The Pacific Region is pleased to announce that the next 5-day Education Seminars will be held in conjunction with the Prairie Region at NK’Mip/Spirit Ridge Lake Resort in Osoyoos, B.C. from September 22 to 27, 2019. These are Paid Education Leave (PEL) courses so we are limited to ten (10) participants in each class per Region for a total of twenty (20) participants per class.
The deadline for registration is 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 19, 2019. Please ensure your applications are in by that date, any application received after the deadline will not be considered.
To be considered all applications must be signed and submitted by the Local President or their designate. Once the Local signs applications, the Local must submit all signed and completed applications directly to Regional Office. Applications can be submitted by mail to CUPW Pacific Region, 999 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3M 1G2 or faxed to (604) 525-6821.
The courses being offered are as follows:
1. Social Steward
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 5-day course, participants become familiar with the role of Social Stewards through small group work, discussions and role-plays. They will 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 about the resources available to deal with members’ problems.
Note: Members applying for the Social Steward course must complete the attached questionnaire.
2. Unionism on Turtle Island
The Turtle Island course gives an overview of the history of the Indigenous People of Turtle Island (North America) as told by the Indigenous workers who also facilitate the course.
Participants will begin the process of understanding the shared struggles of Indigenous People and Unions. They will deepen their understanding of the general concepts of partnerships and representative workforce. Providing factual information to dispel current myths and misconceptions that surround Indigenous People.
In a positive environment, participants will examine the barriers to diversity in the workplace. By exploring their personal attitudes towards an inclusive work environment they will build their capacity to become instruments of changes. For solidarity to occur, organized labour and Indigenous People must work together for both to achieve their goals.
The Turtle Island course aims to build meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous Peoples inside and outside our workplaces.
The course identifies key moments in Indigenous Peoples’ history in Canada, connects these historical events to the current context, and debunks myths and stereotypes.
General Information
As these courses are offered under the PEL provision of our Collective Agreement, all costs including loss of wages, transportation and meals will be paid by the National Union.
Interested members should be made aware that there will be some evening sessions involved and that all sessions of the course are mandatory.