CUPE National Union Education Ontario Weeklong School 2026 (formerly known as Michael Stokes Memorial Weeklong School)

Staying Alive While Earning a Living
November 30, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) (12 spaces available)

This module is the introduction to the Centre’s 30 hour Level 1 health and safety awareness program. It introduces the action objective for the program—to building solidarity through education and action to remove workplace hazards and enhance worker well-being. Through small and large group discussions participants think critically about health and safety concerns and discover the true causes of accidents. They explore how management and union health and safety goals for health and safety differ and the implications of these differences. The module concludes by introducing a framework for advancing union health and safety goals—continuous bargaining.

The Body in the Workplace
November 30, 2026 (1:00pm-4:00pm) (13 spaces available)

Many employers focus on safety conditions, often ignoring workers health when dealing with the hazards that affect workers’ well-being. The position of union health and safety advocates, however, is to safeguard both the health and safety of their members. To do this they must learn about the hazards found in the workplace and how they affect the body. This module helps participants on that journey. Through brainstorming activities, active discussions, worksheets and a video, participants learn about the body’s various systems. They explore how toxic substances cause damage to the three main sites of the body—where they enter, circulate and exit. Participants discover that workplace hazards can be divided into six categories. They examine how time factors play a role in the way hazardous substances affect the body through such terms as acute, chronic, latent and synergy. Participants make the link that workplace hazards are responsible for workplace injury, illness and disease. They then understand the importance of being thorough when examining health and safety concerns presented to them. In making the connection between health effects and workplace hazards, participants will wisely target control at the source, whenever possible to eliminate them.

Toxic Substances
December 1, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) (13 spaces available)

Toxic Substances module focuses on chemical hazards, identifies workplace carcinogens and workers who are at risk of developing cancer. The module discusses the employer’s unilateral right to introduce chemicals into the workplace. Some common terms describing chemical characteristics and types of toxic substances are discussed and include a video “Workplace Toxins.” The module also covers the states of matter and the various ways in which substances are released in the workplace. The three major elements of WHMIS—labels, sheets and worker education—are discussed in some detail, and emphasis is given to material safety data sheets and the importance of knowing the incompatibility of some chemicals and how they can transform and react when mixed. The module discusses the idea of starting the continuous bargaining process when a new material safety data sheet comes into the workplace. Exposure limits regulations are discussed, describing the terms used to measure them, cautioning that just because it is the law does not necessarily mean that it is safe. A discussion is prompted about how to inspect for toxic substances, the need for union involvement in air monitoring, and sources of chemical substance information that can be used for research and critical review of substances. The impact of extended producer responsibility (EPR) on the workplace is discussed. The module wraps up with a discussion on how MSDSs, WHMIS regulations and other methods can be leveraged to protect worker health and safety.

Principles of Control
December 1, 2026 (1:00pm-4:00pm) (13 spaces available)

This module outlines the 5-point criteria for an effective control measure, the 3-levels or hierarchy of controls (at the source, along the path and at the worker) and the various control measures that fall under this structure. The application of the hierarchy of controls, its recognition under specific jurisdictions and the true cost of controls are discussed in detail. The module also considers the continuous bargaining concept as it applies to bargaining for effective control measures and improving workplace conditions.

It's the Law
December 2, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) (13 spaces available)

It’s the Law identifies the Canadian occupational health and safety (OHS) jurisdictions and discusses which jurisdiction is responsible for each participant’s workplace. The role of law in continuous bargaining and using it as legal leverage is discussed. Participants learn the basics of reading the Act (or Code, for Federal) ensuring that participants follow the examples using their own Act, and on the relationship between the Act, regulation and standards. Duties of various parties are discussed, with emphasis on the duties of the employer and how union health and safety representatives can leverage these duties for the benefit of their members. The Criminal Code amendments from the Westray Bill are reviewed and the expected standard of care is related to OHS legislated duties. The module discusses the three basic rights of workers, with an in-depth review of the right to refuse unsafe work. Enforcement of the law is covered through the role of health and safety inspectors/safety officers and through orders and charges. Appeal of orders is discussed briefly.

The Myth of Worker Carelessness
December 2, 2026 (1:00pm-4:00pm) (13 spaces available)

Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) approaches have been introduced by employers across a vast cross-section of workplaces – from manufacturing to health care and education. But what is Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS)? Whose goals for health and safety are met by BBS approaches? What kind of approach will advance the union’s goals for health and safety and how can we work to win such an approach in our workplaces? These are the questions posed by this module. The first session of the module explains Behaviour-Based Safety and gives participants a chance to analyze it. The second session contrasts behaviour-based safety with a hazard-based approach to health and safety. It also provides participants with a chance to develop strategies that will advance the union’s goals for health and safety.

Making Work fit the Worker
December 3, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) (13 spaces available)

Workers across Canada are suffering musculoskeletal disorders regardless of what sector they work in or the type of work they do. This module begins with a BINGO activity which uncovers the multifaceted and widespread nature of poor ergonomics revealing the often unseen hazards associated with this workplace hazard. A video verifies that poor work design results in MSDs and provides an example of a successful solution, demonstrating the importance of applying ergonomic principles to address the hazards of MSDs. The factors contributing to MSDs are explored and defined through brainstorming sessions, discussions and worksheet activities. Drawing upon participants own examples of their work experiences, participants role play the part of worker members and management. They formulate proposals and strategies and practice their bargaining skills to address occupational MSDs. In the end participants learn that eliminating MSDs simply means making the work fit the worker and not the other way around.

Violence in the Workplace
December 3, 2026 (1:00pm-4:00pm)

This program will raise awareness of workplace violence and encourage participants to press for changes in the workplace to eliminate or control this hazard.

Worker Representatives
December 3, 2026 (1:00pm-4:00pm)

Worker representatives play a vital role in representing the interests of workers under the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) recognized in OHS law across jurisdictions. This module outlines the general duties of worker representatives under each of the 14 jurisdictions and the functions and powers of committees and representatives. The importance of committee terms of reference, effective communications and use of the continuous bargaining concept are stressed. In work exercise #2, participants identify the information, consultation and terms of reference they require to be effective in their workplaces.

Workplace Stress
December 4, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) (13 spaces available)

The module is intended to increase awareness of issues surrounding occupational stress. Described as the plague of modern civilization, workplace stress is a steadily worsening problem for workers, not only in Canada, but around the world. While many people are interested in adopting healthy lifestyles and while the merits of regular exercise and a healthy diet are well recognized, very little attention is given to addressing one of the major causes of stress in our society, the workplace. Workers who develop stress related problems are often seen as weak or deficient in some way; the promotion of better coping responses is the most frequent response. The problem with individual coping solutions is that they provide short term relief only, while root causes continue to fester. This module reviews the health effects of too much stress, including impaired immune systems, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, poor mental health and diminished overall health. It goes on to discuss the features of the workplace that cause or contribute to stress. Finally, it suggests ideas for tackling this problem. With greater awareness of the health effects of stress and its causes, we can begin to view this genuine workplace hazard as a shared problem that affects us all and one that requires a collective response, directed to root causes.