The Pacific Region is pleased to announce that the next 5-day Education Seminars will held in conjunction with the Prairie Region in Gimli, Manitoba from September 23 to 28, 2018. These are Paid Education Leave (PEL) courses so we are limited to twenty (20) participants in total or ten (10) in each class per Region.
The deadline for registration is 5:00 p.m. on August 10, 2018. Please ensure your applications are in by that date, any application received after the deadline will not be considered. All applications must be approved by your Local Executive and the registration form must be signed by the Local President or designate.
The courses being offered are as follows:
1. Advanced Shop Steward
This course is designed to help existing Shop Stewards with their skills in grievances, meeting with the employer, quality of work life, dealing with difficult members, dealing with power, meeting new hires and leading the membership on the work floor. It will provide leadership opportunities; develop the communication and shop floor organizing skills.
The 5-day course will help participants increase their confidence to represent members and communicate Union policies and programs. This course is recommended for Local and shop floor leaders who have some experience already and want to develop stronger communication and advocacy skills.
Consideration for attendance will be limited to those who have completed the Basic Shop Steward course as this would be the next step to take to further your skills both on the shop floor and in the community.
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 Aboriginal workers, who also facilitates it.
Participants will begin the process of understanding the shared struggles of Aboriginal People and Unions. They will deepen their understanding of the general concepts of partnerships and representative workforce. Providing factual information will dispel the current myths and misconceptions that surround Aboriginal People. In a positive environment, participants will examine the barriers to diversity in the workplace. By exploring their personal attitudes towards and inclusive work environment they will build their capacity to become instruments of changes. For solidarity to occur, organized labour and Aboriginal People must work together for both to achieve their goals.
General Information
Interested members should be made aware that all sessions of the courses offered are mandatory and that there will be some evening sessions.
In solidarity,
Tim Armstrong
National Director