We are pleased to extend an invitation to apply to the upcoming NCR Union Basics Summer School. If you are interested in learning more about your Union or interested in support your local members, this is the perfect way to learn the basics of the union!
This comprehensive training program aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfill your role as a newly engaged member, a local steward, a local health and safety representative, or newly elected local officer within our union. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and practical exercises, you will gain insights into various aspects of union leadership, advocacy, and member engagement.
Who Can Apply
This event is open to all members of the NCR in good standing, please share this invitation with the members in your local.
Attendance is free, and selected participants will receive rooming accommodations, loss of salary coverage, meals, family care, and mileage coverage, as per the NRC education policy.
Time & Location
The courses will be delivered in person at the Hilton at Lac-Leamy in Gatineau (3 boul. du Casino, Gatineau, QC, J8Y 6X4). Selected participants will be provided rooming accommodations on site for the entire duration of the event and are expected to attend training on all days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sessions start on August 26, at 9 a.m. and end on August 30, at 5 p.m. Participants can choose a course option from the curriculum for Part 1 of the union school which runs from August 26, 9 a.m. to August 28, 12 p.m. and for Part 2 runs from August 28, 1 p.m. to August 30, 5 p.m.
Curriculum
Part 1 (August 26, 9 a.m. – August 28, 12 p.m.)
Option 1 – Talking Union Basics
The TUB is the “cornerstone” of our PSAC Education Program and a prerequisite for most of our other courses. This course will introduce you to the PSAC, its structure, how to become involved and the fundamentals of trade union action. Emphasis is put on members’ rights in the workplace and in the union; on understanding and using the collective agreement and on union mechanisms to obtain and protect rights.
Option 2 – Union Basics for Stewards
The union basics for stewards’ session brings together a total of 5 basic modules. This option will provide stewards with a space to connect with stewards from other locals. Emphasis is put on the role of stewards within their local and the union as a whole.
- Module1: Role of the Steward
- Module 2: Stewards’ Union Representative Immunity
- Module 3: Stewards as Problem Solvers
- Module 4: Human Rights in the Workplace for Stewards
- Module 5: Basic Duty to Accommodate for Stewards
Part 2 (August 28, 1 p.m. – August 30, 5 p.m.)
Option 1 – Grievance Handling
This course will develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in effectively handling grievances at the workplace. You will spend time on the technical aspects of grievance handling such as identifying, investigating, drafting, and presenting grievances.
Option 2 – Health and Safety Basics
Participants will examine why workplace health and safety is a union issue and explore the historical efforts made by unions for healthy and safe workplaces. Members will also be able to familiarize themselves with union perspectives on healthy and safe workplaces, with the internal responsibility system and increase their knowledge on the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
Option 3 – New Local Officer Training
New local officers, who have been an executive for less than two years, will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence in order to provide an effective union leadership in their local. Participants will learn more about the responsibilities and the work of the Local; know how to implement strategies to increase member participation in the life of their union and increase their familiarity to union structures, decision-making and how these connect to the Local.
Application deadline is Sunday August 4, at 11:59 p.m. Once we have completed the selection process, selected participant will receive confirmation by August 6.
Click here for more information and to register today.
If you’re not in the National Capital Region, check out the other courses offered by your PSAC Regional Office.