Workshop Catalog

This workshop is for leaders that are willing to open their minds to hearing and learning about the history of colonialism that has affected marginalized groups such as Indigenous peoples, Black people and racialized people for decades. The purpose of this workshop is to be open and willing to create the change that is needed in our union and communities.

In this workshop, the local executive:
• analyzes their contract and identifies gaps;
• learns about the Collective Agreement Information System (CAIS) and the importance of using clear language.

NOTE: This workshop is for the local executive.

This workshop gives bargaining committee members the training they need, when they need it, so they can get the best deal possible for their members. It is delivered by the national servicing rep and happens in stages throughout negotiations. The workshop explores how to work effectively in caucus, as well as at the bargaining table.

NOTE: This workshop is for bargaining committee members.

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.

This module can be added to other parts of the Bargaining Education Program. It covers the legal framework for collective bargaining and where we get our power as a union.

In this workshop, members of local Mobilization Committees look at effective ways to engage members before bargaining begins, and throughout the bargaining process.

NOTE: This workshop is for the Mobilization Committee.

Bargaining notes are critical – during bargaining and when new language is being implemented after bargaining has ended. Learn how to read the room, understand body language, take good notes, and store notes after bargaining.

NOTE: This workshop is for bargaining committee members.

In this workshop, picket captains learn about:
• the issues in dispute;
• the strike plan;
• their responsibilities;
• how to manage situations that might come up on the picket line.

NOTE: This workshop is for picket captains.

To be effective, a strike needs to be well organized. This workshop covers the four pillars of a well run strike: administration, finance/strike pay, communications and picket schedules.

NOTE: This workshop is for the Strike Committee.

In this workshop, the local executive:
• analyzes the internal and external factors that impact bargaining;
• sets goals for bargaining;
• prepares a work plan to steer them through the bargaining process.

NOTE: This workshop is for the local executive.

In this workshop, participants learn:
• how to develop and use a bargaining survey in a way that is effective and strategic;
• how to word questions clearly;
• effective ways to circulate a survey and collect and analyze results;
• how to use a survey to develop proposals;
• how to use survey results to support the union’s arguments at the bargaining table.

NOTE: This workshop is for the local executive or bargaining committee (whoever handles the bargaining survey).

With the right vision, your local can be stronger.
This workshop covers:
• issues, problems and solutions that are relevant to your local
• strategies for making your local more inclusive
• an action plan to strengthen your local

We rely heavily on the written word to inform our members of their rights and to encourage them to participate in the workplace, the union and the community. Our communications, however, aren’t always as effective as we would like.

This workshop will help you develop clear writing and design skills to reach more members and make your local stronger.

Bullying hurts everyone. As union members, we have a role to play in combating workplace bullying.
Come and talk about:
• what bullying is;
• how bullying hurts everyone;
• how not to be a bystander;
• how the union can make a difference.

Bullying hurts everyone. As union members, we have a role to play in combating workplace bullying.
Come and talk about:
• what bullying is;
• how bullying hurts everyone;
• how not to be a bystander;
• how the union can make a difference.

Bullying hurts everyone. As union members, we have a role to play in combating workplace bullying.
Come and talk about:
• what bullying is;
• how bullying hurts everyone;
• how not to be a bystander;
• how the union can make a difference.

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
-deepen your understanding of conflict
-learn how to identify the issues and find the right solutions
-strengthen your conflict communication skills

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.

Challenging racism in the workplace and the union will benefit everyone.
In this workshop, you will:
• deepen your understanding of racism;
• explore the history of racism and colonialism in North America;
• explore how to be an ally for racial equality.

Learn about the rights and responsibilities of both employers and unions under the Duty to Accommodate. In this workshop you will:
• explore case law, key concepts and the prohibited grounds of discrimination under human rights law;
• learn to make the case for accommodating workers and how to help union representatives and employers come up with appropriate accommodations for members;
• Look at how we can break down stereotypes and stigma to support the accommodation process for those who need it.

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.

NOTE: See more Health and Safety courses in the Health and Safety Learning Series.

Learn how to identify root causes of workplace incidents, injuries, and diseases, common routes of entry of toxic substances, and your role in the investigation process.

Championing equality in the workplace and the union is a vital role of health and safety activists. But what does it really mean to act as a good ally? In this workshop, we will explore what oppression looks like in a health and safety context, and look at ways to reduce personal bias, challenge oppression, and act in solidarity with members from marginalized and equity-seeking groups.

This module looks at the musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace, such as strains or carpal tunnel syndrome, the risk factors, and the employers’ obligations to prevent these types of injuries.

In this module, you will learn techniques for identifying hazards, such as body maps, surveys and inspections. You will also develop a methodology for dealing with the hazards you find.

This module covers the basic origins of health and safety law, how to find, read and interpret relevant section of law and highlights some of the more important aspects of the specific health and safety law that applies to you.

This module explores the structure, role and function of health and safety committees, their strengths and limitations, and how they can best work within the legislative framework, and within our union.

Mobilizing for Health and Safety

Learn how to takes notes at committee meetings and prepare recommendations

Health and safety standards are starkly different around the world. Trade deals signed by our government not only keep workers in other countries down, but can also hurt Canadian workers. This module examines a few of the socioeconomic and political realities of the global workforce to illustrate how poor health and safety laws around the world make it harder for us to bring positive change to workers in Canada.

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 of mental health issues, and not the individual. Discuss strategies and actions that actually help make workplaces psychologically healthier and safer.

This module examines the risk factors that lead to violence in the workplace, and the employer’s obligations to prevent workers from being exposed to and injured by violence while at work. We examine relevant health and safety law, and start to develop strategies to make our workplaces safer.

This module looks at the impact of the physical and social work environment on women’s health, and ways to influence research, policy and practice to reduce the health disparities related to gender.

As employers pull back resources, they expect workers to do more with less. This module will examine workload, the cause and effects of overwork, and strategies to overcome the ever increasing workload that is damaging not just our health at work, but the relationship we have outside of work.

This course provides leaders and activists with the opportunity to develop the skills and perspectives we need to build a stronger, more inclusive union.

Employers use racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination against people with disabilities to divide us as workers. We’ll focus on the role the union can and does play in advancing equality and challenging employers.

This course is not about the Human Rights Code

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: See more Stewarding courses under the Steward Learning Series.

Unions have led the charge for shorter work weeks, health and safety legislation, collective bargaining rights, benefit and pension programs, and much more. Now unions are under attack.
In this workshop, we will explore:
• the history of unions in Canada and key moments in CUPE’s 50 year history;
• why unions are under attack;
• who benefits when workers’ rights are weakened;
• what we can learn from our history to help us move forward and build our power at the bargaining table and in the political arena.

Unions have led the charge for shorter work weeks, health and safety legislation, collective bargaining rights, benefit and pension programs, and much more. Now unions are under attack.
In this workshop, we will explore:
• the history of unions in Canada and key moments in CUPE’s 50 year history;
• why unions are under attack;
• who benefits when workers’ rights are weakened;
• what we can learn from our history to help us move forward and build our power at the bargaining table and in the political arena.

How do we create a welcoming, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment for Indigenous members in the workplace and in the union?
In this workshop you will:
• identify the injustices that Indigenous people have faced and still face today;
• learn how Indigenous peoples have resisted injustice, including the Idle No More movement;
• analyze why oppression of Indigenous peoples continues today;
• strategize actions we can take as allies to support justice for Indigenous peoples.

In this workshop, participants will explore:
- The value of conflict for effective groups
- How our beliefs about conflict shape how we respond
- The kinds of conflict executives struggle with
- Productive ways to resolve conflict on an executive

Learn about where stewards get their authority in the workplace, the duty of fair representation, and other labour laws that cover the workplace.

This is a tool for National Servicing and Education Representatives to use with their local executives. A new and improved version is being developed, but this one provides a good starting point.

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 within the finances of the union, budgeting and how to be transparent and accountable to members. 

Once secretary-treasurers and trustees complete the Financial Essentials 1-day 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.

Learn about CUPE structure and about the values and principles of the labour movement. Understand the roles and responsibilities of elected officers, the bylaws and constitution that structure our organization. Leave knowing how to make your voice heard at a union meeting and how to participate in the decisions of your union.

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.

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.

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.

The Servicing Representative may offer the session to a Local executive who:
• has taken the 9- hour parliamentary procedure workshop, to help refresh and practice chairing skills.
• has not taken the full workshop and needs a primer.

Recording Secretaries play a vital role in keeping local unions strong.
Learn how to:
• take clear and accurate meeting minutes;
• organize files;
• process and write correspondence;
• Communicate effectively with members.

Locals work with staff to put together a strategic planning session. Strategic planning is a collaborative way to set achievable and measurable goals for your local. It will help you determine what will be implemented over a matter of weeks and years so your local can evolve and grow to serve your membership better. It is also a way to build capacity and activism within your local. This is not an off the shelf workshop. Each situation is different and requires a tailor made approach.

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?

Half the population will experience a mental health problem over their lifetime. And 20% of us are dealing with mental illness on any given day. Mental health issues touch every one of us directly or indirectly. What does this mean for us as workers? What about in our role as union activists? What are our duties and responsibilities? How can we support members who may be dealing with mental illness? This workshop will help answer these questions and more.

Conflict is a natural part of our lives. Learning to handle it well improves relationships at work and in the union..
In this workshop, you will:
• deepen your understanding of conflict;
• strengthen your communication skills;
• practice responding to conflict.

Pensions are our deferred wages. That’s what makes them a union issue – whether you’re trying to get a workplace pension for your members or are trying to protect the one you have.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about:
• Government pensions – the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement;
• The different kinds of workplace plans and why some are better than others;
• The attacks on workers’ pensions – and how we can fight back as union members.

Pensions are our deferred wages. That’s what makes them a union issue – whether you’re trying to get a workplace pension for your members or are trying to protect the one you have.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about:
• Government pensions – the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement;
• The different kinds of workplace plans and why some are better than others;
• The attacks on workers’ pensions – and how we can fight back as union members.

This workshop prepares participants to lobby local, municipal, school board, provincial or federal level politicians. By registering for the workshop, participants commit to participate in a lobby that will be arranged with CUPE in the weeks or months that follow. Locals are encouraged to send a mix of newer activists along with more seasoned members to participate. The workshop can be for mixed group of sectors, focussing on different issues, or for building lobby skills around a single issue, campaign or sector.

NOTE: This workshop is well-suited to inviting allies from community groups and other unions to learn and prepare to lobby along with CUPE members.

This workshop will help you gain the confidence you need to speak up at a meeting or public event. Take the opportunity, in a supportive environment to practice speaking on various issues and resolutions. Learn ways to deal with nervousness, and how to prepare and present.

This workshop will help you plan for your retirement.

How do we recognize harassment? What are the impacts of harassment and what can the union do about it?
This workshop will help you understand:
• what harassment is;
• how to handle complaints;
• how to use contract language, education, and workplace policy to prevent harassment.

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.

This workshop covers what racism looks like in the workplace, and your role as a steward in challenging it.

Reflect on sexism and its social and economic impact. Learn ways to challenge sexism in the workplace and protect members’ rights.

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.

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.

Learn how to recognize harassment, educate members about harassment, and represent members who are involved in harassment complaints.

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.

Learn about where stewards get their authority in the workplace, the duty of fair representation, and other labour laws that cover the workplace.

How will greening our workplaces impact workers? What does a green workplace look like? What action can we take to address environmental issues? Explore answers to these questions and more, from a steward’s perspective.

Share tips and successful practices with other stewards, and learn strategies for handling difficult grievances.

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.

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.

This module is an opportunity for stewards to learn more about current issues.

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.

Practice coaching members who are in conflict with other members, and work with a four-step approach to basic mediation.

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.

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?

What is a psychologically healthy and safe workplace? Learn to identify the psychological hazards in a workplace, and the role of the steward in eliminating psychological hazards.

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.

This module equips stewards to be proactive when meeting with management. Learn tips for effective meetings, and build confidence by practicing meeting situations.

Learn about Canada’s history of colonialism, engage in some myth-busting, and explore ways that stewards can build solidarity with Indigenous workers and support reconciliation in the workplace.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube… How can they benefit my local? How are groups using social media for activism? How can I deal with people’s resistance? What are the guidelines for using social media? Explore questions like these and get lots of hands-on practice in CUPE’s Social Media workshop.

In today’s world, we’re all connected across borders. Global, international trade and investment agreements consolidate global corporate power. We need to consolidate global workers’ struggles to build union power. CUPE's solidarity must expand beyond our borders if we are serious about achieving equality and justice for all workers.
In this workshop, participants will:
• explore the root causes of global inequality, austerity, and privatization
• identify where we have power‎ to act
• strategize about solidarity actions

This workshop will help you build union solidarity in locals where some members of the union supervise other members. It provides tips on how unionized supervisors can carry out their duties and discusses how locals can ensure that tensions between supervisors and those supervised don’t get in the way of the local union’s activities.

Schoolboard, municipal, provincial or federal election coming up? The outcome of elections affects workers, public services and equality rights.

This workshop provides a chance to explore current election issues, how to get involved, to support candidates and to have an impact on the outcome of an election.

Aimed at new members, this 2-hour workshop will provide you with information about: how the union works, what your collective agreement says and what to do if you have problems at work.

Learn about women’s oppression, politics and social change – all from a woman’s perspective. Explore the barriers, challenges and opportunities for women in the union. Discover your own personal leadership style and develop a plan for your personal next step.

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.

NOTE: This workshop is open to members who identify as women.