The Spring Education Seminars for the Pacific Region will be held at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa from Friday, March 9, 2018 (evening) to Monday, March 12, 2018. The following courses will be offered:
Social Stewards
Social Stewards are resource people who assist co-workers experiencing personal problems. They listen to people, help them identify their concerns, find solutions, and refer them to the appropriate resources. As set out in D-32 of the constitution, social stewards are part of a network the union is building across the country. During this 3-day course, participants become familiar with the role of the Social Steward through small group work, discussions and role-plays. They learn ways to support members, how to approach workplace problems, and the preventative union approach. Participants also look at how to gather and share information on the resources available to deal with members’ problems.
Note: Members applying for the Social Steward course must complete the attached questionnaire: Social Steward Questionnaire
Mobilization, Readiness and Action
The aim of this course is to understand and mobilize the membership during the negotiation process. It prepares members to fight for our collective rights from a place of strength. Participants work to support negotiations throughout the process, including the development of pre-strike scenarios that increase the chance of success. Participants also review the Strike Preparation Manual. This useful document provides activists with information and tips to mobilize the membership before and during a strike, a checklist for local strike preparation, tips on communicating with members and the media, information about picket line policy and strike pay, and much more.
Temporary Workers and Their Rights
This course provides temporary workers with information about their rights and benefits under the urban collective agreement. The CUPW history section features the long struggle for better working conditions and secure employment for temporary workers. There are also segments on bumping and assignments, the steps to take to get a permanent position and the pressures facing today’s public postal service.
Fighting Back: How To Organize To Make Change
This course dispels the myth of membership apathy. Participants will learn how to organize and mobilize union members into a powerful force for change. This course explores how to do union work in a way that builds the strength and courage of the membership. The skills learned in this course can be applied to many of the tough situations facing our members and the union – it’s a course for today and tomorrow.
Transportation
The Union will supply bus transportation for participants from the Lower Mainland. Participants choosing to take their personal vehicles will not be compensated for mileage or parking unless prior approval has been granted by the Education & Organization Officer. The seminars start with an evening session on March 9, 2018 and all selected participants are expected to arrive by 5:00 p.m. The Vancouver local’s deadline for registration is 12:00 Noon, on January 16, 2018. Please ensure your applications are received in to the Vancouver local by that date, as any application received after the deadline or applications sent directly to Regional Office will not be considered. All applications must be approved by the Vancouver Local Executive and the registration form must be signed by the Vancouver Local President or designate.
Application form available for download HERE
**You must have attended at least one General Membership Meeting, in the last twelve (12) months, to qualify for courses through the Vancouver Local.**
In Solidarity,
Nathan Fralick
Secretary-Treasurer
Vancouver local of CUPW
la/CUPE-3338