Upcoming Education Opportunities
Fall Education Seminars – November 2-4, 2019 - Burnaby, B.C.
The Pacific Region fall education seminars will be taking place at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown from Saturday November 2nd to Monday November 4th 2019. The courses being offered are listed below, along
with a brief description. Applications must be received at the Union hall no later than NOON on October 1st 2019. Courses are open to all Members in Good Standing (MIGS) who meet the prerequisites (as required).
Members can download applications here
BASIC SHOP STEWARD
This course aims to provide new stewards with basic training, knowledge and confidence. Topics include the different roles of the steward, how to investigate and file a grievance, communication skills, shop steward rights, the steward as organizer/mobilizer, and key provisions of the urban operations and RSMC collective agreements.
Note: This course is for new stewards.
HUMAN RIGHTS
This course provides an overview of the rights and struggles of equity-seeking groups, focusing on racialized groups, differently-abled people, member of the LGBT community, and indigenous people. Participants review key human rights struggles – past and present. They explore their own identities, develop awareness of the other, and address difference as a strength and matter of solidarity, not division.
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
The purpose of this course is to familiarize members of local executives with their roles and responsibilities. Participants begin by examining the responsibilities and tasks of local executive members as set out in the CUPW constitution. The course includes sessions on communication skills, union-management meetings, rules of order, finances and the development and execution of a work plan.
Note: for new members of executives.
SOLIDARITY SKILLS – LEVEL 2
Level 2 of Solidarity Skills familiarizes participants with the fundamentals of conflict mediation. It builds on what participants learned during the Level 1 course about dealing with conflict in the union. Participants review the conflict mediation process and practice dealing with a conflict from its beginning to final resolution. Conflict resolution models such as restorative circles are also explored.
Note: Participants should have taken Solidarity Skills Course - Level 1.
Local Education Courses
The Victoria Local Executive has a strong commitment to the education of its members. We will soon be budgeting for courses to be held in the 2019-20 fiscal year. A short description of some of the courses we may host are listed below. Application forms can be found on the union bulletin boards or obtained by contacting the union hall.
*Please ensure you use the application form specifically for LOCAL UNION EDUCATION*
Dates for each course will be determined based on member interest and facilitator availability. Courses will generally be a full paid day by the Union on a Friday with a shorter day on Saturday (unpaid). Get your applications in early to help us determine our schedule!
Retirement / Pension Seminar (Sat. Nov. 2, 2019)
Had enough of mail and parcels? Got that retirement itch? Still have 30 years to go and want to get some info? We have Marion Pollack, a retired member with an immense wealth of knowledge joining us to facilitate a retirement seminar on Saturday November 2nd, 2019. A very large range of topics will be covered, including calculating contribution and pension amounts, how strikes and lockouts affect your pension, the bridge, early retirement/reduced pension, buying back service, survivor benefits, how marriage/spousal breakdown may affect your pension and the extended health/dental benefits after retirement.
The seminar will start at 9am Saturday morning and lunch will be provided. If you have any dietary restrictions/allergies please let us know when contacting to reserve your space. Please contact the Union Office at 250-384-1933 if you are interested in attending, as soon as possible, as there is limited space and spots will be on a first come first served basis.
* Spouses are welcome to attend, just be sure to let us know if yours will be coming.*
Basic Shop Steward / Grievance Handling (Dates to be determined)
The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and confidence for members who are recently sworn in as stewards, or are considering the possibility. Topics include roles of the steward, tips for dealing with management, speaking with members, investigating and filing grievances, and key provisions of the collective agreement. This course will give participants the tools they need to better defend and inform members while building solidarity in the workplace.
Harassment & Violence Awareness (Dates to be determined)
This course raises the awareness of CUPW members about workplace harassment and violence. The different responsibilities for the employer, the union and individual members have in creating a harassment/violence-free environment are explained. Participants will explore avenues for redress that members have if they are being harassed and also to work on their assertiveness skills.
Understanding your 038s (Dates to be determined)
Reading and understanding your Edit Book and 038 forms; how the data and values are calculated and how this data is applied to your route and 'are you actually doing more work than you are credited for?' Priority for this course will be given to Group 2 Letter Carriers where this route measurement system is applied.