active listener, ensuring every person’s concern is voiced to Queen’s and keeping dons informed throughout the process. With a strong work ethic and dedication, I commit to negotiating a contract in which we are properly represented and protected. Thank you for your support and consideration.

Xian Tronsgard

Hello! My name is Xian Tronsgard. I’m a second year BAH student who has been employed at Queen’s as a Front Desk Representative during the Academic and Conference 2022-2023 year. I am ecstatic to participate in this campaigning process – a crucial step for advocating our rights and interests as Dons.

The reason for the union is to establish fair compensation that reflects the various responsibilities required as a Don. We need to facilitate meaningful conversation with Reslife regarding the expectations and the support needed to be successful.

The effective communication, leadership and teamwork skills I possess will be used to ensure the best results. With over five years of marketing and project management experience for student-lead organizations, most notably for a Canadian medical start-up company, I can concisely relate information to elicit a desired response.

My leadership style emphasizes communication and transparency, ultimately improving motivation. Through learning about the union’s importance throughout my Queen’s employment, I am dedicated to providing the best negotiations to address the historically high Residence Don turnover rate.

My optimism for actionable positive change stems from this diverse team. We all became dons for different reasons, yet we are here today to impact these students’ lives. Even just the brief meeting at orientation, I’m excited to know each and everyone of you and amplify your voice. Let’s foster a better relationship with ResLife, one where we’re passionate, supported and inspired to be not only better Dons, but better Queen’s leaders.

Jun Wei (Allen) Wu

Hello! My name is Allen, and I’m honored and enthusiastic to be running for a position on the upcoming USW Residence Dons Bargaining Committee.

Having spent this past year as a Residence Facilitator, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with my dedicated Residence Don team, allowing me to gain valuable insight to better comprehend the difficulties and situations Dons face on a day-to-day basis.

My desire to be a part of this committee is driven by my passion to create a workplace environment that is both fair and equal for all members.

I believe I am an ideal candidate to represent USW on the upcoming bargaining committee as I’ve been a strong advocate for improving the student residence experience.

My leadership roles within the Residence Society, Alma Mater Society, and Providence Care Hospital have allowed me to build a strong background in conflict resolution, effective communication, and advocacy, enabling me to help push for our Dons’ interests and facilitate productive negotiations.

As a candidate, I believe in prioritizing transparency, open communication, and active engagement between involved parties. I am confident that by fostering a collaborative atmosphere, we can attain positive outcomes that benefit all members of our community.

If elected, I will wholeheartedly dedicate my time and efforts to ensure that the concerns and needs of every Don are heard and addressed during negotiations.

Together, we can build an inclusive and supportive environment where every Don feels valued and empowered.

Jeffrey You

Hey! I’m Jeffrey, a returning Residence Don at Queen’s University. Now, there’s no denying that there are benefits to being a don here, but now with a union, there’s actually an opportunity to make things better. Let me represent you in our chance to push our ideas forward, to let our voices be heard, and to enact lasting changes that will improve the jobs of dons for the years to come.

Previously, when I was the Student Senator, I created a student committee, BHSSF or the ‘Federation’ to bring together students and clubs in unity to improve student life and provide advancement opportunities in student voice and leadership. Together, we petitioned against unreasonable rules, proposed health-related changes, and improved city public transit.

Many years back, the cafeteria prices were excessive at my high school, so I contacted the food service. They lowered prices and installed a price menu for transparency! Organizations will listen, but it’s often our job to guide them in the right direction, correcting errors that exist and bargaining for improvements to come.

My goal on the bargaining committee is to maximize the benefits of each and every individual beyond the total costs of the job (both mental and physical) and beyond what we had before. We will make our union meaningful and it involves the thoughts and opinions of each and every one of you. I will bargain for your future, our future together as Residence Dons.

Details
It’s time to negotiate a better Collective Agreement
The role of the bargaining committee is to negotiate the best possible collective agreement that reflects the priorities of the membership.

Bargaining Committee Composition
There will be 3 positions on the Bargaining Committee, the President, plus 2 Members. The election will establish the 2 committee positions.

Eligibility
To be eligible for election to the Bargaining Committee, Members must hold a work contract with Queen’s Residence this upcoming academic year.

Bargaining Committee Responsibilities

• Survey the membership regarding bargaining issues;
• Development, review and revision of bargaining proposals;
• Ensure members’ priorities and concerns are reflected in the proposals;
  Attend negotiations at the bargaining table as a key part of the union team;
• Decide which proposals to withdraw, which ones to revise and which ones to retain during negotiations;
• Recommend acceptance or rejection of a tentative agreement and explain to the membership how their priorities and concerns are reflected in the settlement.