How to apply
Apply on-line here or download an application form (pdf) and mail or fax it back to the Vancouver RO. Apply early, in advance of the application deadline of September 2 2008.
The theme of this year’s union school is “Building Our Union, Building Our Movement! Ensuring Labour’s Relevance in a Changing World.” Our goal is to strengthen our union and ensure the relevancy of the labour movement in a changing world by building solidarity with other workers and communities, both locally and globally.
Building Our Union, Building Our Movement!
Can our union and the labour movement remain relevant in an increasingly changing world? How can we mobilize to protect the rights of our members and build solidarity with other workers struggling against exploitation? How can the labour movement organize a collective response to the increasing corporatization of our workplaces and our communities? How can we engage our political system, particularly at a municipal level, to make sure that as trade unionists, our voices are heard in the larger arena?
By working hand-in-hand with other members of our locals, our unions and communities around the world, we can create and build a labour movement that can respond to the many challenges that workers face today. By building solidarity with other workers - particularly those that are working in unorganized workplaces, in temporary jobs and often in precarious working conditions - and exploring creative strategies to protect our collective rights, we can forge a vibrant movement for social change that in will in turn, strengthen our own union.
This theme underscores how critical it is for our survival and growth as trade unionists to identify new strategies for resistance that are rooted in building alliances across unions, communities and borders, particularly with those workers and other members of our society who are the most marginalized.
Plenary sessions and guest speakers will demonstrate the links between strengthening our union, maintaining the relevance of labour movements at both a local and global level and protecting the rights of all workers.
This thread will be woven throughout all of our courses.
What is the Union School?
Union training at its best! It is an opportunity for our active PSAC members to gain more specialized knowledge and skills. You will network with other members from BC and return to your workplaces and locals energized and educated to work on behalf of the membership.
What training is being offered?
Members have asked us for more choices for union school courses and we’ve listened to you! This year, we’re trying something new by offering union school participants a veritable smorgasbord of courses to choose from for each day of the union school!
For each day of the school, we’ll be offering 5 different courses:
- On Day 1 of the school, you’ll have the choice to select 1 course from the 5 different courses offered that day.
- On Day 2, we’ll offer a new selection of 5 courses and ask you to pick 1 that you’d like to take.
- On Day 3, you’ll get to choose 1 course from another selection of 5 course topics.
- Participants will take a different course for each day of the school for a total of 3 courses altogether.
- For example, if PSAC member Jane attends the union school, on Day 1 she may choose to register for “Building an Inclusive Union.” On Day 2, she may register for “If People Counted! Popular Economics for Union Activists.” And on Day 3, she might register for “Understanding the Nuts and Bolts of Disability Insurance.”
See the table below for an example of the courses that Jane might choose for the union school:
School schedule
Registration is at 11 AM, Friday October 3rd at the Hilton Hotel Metrotown, 6083 McKay Ave, Burnaby. The school will begin immediately following registration, and will close at 3:30 PM, Sunday, October 5th
Costs and expenses
There is no cost to PSAC members. Participants residing 60 km outside the school location will be in authorized travel status - transportation, accommodation, meals and incidentals will be paid in accordance with PSAC policy. To improve access to training for members with family care responsibilities, the PSAC has a family care allowance policy. Contact the Regional Office for more information.
How to apply
Apply on-line here or download an application form (pdf) and mail or fax it back to the Vancouver RO. Apply early, in advance of the application deadline of September 2/08.
Course descriptions: Day 1 - Friday, October 3rd
During this course, participants will explore various ways in which we can ensure that the PSAC is accessible and welcoming to all members. Together, we will develop our understanding of the barriers faced by members of equity groups and discuss structures and policies designed to create an inclusive union. Participants will also gain an understanding of the importance of employment equity policies and programs in creating inclusive workplaces. We will collectively identify ways in which we can motivate ourselves and others to become agents of change - to challenge oppression - and to be allies for those seeking equality in the union, the workplace and the community. back to the table
Regulations Work! Understanding Health and Safety Regulations and Enforcement.
Are you concerned about health and safety in the workplace? Want to know more about the legislation and regulations relevant to this field? Ever wondered what the right to refuse means or what the internal complaint resolution process is?
Then look no further! This interactive course explores the general concepts of legislation and regulations relevant to the field of Health and Safety. Participants will be introduced to the basics of safety regulations, due diligence, consultation and enforcement. Topics to be covered include: the internal complaint resolution process (ICRP) and the right to refuse unsafe work. Together, we will also discuss the importance of workplace inspections and get some hands-on experience conducting inspections during the course! back to the table
Putting the “You” in Your Union! An Orientation to the PSAC
Are you new to the union? Have you become involved recently? Wondering how the union works and what it’s all about? Curious about how you can get more involved in the different areas and campaigns we are currently working on? Want to learn more about how the union affects your daily workplace?
Mixing popular education tools with a whole lot of creativity and fun, this engaging course is the place to get your questions answered, share information and meet other members just like you! Join us as we discuss how the union works. Learn about the amazing campaigns and activities that members are currently engaged with. Find out how the union can work for you! Let’s put the “You” in Your Union! back to the table
Think Public! Workers Defending Quality Public Services.
Public Services play a critical role in our society. Quality Public Services are fundamental to building strong and inclusive communities. However, with the increased corporatization of our workplace and communities, the public aspects of the services that we consider to be so essential to our health, our well-being and our environment are being replaced by an agenda of privatization that puts profits before people. The privatization of public services continues to erode workers’ rights and human rights both locally and globally.
Our union is on the frontlines of the struggle to defend quality public services. What is the union currently doing and how can we play a role in ensuring that public services are not privatized?
During this course, participants will identify and discuss various issues and strategies in regards to the defense of quality public services. Together, we will create an action plan for engaging our locals, our union, our workplaces and our communities in building an agenda of resistance to the privatization of public services. back to the table
“Troublemakers”, “Rabble Rousers” and Other Union Heroes! Reclaiming our labour history.
History courses and books rarely deal with one of the most vibrant and significant aspects of our past - the history of working people! Outside of the union context, how often do you hear about the brave sisters and brothers who struggled for workers’ rights and paved the way for us? We have gained some enormous rights as workers, but how did we win these rights and who was at the forefront of these fights? How did workers build solidarity in the face of massive repression?
Want to find out more about the “troublemakers”, “rabble rousers” and other union heroes who built the labour movement? Want to learn more about the famous moments in labour history - the strikes, lockouts, protests and other forms of resistance - that gained us the rights that we enjoy today as workers?
Join us for this exciting and interactive walk down memory lane as we celebrate our amazing and revolutionary labour history. We’ll use various popular education tools - including films - to delve into our past and discuss the significance of labour history for our future as workers. We’ll also literally be walking in the footsteps of those who have come before us by participating in a comprehensive walking tour of significant labour history sites in Vancouver. back to the table
Please note: the walking tour will be quite lengthy in duration and is expected to cover a fair distance.
Course descriptions: Day 2 - Saturday, October 4th
Harassment Awareness Training (HAT)
This course brings together PSAC members to further their understanding of what constitutes harassment, and the conditions that make people vulnerable to this type of behavior. Participants will develop both individual and Local strategies for effectively dealing with harassment in the workplace. back to the table
Ever wondered what actually happens during union conventions? Want to learn more about the role of convention participants?
This one day course will develop participants’ understanding of convention committees, elections, plenary “resolution” sessions, and the role of convention participants. Participants will be able to identify and describe the frequently used Rules of Order and will be able to speak to convention issues with increased confidence. back to the table
Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation. An Overview of Past and Current Issues.
1/3 of our lives are spent at work. 1/3 of Canadian workers suffer health problems from workplace hazards.
How can we promote the reduction of injury and disease in the workplace? In order to respond to the health and safety needs of workers, it is essential that we understand the systems of prevention and compensation that exist.
This course will provide an overview of the BC Workers Compensation Board legislation. Participants will gain an understanding of the Workers Compensation Act and discuss the ways in which it can be applied to improve and maintain health and safety standards in the workplace. back to the table
If People Counted! Popular Economics for Union Activists
“Power goes to two poles — to those who’ve got the money and those who’ve got the people.” Saul Alinsky
Imagine that you live in an economy that works for everyone, where jobs are enjoyable, prices of basic needs are affordable and the minimum wage brings an annual income above the poverty line.
What would the economy be like if it was not built on the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few people? Does economic theory need to be grounded in an ethical and moral framework which puts people before profits in order to ensure equality for everyone?
Who said learning about economics can’t be fun! Join us for this interactive course where we will put the “popular” back in “economics” and debunk the myth that only economists and politicians can understand and make decisions about our economic lives!
Using popular education techniques and drawing from our collective knowledge, we will learn the basics of economics and the impact of the economy on our union, our workplaces and our communities. Together, we will explore different economic relationships for a better world and look at the ways in which particular economic theories become dominant in our society and how they are further entrenched by political ideologies. In other words, political parties have a particular view of how any economy should function and who is in power politically, influences the economic ideology that impacts all aspects of our lives. back to the table
Connecting the Dots! Dealing with Workplace Conflict and Stress
How can we resolve conflict in our workplaces? What are some tools for dealing with stress on the job? How can we work together to prevent violence at work?
Discover what you can do to help create and sustain a healthy workplace for yourself and others by effectively dealing with conflict and stress.
Together, we will: identify the signs and underlying causes of workplace stress, conflict and violence and discuss the impact on our work and personal lives. We will also learn about concrete tools and strategies for coping with stress, preventing violence and resolving conflict in the workplace. back to the table
Course descriptions: Day 3 - Sunday, October 5th
Aboriginal Awareness Unionism on Turtle Island*
Please note: Turtle Island is an Aboriginal term for North America
This course is open to all members but is designed for non-Aboriginal members who want to learn more about Aboriginal issues and who want to work in solidarity with their Aboriginal sisters and brothers.
Together, we will begin the process of gaining a basic awareness of Aboriginal people’s history and culture as well as contemporary issues they are facing today. By analyzing current political and social Aboriginal experiences, and learning the uniqueness of Aboriginal cultures, participants will be able to create a better understanding of the shared struggles of Aboriginal people and unions and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal issues.
Participants will examine, in a positive environment, the barriers to diversity in the workplace and explore their personal attitudes about an inclusive work environment. This training will begin the process of preparing our workplaces and locals for the increased involvement of Aboriginal people.
When completed, participants will be able to connect new information and theory to what they already understand and build their capacity to help create positive change. back to the table
Highlights from past participants:
It has encouraged me to look deeper into issues relating to Aboriginal people. It will help me to promote awareness with my community, workplace and in my union.
The friendly atmosphere enables participants to learn in a comfortable environment.
It cleared up most of the myths that I heard about Aboriginal People.
I benefited because I get it now. I will never again turn my back, my eyes are open.
Understanding the Nuts and Bolts of Federal Disability Insurance
What are the nuts and bolts of Federal Disability Insurance? What are the current trends? How do the application procedures work?
This course will provide participants with an overview of the Federal Disability Insurance Plan and related polices and procedures (e.g. Duty to Accommodate, Treasury Board Leave Without Pay, etc). Together, we will learn about current trends regarding Disability Insurance in the Federal Public Service, Application Procedures and Appealing Decisions made by Sun Life Financial. back to the table
Why Waste Your Time? Be Strategic! Learning the Art of Strategic Planning.
Ever wondered if you could make better use of your time? Have you talked with other members of your local executive, regional committee or other union activists about creating a strategic plan but were not sure how to get started? Want to learn more about strategic planning and what makes a good strategy?
This course will take you through a step-by-step approach for developing a strategic plan to make you more effective in your work as a union activist. We will define what we mean by strategic planning, discuss the benefits of having a plan and identify the elements for creating a plan that is effective and can be used in both the short and long term. back to the table
Many Voices, Same Struggle! Building an Action Plan for Global Solidarity.
Workers everywhere are facing the same challenges no matter where they live or work.
How can we mobilize in our locals, our union, our workplaces and our communities to build resistance to policies and programs that repress workers’ rights? How can we build solidarity across borders with other workers who are being exploited? How can workers bring our many voices together to strengthen our common struggle against globalization?
Join us for this exciting and fast-paced course and help build an action plan for global solidarity with other workers!Together, we will identify the ways in which globalization impacts our lives and the lives of workers around the world. We will develop strategies to resist globalization and create a collective vision of social justice. We will also look at the role of the union and the regional International Solidarity Committee in achieving this vision. back to the table
Making It Clear! Communication Skills For Trade Unionists
As union activists, we are constantly in communication with other people in our locals, in the union, in our workplaces and in our communities. Whether we are speaking at a community forum or creating a poster for an upcoming AGM, how can we get our message across more effectively?
Participants will learn how to improve their communications skills, particularly in regards to public speaking, which will be one of the main focuses of this course. Together we will learn some tips and strategies for overcoming our fears to become more effective communicators. We will also discuss the importance of literacy and using clear language in the context of union activism. back to the table