December 1 - 6, 2024
Please note, the following workshop has material fees in addition to the registration fees. Please ensure these fees are added to your registration payment.
Health and Safety $50
English
CUPE/SCFP
Michael Stokes Memorial Weeklong School 2024
Introduction to Stewarding
Dec 2, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (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 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 to the workshop.
SLS - Duty of fair representation
Dec 3, 2024 (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.
SLS - Grievance handling
Dec 3, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
Share tips and successful practices with other stewards, and learn strategies for handling difficult grievances. NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement and Steward Handbook to the workshop.
SLS - Handling discipline and discharge
Dec 4, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
Learn about key legal concepts and terms, and the role of stewards during an employer’s investigation, when discipline is given, and during grievance meetings. NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement and Steward Handbook to the workshop.
SLS - Notetaking
Dec 4, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
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.
SLS - Ally skills for stewards
Dec 5, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
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.
SLS - Challenging racism in the workplace
Dec 5, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
This workshop covers what racism looks like in the workplace, and your role as a steward in challenging it.
SLS - Disability and ableism in the workplace
Dec 6, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
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.
SLS - What stewards need to know about bargaining
Dec 2, 2024 (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
Dec 2, 2024 (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 - HS - Preventing Mental Injuries at Work
Dec 3, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
New forms of work, job insecurity, work intensification, high demands, violence and a resulting poor work-life balance are resulting in psychosocial and mental health problems in CUPE workplaces. This module focuses on the workplace as the cause or a contributor to mental health issues, and not the individual. Discuss strategies and actions that actually help make workplaces psychologically healthier and safer.
SLS - Conflict skills for stewards
Dec 3, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
Unresolved workplace conflict is stressful and weakens the union. Learn about the sources of workplace conflict and how to choose a response that fits the situation. Practice conflict communication skills that will help you resolve conflict at work and in the union.
SLS - Representing members in front of management
Dec 4, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
This module equips stewards to be proactive when meeting with management. Learn tips for effective meetings, and build confidence by practicing meeting situations.
SLS - Solidarity with Indigenous workers
Dec 4, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
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.
SLS - Understanding mental health
Dec 5, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
Explore the steward’s role in supporting and representing members dealing with mental health issues. Learn how to challenge stigma, and how to approach a conversation with a member about a possible mental health issue.
SLS - Representing gender and sexually diverse members
Dec 5, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
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.
SLS - Creating accommodation-friendly workplaces
Dec 6, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
Learn the legal framework for the duty to accommodate, what a good accommodation process and plan look like, and what to do if the employer is not willing to provide reasonable accommodation. NOTE: Please bring your Steward Handbook to the workshop.
LET - Parliamentary Procedure
Dec 2, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 3, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
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 bylaws to the workshop.
LET - Bylaw Essentials
Dec 3, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
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. NOTE: Please bring your local bylaws to the workshop.
LET - Leadership Essentials
Dec 4, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 5, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
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.
LET - Essentials for Inclusive Unions
Dec 5, 2024 (1:00pm-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 6, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
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?
Please note: There is an additional charge of $50 for materials for this workshop. Workshop times are as follows: Monday to Thursday 9 am - 4 pm Friday 9 am - 12 pm Facilitators may extend class times as needed.
Investigating and Reporting
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
Investigating into and reporting on illnesses, injuries, accidents and exposures are key roles of union representatives serving on a joint committee or as a health and safety representative. The purpose is not to assign blame but to determine causes and recommend solutions. If the continuous bargaining framework is applied, the investigation phase obtains information and communicates with members. The report is the proposal. A strong report, laws and limits and the built-up concern of members are key leverage points. The session explores the notification and investigation rights of workers. Where investigation rights are weak and employers are in control of the investigation, there may be a need to protect the report from advocating BBS-type solutions. But union representatives should be constantly investigating accidents, obtaining information and bargain with employers for better work conditions—no legal right required. The session reviews the steps, questions and cause categories of an accident investigation and the key steps in an illness investigation. Participants practice use of these tools in case study worksheets. The session concludes with an emphasis that investigating and reporting is bargaining. And that it is done continuously.
It's the Law
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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.
Looking at the Workplace
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
Looking at the Workplace
Making Work Fit the Worker
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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.
Principles of Control
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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.
Staying Alive While Earning a Living
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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.
The Myth of Worker Carelessness
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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.
Toxic Substances
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
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.
Violence in the Workplace
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
This program will raise awareness of workplace violence and encourage participants to press for changes in the workplace to eliminate or control this hazard.
BARG - Bargaining solidarity
Dec 2, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 3, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 4, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 5, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 6, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
This workshop uses an intensive roleplay to help union activists develop the skills they need to build and maintain solidarity throughout the bargaining process. Discussions include analyzing internal and external forces that influence collective bargaining, identifying effective strategies and tactics for engaging members, and thinking about ways to reach marginalized members. NOTE: This workshop is for activists who want to learn how to use collective bargaining to build union power. This is not a “learn how to bargain” workshop.
Human Rights (non-catalog)
Dec 2, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 3, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 4, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 5, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm (Eastern))
Dec 6, 2024 (9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern))
This course allows leaders and activists to develop the skills and perspectives needed to build a stronger, more inclusive and anti-racist union culture. Employers use racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination to divide us as workers. We’ll focus on ways to communicate and educate about the connected nature of racism and other forms of oppression and the role the union can and does play in developing an analytical foundation to challenge employers. This course is not about the Human Rights Code.
Arbitration
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
This workshop is aimed at CUPE stewards and officers who are active in grievance procedures. Participants will gain a complete understanding of the arbitration process. You will have a chance to do the kinds of research that must be done before an arbitration hearing. Your local and your members will benefit from your new skiils! This workshop is designed for those members who have taken Introduction to Stewarding and some Steward Learning Series workshops and have experienced preparing and presenting a grievance. Please note, this workshop requires evening work.
Navigating Interpersonal and Group Conflict
December 2 (9:00am) - 6, 2024 (12:00pm)
Conflict is a part of our lives – at work, in the union, and at home. In this workshop we’ll build our conflict skills by looking at: • How our beliefs about conflict and our conflict style affect what happens in a conflict. • Sources of conflict in the union and at work. • Conflict dynamics. • Choosing the best response in a conflict. • Conflict communication skills.
White Oaks Resort & Spa
235 Taylor Road SS4
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
(map)
$2100
Registration payment must be submitted by mail upon completing the online registration. Please make cheque payable to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (MSS) and mail to CUPE - Ontario Regional Office, 80 Commerce Valley Drive E., Markham, ON L3T 0B2. Attn: Daniela Greco. DO NOT make cheques payable to the Ontario Division or they will be returned. Payment must be received by October 31, 2024 or spaces will be released and given to a member on the wait list.
PAYMENT DEADLINE: October 31, 2024 without exception. Any space not paid for by this date will be released.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations after October 31, 2024, without exception.
PLEASE NOTE & READ CAREFULLY: Registrations must be completed with the name of the member who is attending the workshop. Any registrations where one name is entered multiple times in order to hold space will be deleted without notification. Registrations marked TBA will not be accepted and will also be deleted. Payment must be received by the registration deadline or space will be given to another member on the waitlist where payment has been received.
There is a maximum of 5 attendees per local for the school. Any registrations beyond the 5 allowed will be deleted. Registration fee is $2,100 for the week. Registration fee includes accommodation, continuous refreshment service and meals (Sunday dinner to Friday noon).
Please note, the following workshops have material fees in addition to the registration fees:
Health & Safety - $50
Please ensure these fees are added when you send payment.
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.
Daniela Greco
dgreco@cupe.ca