Please use the following form to register for the CUPE Ontario 2024 Spring School Conference.If you are unable to register on-line, please contact Winnie Lau at 905-739-9743 ext. 610 or by email at [email protected].
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6-day workshop: Tue. 1pm – 5pm | Wed. 9am – 5pm | Thur. 9am – 5pm | Fri. 9am – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
This course is designed for those activists that desire to become Return to Work Specialists. The material focuses on the process of helping injured workers return to work as quickly and safely as possible, with dignity and job security. The focus is to change the work, not the worker, and accommodating the pre-accident job. This will build on the knowledge participants have gained from previous Levels but will train them to be specialists in Early and Safe Return to Work and Labour Market Re-entry. Levels I & II are pre-requisites.
There may also be evening course work which you will be required to attend.
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6 days workshop: Tue. 1pm – 5pm | Wed. 9am – 5pm | Thur. 9am – 5pm | Fri. 9am – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
A. Bylaw Essentials
Good bylaws are an essential component of a well-functioning local. In this workshop, you will learn the principles of good bylaws and how to make sure they are in compliance with CUPE’s national constitution. We’ll also look at how clear language bylaws help our members get involved in the work of the union.
Please bring your local bylaws to the workshop.
B. Parliamentary Procedures
This workshop is about following rules of order when chairing union meetings. Learn about the role of the chair and the different elements (motions, amendments, points of order, etc.). Get a chance to put the learning into practice.
Please bring your local bylaws to the workshop
C. Leading as a Team
Who am I as a leader? Who are we as a local union? How do we fit into the broader movement? Learn how to use the power of your elected position to build power and strengthen solidarity in the union, in the labour movement and in our communities.
D. Conflict Ready Executives
In this workshop, participants will explore:
• The value of conflict for effective group
• How our beliefs about conflict shape how we respond.
• The kinds of conflict executives struggle with
• Productive ways to resolve conflict on an executive.
E. Essentials for Inclusive Unions
As activists in our unions, we often ask why members are not more involved. This workshop asks a different question: Who is involved and who isn’t and what might be some reasons why? How might our unconscious biases contribute to this? How can we represent members in a way that invites those on the margins to get involved and to see the union as place where they want to make a difference?
F. Good Meetings
Have you ever sat through a meeting, either as a participant or a facilitator that you knew could be more focused, efficient, inclusive, or effective? We use Bourniot’s rules of parliamentary procedure to make important decisions in a way that is fair. But sometimes a different kind of conversation is needed to be inclusive and build our movement. In this workshop, executive members learn a how to find and lead the right process for the work that needs to get done.
Parliamentary procedure is an important part of our democratic process in CUPE. Some conversations are better had using other approaches. How do you decide when parli-pro is needed and when another approach could help?
Build your facilitation skills for supporting effective and inclusive discussions, learn and practice some processes that you can use in your day to day work.
G. Leadership Essentials
Who am I as a leader? Who are we as a local union? How do we fit into the broader movement? Learn how to use the power of your elected position to build power and strengthen solidarity in the union, in the labour movement and in our communities.
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Class 1 – 3-day workshop: Tue. 1pm – 5pm | Wed. 9am – 5pm | Thur. 9am – 12pm
*Please note: Class 1 and Class 2 represent the same workshop, offered in two different time frames.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis – until appropriate treatment is found, or the situation resolves. An evidence-based course, MHFA has been proven to give participants:
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Class 2 – 2-day workshop: Fri. 9am – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm
*Please note: Class 1 and Class 2 represent the same workshop, offered in two different time frames.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis – until appropriate treatment is found, or the situation resolves. An evidence-based course, MHFA has been proven to give participants:
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5-day workshop: Wed. 9am – 5pm | Thur. 9am – 5pm | Fri. 9am – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
This course embraces an entire gamut of health and safety issues by focusing on hazard recognition and the rights and responsibilities of the workplace parties, as prescribed by existing legislation. This 30-hour key program consists of 10 modules which include seven core modules that identify the respective roles of the workplace parties – management, government and labour regarding health and safety; explains current health and safety legislation, provincial or federal; discusses how the body functions and the damaging effects hazards have on it; features carcinogens, and how to recognize them and toxic substances, as well as their sources; explains the effectiveness, or lack of, the three basic principles of control – at the source, along the path, and at the worker; and identifies the hazards presented by excessive workplace noise, and tells how to measure workplace noise and how to develop a noise abatement program. Level I is a certificate program and the prerequisite for entering Level II programs and Instructor Training. THIS TRAINING IS NOT FOR CERTIFICATION, IE: JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES WHO ARE MANDATED UNDER BILL 208.
There may also be evening course work which you will be required to attend.
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5-day workshop: Wed. 9am – 5pm | Thur. 9am – 5pm | Fri. 9am – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
NOTE: WHSC Occupational Health & Safety Level 1 is a prerequisite
In this program participants gain a better understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities as workers and joint health and safety committee members. Important to this discussion are techniques and knowledge needed to perform workplace inspections along with incident and disease investigations. Essential research skills are also reviewed, helping committee members to lead proactive initiatives aimed at eliminating or controlling exposure to workplace hazards.
THIS IS NOT CERTIFICATION TRAINING FOR JOINT HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS REQUIRED UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACT.
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3-day workshop: Fri. 1pm – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
This first level is designed to provide basic knowledge of the workers’ compensation system. This level is directed at workers who need or desire a basic understanding of this sometimes, complex system. Participants will be provided a history of workers’ compensation as well as an understanding of the bureaucracy and some of the benefits and services available. Hands-on experience and completing Board forms are also included, as well as help in finding out how to access an experienced representative.
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3-day workshop: Fri. 1pm – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
**NOTE: WSIB Level 1 is a prerequisite**
The second level is designed to provide workers with the skills and knowledge to represent injured workers in the initial steps of a worker’s claim. This level is designed to build on the knowledge attained in Level I and is directed at workers who will become active as worker representatives. Benefits and services for injured workers will be detailed, including changes as a result of Bill 162, Bill 165 and Bill 99. The course will take an in-depth look at services and benefits available under the Act. Participants will learn how to examine claim files and master the art of communication with physicians and Board staff. These skills will enable representatives to cut through the “red tape” that traditionally slows the decision-making process. The Board’s new “Integrated Appeal System” will be explained as well as the new Mediation Services
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3-day workshop: Fri. 1pm – 5pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
Financial Essentials
This workshop is for all members in an elected position within the local union. Whether you are a trustee or a member of the executive, learning about the basics of the local union’s finances is a priority. In this workshop, you will learn about your duties regarding the finances of the union, budgeting and how to be transparent and accountable to members.
Financial Officers
Once secretary-treasurers and trustees complete the “Financial Essentials” Day 1 workshop, they will spend Day 2 learning about bookkeeping and auditing. Treasurers will learn how to use the CUPE electronic ledger, manage the local union’s funds and accounts, and prepare reports to the membership and the trustees. Trustees will learn how to properly perform an audit of the local union’s books, accounts, properties, and assets. At the end of this workshop, Trustees will be able to make recommendations to the local union to improve the local union’s financial health.
Laptop required – if possible
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
Conflict at Work
Conflict is a natural part of our lives. Learning to handle it well improves relationships at work and in other parts of our lives.
In this workshop, you will learn:
• Deepen your understanding of conflict
• Learn how to identify the issues and find the right solutions
• Strengthen your conflict communication skills
SLS-Mediating Member-to-Member Conflict
Practice coaching members who are in conflict with other members, and work with a four-step approach to basic mediation
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
This course serves as an introduction into the world of health and safety and explores different basic concepts such as:
• Identification of hazards
• Hierarchy of controls
• The basic role of health and safety committees
• Basics on the right to refuse
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
What does a CUPE steward do? If you are a new steward and want to learn how to help CUPE members solve workplace problems, this introductory workshop is for you!
In this workshop, you will learn:
• Investigating workplace problems
• Filing a grievance
• Meeting with management
• Dealing with workplace complaints
Notetaking
Why do I have to take notes? What kind of notes should I take? Are my notes private? Learn answers to important questions like these, and practice notetaking.
Please bring a copy of your collective agreement to the workshop
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
**NOTE: This workshop is open to members who identify as women**
Feel more comfortable “speaking up” in different situations – speeches, meetings, and one-on-one communication.
In this workshop, you will:
• Know what makes a speech or presentation effective
• Learn and practice tips for dealing with nervousness
• Prepare an outline for a speech or presentation
• Gain experience speaking in front of a supportive group
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
**NOTE: Introduction to Stewarding is a prerequisite**
A. Solidarity with Indigenous Workers
Learn about Canada’s history of colonialism, engage in some myth-busting, and explore ways you can build solidarity with Indigenous workers and support reconciliation in the workplace.
B. Taking on Privatization
Learn about different forms of privatization in CUPE workplaces, how it impacts our members, services, and the public, and what stewards can do about it.
C. Notetaking
Why do I have to take notes? What kind of notes should I take? Are my notes private? Learn answers to important questions like these, and practice notetaking.
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
**NOTE: Introduction to Stewarding is a prerequisite**
A. Challenging Racism in the Workplace
This workshop covers what racism looks like in the workplace, and your role as a steward in challenging it.
B. Growing Our Mobilizing Power
Stewards can play a key role when the union needs to mobilize our members – whether it is to support the bargaining committee or stop the employer’s attempt to contract out our work. Learn basic mobilization theory and explore how stewards can tackle workplace problems in ways that engage more members and build the union’s power.
C. Anti-Harassment & Bystander Training
When we are disrespected in our union, or when harm, harassment, and discrimination happen we are unsafe. We would not accept it from our supervisors and managers at work, and it is not OK in our union space. When we witness others being harmed, oppressed, or injured, we can intervene in safe and effective ways before, during, or after a harassing or violent situation. In this 3-hour workshop, learn and practice how to intervene.
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2-day workshop: Sat. 9am – 5pm | Sun. 9:30pm – 12:30pm
**NOTE: Introduction to Stewarding is a prerequisite**
A. Representing Gender & Sexually Diverse Members
Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia play out in our workplaces, locals, and communities. Learn how to challenge these kinds of discrimination, and respectfully represent gender and sexually diverse members in your workplace.
B. Ally Skills for Stewards
Effective stewards are champions for human rights and equality. Explore what it means to be an ally, and ways that stewards can step up as allies in the workplace and the union.
C. Grievance Handling
Share tips and successful practices with other stewards and learn strategies for handling difficult grievances.
Please bring your collective agreement and Steward Handbook to the workshop
