Durham & Northumberland District CUPE Council School 2026

Register

September 26 - 27, 2026

Registration is $50, payable to Durham Northumberland CUPE District Council

English

Classroom

Durham Northumberland CUPE District Council

Durham & Northumberland District CUPE Council School 2026

LET - Financial Essentials
September 26, 2026 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))

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.  NOTE: This workshop is a pre-requisite for Secretary-Treasurers and Trustees wishing to take LET - Financial Officers.

LET - Leading as a Team
September 27, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))

In this workshop, executive teams explore power and responsibility that comes with it, how we work in teams and how to balance our leadership styles to engage the membership and work effectively across diversity.

Introduction to Stewarding
September 26, 2026 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
September 27, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))

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 9-hour workshop, you will learn: • investigating workplace problems; • filing a grievance; • meeting with management; • dealing with workplace complaints. NOTE: Please bring a copy of your collective agreement and local union bylaws to the workshop.

Introduction to Stewarding

Using our Power at Election Time
September 26, 2026 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))

There is an important election coming up! The outcome of every election will have an impact on workers, public services and equality rights. Learn more about how elections work, explore current issues and how to get involved...a little or a lot! We can make a difference!

SLS - Growing our mobilizing power
September 27, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))

Stewards can play a key role when the union needs to mobilize our members – whether it’s 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.

Introduction to Stewarding

SLS - What stewards need to know about bargaining
September 26, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))

Learn about the different steps in the bargaining process, the responsibilities of different activists throughout bargaining, and the role during bargaining.

SLS - What stewards need to know about arbitration
September 26, 2026 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))

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. NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement to the workshop.

SLS - Duty of fair representation
September 27, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))

Learn about where stewards get their authority in the workplace, the duty of fair representation, and other labour laws that cover the workplace. NOTE: Please bring your Steward Handbook to the workshop.

IBEW hall in Oshawa
1001 Ritson Road, S.,
Oshawa, Ontario
(map)

There is significant demand for our workshops. If you need to cancel your registration, please email Amanda Taylor, ataylor@cupe.ca, 80 Commerce Valley Drive East, MARKHAM, Ontario L3T 0B2 as soon as possible.

Thanks for your interest in CUPE’s Union Education Program and for your ongoing leadership in our union!

In response to the health concerns of our members and staff, CUPE has implemented a Scent-Free Policy at all of our workshops. Scented products such as hair spray, perfume and deodorant can trigger reactions such as respiratory distress and headaches. Facilitators and participants are asked to refrain from using scented products while attending our workshops and meetings. Thank you for your cooperation.

Amanda Taylor
ataylor@cupe.ca