COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BASIC SKILL DEVELOPMENT
- STEWARDS’ TRAINING I (Basic)
The steward is the main point of contact between the union, its members, management, and the larger labour movement. The leadership the steward can give and the effectiveness with which the job is carried out are key to building strong and dynamic local unions. This course is about building the skills, confidence and knowledge the steward needs to represent, and communicate with, their members. Participants will learn about the responsibilities of their position as stewards, the handling of grievances and complaints, problem-solving skills, protecting contractual provisions in the collective agreement and current issues for stewards. Please bring your collective agreement with you.
- STEWARDS’ TRAINING II
(Grievance Handling)
This course is for chief stewards, committee chairpersons, local officers and stewards with considerable experience handling grievances. You will practice more advanced grievance handling skills using real life case studies and role plays. Participants will discuss discipline grievances, harassment, drug and alcohol issues, and different styles of management. The course will deal with procedures before the process of arbitration. Please bring your collective agreement with you. Knowledge of the first stages of the grievance procedure will be assumed.
Prerequisite: Stewards’ Training I or equivalent union
course
- PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AND
PUBLIC SPEAKING
This course deals with how to run a union meeting; the duties of a chairperson and the rules of order; the principles and characteristics of effective speaking; how to organize and build a speech; the use of humour and gestures; how to be convincing and persuasive; the art of impromptu speaking; introductions and speeches of courtesy; and to provide first-hand experience in speaking before a group. This course is excellent for local union officers and aspiring politicians.
Good communication cuts through the clutter. It does this by getting the right message, in the right medium, delivered by the right messengers, to the right audience. This hands-on course will provide union members with the skills to effectively use communications to educate, motivate and mobilize their members and communities, and to get Labour's message across to the public. Topics include dealing with the media and on-camera training, message development and delivery, earned media vs paid advertising, designing eye-catching newsletters, leaflets, buttons, t-shirts and other stuff, lobbying for change, and effective use of email and the internet. Participants will work in teams to put together a communications strategy. This course is a must for any union who has something to say and wants to learn the best way to say it.
This course offers union women an opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills and knowledge in a variety of current and emerging labour issues. A major component of the course will cover communication and motivational skills that are important for women activists. Participants will leave the course ready to take an active role in their union.
This course is designed to give young union activists the skills they need to effect change in their workplace. The course will cover public speaking, how meetings are run, how to read your contract, grievance procedure basics (what is a grievance, how to file a grievance, and grievance steps up to and including arbitration), and the collective bargaining process.
Participants are requested to bring a copy of their collective
agreement.
CHANGING WORKPLACE
This course deals with evolving employer agendas and management styles that are used to implement new programs in the workplace. You will learn about management's hard-line and soft-line approaches, various workplace strategies for reorganization, team concepts, and employee involvement schemes.
This course is designed to teach a critical awareness of the latest management tactics so the union can protect and advance its agenda. We hope to better equip participants with some of the necessary skills to deal with management and win the hearts and minds of your membership at the same time.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
- COLLECTIVE BARGAINING (Basic)
This course develops an understanding of the Collective Bargaining process, how it works and the skills you will need to participate in the process. Participants will learn about preparations for collective bargaining, bargaining proposals from the membership, key contract clauses and current bargaining issues. An opportunity is provided to analyze union and management tactics in a "mock bargaining" session.
This course will be of interest to new bargaining committee members and local union officers who are involved or anticipate being involved in actual bargaining. Bring a copy of your collective agreement and a calculator for this course.
- COLLECTIVE BARGAINlNG (Advanced):
Bring a copy of your collective agreement and a calculator as we work with different strategies and tactics for effectively facing today's challenges at the bargaining table. How do we deal with workplace change - restructuring, automation or new technology? What language best protects workers against unfairness in drug & alcohol testing or electronic monitoring? How do we prepare our membership and the union to deal with concession demands in pension and health benefit plans? This is a course for students who have taken Basic Collective Bargaining and have some experience on a bargaining committee.
PENSIONS
- PENSIONS – A TRADE UNION PERSPECTIVE
Pensions are an important part of worker wage and benefit packages. Their future importance may increase as government commitments to social programs continue to decline. This course will review some basic areas such as pension objectives, the legal environment and funding concepts. The course will assist you in evaluating your own pension arrangement, give you ideas to improve an existing plan or give you enough information to know what needs to be done to establish a plan. The course will address pension issues from a private and a public pension perspective. The course will enable workers to make more valuable contributions to their union's pension policy or pension committees.
Participants should bring any information
pertaining to their current pension plan to the
course.
- PENSION INVESTMENT AND GOVERNANCE:
BASIC
The basic-level course is geared for newly appointed or soon-to-be appointed trustees, pension advisory committee members, union executives, and staff with responsibility for pension matters.
This course will explore the basics of pension investment and governance giving participants an understanding of key concepts, the overall structure of the Canadian retirement system, the fundamentals of pension investment strategies and how to understand actuarial valuations.
SHARE's courses are interactive and hands-on, providing you with the practical knowledge and skills you need to serve plan members' best interests.
There is a $500 surcharge to attend this course.
- PENSION INVESTMENT AND GOVERNANCE:
INTERMEDIATE
Pension trustees, plan administrators and pension advisory committee members will develop their skills further in order to actively oversee pension investment and plan governance.
By the end of this 4-day course, participants will have more confidence and be more capable and effective in fulfilling their duties.
Key areas covered in the intermediate course include responsible investing; plan governance and communication; and service provider accountability.
Prerequisites: Participants should have previous trustee training courses or at least 3 years experience as a pension trustee to benefit fully from this in-depth course.
There is a $500 surcharge to attend this course.
LEGAL
- ARBITRATION: To Go or Not To Go?
One of the most difficult issues for facing unions is whether to advance grievances to arbitration. It can be a legal minefield when high emotions/expectations intersect with the union's limited resources. Taught by both counsel and arbitrators, this course will focus on providing the legal knowledge required for unions to make informed decisions as to the progress of grievances. Learn the law with respect to representational obligations as well as the standard arbitral law tests in relation to discipline, contract interpretation, job selections and evidence. Significant experience in the arbitral referral process as well as a week-long Basic Arbitration course are prerequisites, with Advanced Arbitration strongly recommended.
- LABOUR ARBITRATION (Basic)
This course is designed to introduce participants to the practical skills required to prepare and present a case at an arbitration hearing. Special emphasis is placed on evidence, examination and cross-examination, the opening statement and final argument, and you will discuss current trends and cases dealing with the arbitration process. This course would be useful for grievance committee members or chairpersons, or union staff or officers who have not yet had extensive experience with the arbitration process.
- LABOUR ARBITRATION (Advanced)
As a follow-up course to the Labour Arbitration Basic course, this course has an emphasis on necessary verbal and procedural skills. It deals primarily with the conduct of the hearing for example, with the rules of evidence, examination-in-chief, and cross-examination. Prerequisite: This course is recommended only for staff or officers with considerable arbitration experience.
This course presents an overview of provincial labour legislation and its impact on the strategies and actions of unions. Among the topics to be explored are: certification and dispute settlement procedures; unfair labour practices; the duty to bargain in good faith; strikes, lockouts and picketing; the duty of fair representation; management and union rights; and grievance arbitration law.
Students who take this course will attain a good understanding of the basic principles underlying Canadian labour law and the specifics of labour legislation in British Columbia.
Anyone taking this course may receive credit toward a Labour College of Canada certificate. Please contact the Winter School Director for further details.
This course presents an overview of the new federal labour legislation and its impact on the strategies and actions of unions. Among the topics to be explored are: certification and dispute settlement procedures; unfair labour practices; the duty to bargain in good faith; strikes, lockouts and picketing; the duty of fair representation; management and union rights; and the grievance arbitration process.
Students who take this course will attain a good understanding
of the basic principles underlying Canadian
labour law and the specifics of labour legislation in the federal
jurisdiction.
Anyone taking this course may receive credit toward a Labour College of Canada certificate. Please contact the Winter School Director for further details.
Recent human rights decisions from the Supreme Court of Canada have expanded the duty of employers and unions to accommodate workers on the basis of sex, race, disability and religious beliefs with both positive and negative implications for unions. It can be difficult to understand the extent of the duty and the point at which accommodation becomes undue hardship. Participants will gain an understanding of human rights law and skills in identifying appropriate accommodations and in implementing strategies to reduce the potential for negative impact on the bargaining unit.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY
- WORKERS’ COMPENSATION (Basic)
All workers should know their rights related to Workers Compensation and how the Board functions to provide financial, medical and rehabilitative help for workers with work related injuries and diseases. This course provides a review of the Workers Compensation Act, procedures for filing claims, WCB policies for adjudicating claims, and the appeals process. This is a basic course and will interest those union members just starting to handle WCB claims and appeals. This class will observe a hearing presentation to a panel of the Review Division.
This is an advanced course for advocates wanting to improve their technical skills for the appeal process. This course includes a review of evidence gathering and preparing submissions. Participants will prepare a case study appeal and mock present to a panel of the Review Division.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY LEVEL I
This introductory Occupational Health & Safety Course introduces new OH&S Committee members, worker representatives, and activists to the basic principles of workplace health and safety and provides them with the tools and skills necessary in the critical work which they do to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses at their workplaces. OH&S Committee members who have had previous OH&S education can use it as a refresher. Participants will learn about the OH&S Regulation, the Workers Compensation Act, and have an opportunity to put theory into practise in various interactive exercises in the course.
• The course meets the criteria for the eight-hour
annual educational leave that OH&S Committee
members and worker representatives are entitled to
under the Workers Compensation Act.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY LEVEL II
This Advanced OH&S course has been designed to allow participants to develop tools, resources, and strategies to tackle more complex issues at their workplaces and to discuss barriers facing Joint Committees. Participants will have an opportunity to develop such strategies as identifying allies, bargaining language, and developing political action campaigns. They will also use sector specific case studies to practically apply the tools, resources, and strategies necessary to solve OH&S problems.
Prerequisite: Participants must have already taken a Basic OH&S course prior to registering in the Advanced course.
• This course meets the criteria for the eight-hour annual educational leave that OH&S Committee members and worker representatives are entitled to under the Workers Compensation Act.
- ACCIDENT/INCIDENT
INVESTIGATIONS
An accident or near miss incident happens at your workplace. It is your responsibility to gather the facts, objectively assess those facts and arrive at appropriate measures to prevent any further injuries. How do you conduct an effective investigation in an often traumatic atmosphere? How do you get beyond blaming the worker? Participants will have an opportunity to practice their interview skills and will conduct an investigation.
Prerequisite: Participants must
have already taken a Basic OH&S Course.
• This course meets the criteria for the eight-hour annual educational leave that OH&S Committee members and worker representatives are entitled to under the Workers Compensation Act.
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Workers in a variety of jobs can be exposed to critical incident stress (CIS) not just emergency responders. This course will cover stress and stressors, policies and guidelines, communication skills, recovery processes from CIS and practical sessions. At the end of the course, participants will be more aware of what CIS is, how to recognize it and how to best deal with those exposed to it. This is an advanced course for graduates of Union Counselling 1.
Prerequisite: Union Counselling I
This is a first level course for members interested in becoming Union Counsellors. The participants will be equipped to refer union members to services and agencies in the community, develop communication skills, discuss stress as it relates to the workplace, deal with myths and realities relating to chemical dependency with a focus on alcoholism and drugs. The Union Counsellor will be equipped to assist members and their families in a confidential and appropriate manner. It is hoped that participants will maintain an ongoing interest in this field. The course will also cover the role of the Union and the Union Counsellor when there is an Employee Assistance Program in the workplace.
This is an advanced course for graduates of Union Counselling 1. Participants will be focusing on ways to implement the Union Counselling Program in their union and their workplace. The course will also address ways to overcome some of the challenges and obstacles usually encountered with that implementation. There will also be an opportunity to further develop some skills learned in Union Counselling 1, and to broaden the participant's knowledge of community resources.
Prerequisite: Union Counselling I
Unions are known for mobilizing around workplace issues such as basic working conditions, wages, and benefit levels, but not always for their work on community and social justice issues. An active union movement coordinates its efforts to strengthen the community and promotes member involvement in that process.
The course is designed to help Labour Councils and Local
Unions understand, organize and participate in communi
ty social service issues, strengthen Labour’s community
presence and develop new activists.
Students should have Union Counselling 1 or equivalent as a prerequisite and/or be a Labour Council/Local Union community activist.
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC POLICY ISSUES
- HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AND ADVOCACY
This course will help participants to: recognize how discrimination and prejudice evolve, examine how the "isms" are connected, explore stereotypes and our own biases, apply the human rights test: accommodation of difference (duty to accommodate), examine systemic barriers in the workplace, increase awareness of the experience of equity-seeking groups, applying conflict resolution skills for the resolution of harassment and discrimination cases and promote union remedies for the advancement of human rights through changes in collective agreements, internal policies and education, lobbying and social action.
SPECIFIC UNION COURSES
Unless otherwise noted, registration for these courses is
through the Winter School Registrar.
- BCGEU LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
If you are a member who has become active in the Union and wants to work toward advancing your skills for future elected positions, then this is the course for you. Increase your understanding of the BCGEU, its history and diverse membership. Learn about the Workplace Leadership program, and current issues facing the labour movement and our communities. Emphasis will be placed on developing your knowledge base on current issues, basic leadership skills, increasing membership participation, and building union solidarity.
Class size is limited to twenty participants plus three youth scholarships and one scholarship for person of colour.
Prerequisite: Involved in the Local as either a Local Officer of Stewards and/or have strong involvement in Local activities and/or campaign initiatives. There is an expectation that you will be called upon to lead and be involved in future initiatives of the BCGEU.
- CUPE MEMBER FACILITATOR TRAINING
CUPE member facilitators are the backbone of CUPE's education program. CUPE National Union Development has selected several CUPE members in BC to take part in training to become facilitators. Using materials from some of the most popular CUPE workshops, this specialized training will focus on all aspects of adult and popular education with lots of opportunity for practice facilitation.
For any questions about this workshop or information about how to become a CUPE member facilitator, please contact CUPE Education Representatives Sisters Judi Armstrong or Connie Credico at 604-291-1940.
- LABOUR COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT
SEMINAR
This seminar is designed for Executive Officers of B.C. Labour Councils. Course content is designed to assist Labour Council Officers in effectively filling their role, developing policy, programs and campaign delivery. Topical policy issues will be addressed.
- LABOUR COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZING
This is a basic course for new labour council officers, interested delegates, or affiliate representatives. Skills developed include basic media awareness, strategic planning, lobbying, campaign planning, and relationship building with politicians. It is intended to help build capacity in our local Labour Councils, and help them put forward a Labour agenda in their communities.
- UNITED STEELWORKERS: ARBITRATION: Prepare And Present
This course is designed to give participants who have previously completed Arbitration 1 and 2, the practical skills required to prepare and present a case at an Arbitration hearing. Special emphasis is placed on evidence, techniques in examination and cross-examination, the opening statement and final arguments, as well as current trends and emerging issues at arbitration.
Note: This intensive course is instructed by the National Office Legal department and is limited to 12 students per class.
Prerequisite: All students must prove their completion of Arbitration: To Go Or Not To Go and Arbitration: We're Going, What Now.
POLITICAL ACTION
The labour movement has always been at the forefront of political change and political action. Our movement has forced governments to legislate important rights for workers like workplace health and safety laws, employment standards and social programs that make a Canadian society that is more fair and equal for all citizens. In recent years, governments have moved to erode many of the gains we fought for, from Employment Insurance to hours of work. We can be more effective in engaging union members in the political process at the municipal, provincial and federal level of politics. We need to keep moving worker's issues forward on the political agenda.
This course will discuss the basic campaign fundamentals, messaging and communications, campaign tactics, media relations and the process of creating a campaign plan. These skills can be applied to internal union campaigns, issue-based campaigns and election campaigns, particularly local government elections.
- BUDGETS, BUDGETS, BUDGETS
Budgets are a key tool of government. Understanding and influencing budgets is important work for trade unions in pursuing the needs of members and the public in general. This workshop focuses on developing skills for analyzing budgets of the provincial government, municipal governments and school districts. It also provides opportunities to develop alternative budget proposals that reflect social priorities and needs, as put forward by unions and community groups. It includes practice at making a case for budget alternatives with the public and union members through budget briefs, opinion pieces for newspapers, articles for union and community publications, and the new media on the Internet.
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