Please use the following form to register for the CUPE Ontario 2023 Fall School. Please note all registrations must be done by a member of their local’s executive. It is important to enter all contact information for each person you are registering, including their email address – members will be contacted in case of course changes. If you have any questions or issues regarding registration, please contact Winnie Lau at [email protected]
After September 30, 2023, a $50 late fee per registrant applies
Additional surcharge of $135 per registrant for non-affiliates to CUPE Ontario applies.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Locals are asked to make ALL HOTEL RESERVATIONS through W.E. Travel
Booking Link: https://weuniontravel.ca
OR
at 1-888-676-7747 (toll free) [Mention FALL SCHOOL 2023 when booking your room(s)].
Guestroom Rate: $247 Single/Double plus taxes, fees, and levies.
The cutoff date to receive the special hotel rate is September 22, 2023, at 12:00 PM. After the cutoff date, the special hotel rate will no longer be available, and room reservations will be subject to hotel availability and prevailing room rates
If you require any special accommodation needs, please inform W.E. Travel of your request upon booking your room(s). Should you have any questions concerning your reservation, please email [email protected].
The CUPE Ontario Bev Smale Scholarship Fund was established in the name of Sister Bev Smale. Bev was a long-time activist from the healthcare sector who became a staff member of our union.
Following her sudden passing in 2006, members and staff alike wanted to commemorate Bev and her many contributions to CUPE in Ontario. Bev’s great love was education, so it is appropriate that we remember our sister with the creation of a fund to assist and encourage workers to pursue CUPE education opportunities.
The Bev Smale scholarships are offered to members from Locals affiliated to CUPE Ontario which are in good standing. The primary focus of the scholarships is to support members pursuing and furthering education and training. Education encourages union engagement, mobilizes members to take action, and ultimately strengthens unions.
Eligible members may use the Bev Smale scholarships to attend CUPE education courses. CUPE Ontario offers two schools each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Courses offered may vary, but each link back to CUPE Ontario’s fight for fairness. Available courses include Contracting Out and Privatization, Preparing for Bargaining, Introduction to Stewarding, Workers’ Compensation, and Labour Law.
(34 hours starting at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31st, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement
Spots remaining: %work1spots%
This is a comprehensive program designed to break down the barrier of communicating in “medicalese”. It will enable participants to understand the contents of medical reports and apply them to resolve entitlement issues for injured workers. Actual medical reports will be used throughout the course. Medical terminology is broken down into understandable terms with a series of simple explanations of exercises. Participants will learn about basic human anatomy, body functions and systems, and will focus on areas that are common to WSIB advocacy. Specific work-related injuries will be discussed with an in-depth look at occupational diseases and how to prove a casual relationship. The health care profession will be demystified along with an insight into diagnostic testing and surgical procedures. Participants will also gain practical experience in calculating various pensions contained in the Act. The basics of ergonomics will also be touched upon in this course.
NOTE: Levels I and II and either Level III-Appeals or Return to Work are pre-requisites to taking the Medical Orientation.
(34 hours starting 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31st, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement.
Spots remaining: %work2spots%
A) 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.
B) 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 a place where they want to make a difference?
C) Recording Secretaries
Recording Secretaries play a vital role in keeping local unions strong. Learn how to:
NOTE: Please bring your local’s bylaws, sample meeting notices, sample membership meeting minutes, and a laptop or tablet (if you have one) to the workshop.
D) 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.
NOTE: Please bring a copy of your local’s bylaws to the workshop.
(30 hours starting 9:00 AM on Wednesday, November 1st, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement.
Spots remaining: %work3spots%
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.
(30 hours starting 9:00 AM on Wednesday, November 1st, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement.
Spots remaining: %work4spots%
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. Prerequisite-WHSC Occupational Health & Safety Level I.
Note: THIS IS NOT CERTIFICATION TRAINING FOR JOINT HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS REQUIRED UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACT.
(12 hours starting 1:00 PM on Friday, November 3rd, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement.
Spots remaining: %work5spots%
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 is also included, as well as help in finding out how to access an experienced representative.
(12 hours starting 1:00 PM on Friday, November 3rd, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement.
Spots remaining: %work6spots%
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. WSIB Level I is a prerequisite.
(12 hours starting 1:00 PM on Friday, November 3rd, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at course commencement.
Spots remaining: %work7spots%
A. 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.
B. 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. NOTE: Laptop required – if possible.
(9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
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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 the role of the steward, investigating workplace problems, CUPE’s structure, filing a grievance, meeting with management, and dealing with workplace complaints. After completing Introduction to Stewarding, stewards can complete other workshop modules from the Steward Learning Series. Please bring your Collective Agreement
(9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Spots remaining: %work9spots%
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 the role of the steward, investigating workplace problems, CUPE’s structure, filing a grievance, meeting with management, and dealing with workplace complaints. After completing Introduction to Stewarding, stewards can complete other workshop modules from the Steward Learning Series.
NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement.
(9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Spots remaining: %work10spots%
Feel more comfortable “speaking up” in different situations – speeches, meetings, and one-on-one communication. In this workshop, you will:
NOTE: This workshop is open to members who identify as women.
(9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Spots remaining: %work11spots%
At work and in the union… Conflict is a natural part of our lives. Learning to handle it well improves relationships with other members, co-workers and the employer.
In this workshop, you will:
• deepen your understanding of conflict;
• strengthen your communication skills;
• practice responding to conflict.
9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Spots remaining: %work12spots%
A) 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.
B) 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
C) What Stewards Need to Know About Bargaining Learn about the steps in the bargaining process, the responsibilities of different activists throughout bargaining, and the steward’s role during bargaining.
(9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Spots remaining: %work13spots%
A) What Stewards Need to Know About Arbitration Although most grievances get settled, some go to arbitration. Learn about the arbitration process, terms, mediated settlements, and the role of the steward before and during arbitration.
B) Duty of Fair Representation Learn about where stewards get their authority in the workplace, the duty of fair representation, and other labour laws that cover the workplace.
C) Popular Economics for Stewards We keep hearing that the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. How do these trends impact our lives as workers and union members? What is needed from us as stewards in these times of growing economic inequality?
(9 hours starting 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 4th, ending Sunday, November 5th at 12:30 PM)
Sign-in at Dominion Ballroom Foyer on Saturday, Nov 5th between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Spots remaining: %work14spots%
A) Stewards and Health & Safety Stewards need to work with health and safety activists to ensure the workplace is healthy and safe for members. Learn about health and safety rights, and how stewards can support this important area of union work.
B) Disability and Ableism in the Workplace Explore what ableism is, how to recognize it, and ways to address it. Learn about how to make your workplace and union accessible to workers with visible and invisible disabilities.
C) Literacy Awareness Literacy affects all of us at work. Learning new computer programs, understanding collective agreements, completing forms, or writing reports can all pose barriers for our members. Learn about how stewards can increase literacy awareness and help make the union inclusive and accessible to members.
