Workshop Catalog

When we are disrespected in our union, or when harm, harassment, and discrimination happen we are unsafe. We would not accept it from our supervisors and managers at work, and it is not ok in our union space. When we witness others being harmed, oppressed or injured, we can intervene in safe and effective ways before, during, or after a harassing or violent situation.

In this 3-hours workshop, learn and practice how to intervene.

In this online workshop, locals will learn to assess how well their members are engaged. The session covers building power by mobilizing members to build solidarity and support for the bargaining committee.

NOTE: This workshop is for the Mobilization Committee.

Participants need:
- Pens/markers and paper.
- Membership list

In this online workshop, picket captains will 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.

In this online workshop, you will learn about:
• the bargaining process;
• the legal framework for bargaining;
• what to expect on the first day of bargaining;
• bargaining table basics;
• consensus decision-making; and
• staying strategic.

NOTE: This workshop is intended for members of a Bargaining Committee.

In this online workshop, you will role-play bargaining using the Zoom platform. Your Bargaining Committee will be divided into 2 groups - Employer and Union - and you will role-play the exchange proposals, caucus and practice virtual bargaining with each other.

NOTE: This workshop requires some advance preparation. Materials required will be provided 1 week before the workshop.

In this online session, the local Strike Committee will work with its assigned National Representative to complete its Strike Plan using the CUPE's Strike Planning Handbook and Strike Planning Tool.

NOTE: This session is intended for a local Strike Committee who has already taken the Strike Preparation (OLS) workshop. However, other local members may be invited to participate in the planning session based on their knowledge/expertise or their intended role in the Administration, Finance, Communications or Picketing Committees.

To be effective, a strike needs to be well organized. This online workshop covers the basics of a well-run strike: administration, finance / strike pay, communications and picketing coordination.

NOTE: This workshop is for a local Strike Committee.

This online workshop covers what racism looks like in our society and in our union, and your role in challenging it.

Participation in this online workshop qualifies for a stamp in the passport for the Stewart Learning Series (SLS) for Challenging Racism in the Workplace.

This workshop covers:

- Understanding conflict as a regular part of human interaction
- 5 responses to conflict and choosing the right response
- Tips for preventing bias from getting in the way
- Communication skills for informal conflict resolution

(This workshop qualifies for a stamp in the SLS Passport for SLS: Conflict Skills for Stewards.)

In this online workshop, you will learn about your local's duty to represent your members, the legal requirements of fair representation and how it applies to your collective agreement and other laws covering your workplace.

NOTE: Stewards who have completed the Introduction to Stewarding module can receive a stamp in their passport after completing this workshop.

This workshop explains the role that capitalism plays in workers’ lives, and examines the links between local and global issues. We will explore how building solidarity with workers in other countries makes the labour movement stronger in Canada and around the world.

This 2-part online workshop serves as an introduction into the world of health and safety and explores different basic concepts such as the:
• identification of hazards;
• hierarchy of controls;
• basic role of health and safety committees;
• basics on the right to refuse.

NOTE: Completion of this workshop is required to register for Part Two.

This 2-part online workshop serves as an introduction into the world of health and safety and explores different basic concepts such as the:
• identification of hazards;
• hierarchy of controls;
• basic role of health and safety committees;
• basics on the right to refuse.

NOTE: Completion of Part One is required to attend this workshop. Once both parts are complete, you will have fulfilled the pre-requisite to register for all other workshops in the Health and Safety Learning Series.

This workshop explains the role that capitalism plays in workers’ lives, and examines the links between local and global issues. We will explore how building solidarity with workers in other countries makes the labour movement stronger in Canada and around the world.

Participants will learn how to build a practice of allyship in their personal lives as well as in their locals, workplaces and communities. Learners will explore definitions, principles and applications of good allyship, and discuss related topics like white supremacy, privilege, comfort zones and strategies for collective action.

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 online workshop is for you!

Note: After you have completed this course, remember to sign up for Part 2 to get the Intro to Stewarding stamp in your passport. You will need this to take any of the courses in the Steward Learning Series.

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 online workshop is for you!

Note: This is Part 2 of Introduction to Stewarding. Part 1 is a pre-requisite to this course.

Good bylaws are an essential component of a well-functioning local. In this online 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: You will need your local bylaws to participate.

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

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.

Learn principles and processes to plan member engagement in your local.

Learn to recognize the signs that privatization is coming.
Learn how to be prepared.
Strategize and plan to stop privatization at your workplace before it starts.

This online workshop will help newly-elected treasurers learn about the basics of the local union’s finances. You will learn about your duties regarding the finances of the union, keeping the books, and how to be transparent and accountable to members. 

This online workshop will help new trustees understand their role and responsibilities. You will leave the workshop with a better understanding of union finances, financial controls, and financial terms as well as the basics of the trustees' audit.

This online workshop will prepare you to run a membership meeting online. Learn how to use features in Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms to present reports, move and discuss motions, and vote. The workshop includes a parliamentary procedure refresher and pointers for how to chair a good online meeting.

In this online workshop, you will share tips and successful practices with other stewards, and learn strategies for handling difficult grievances.

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 in this online workshop.

In this online workshop, participants will learn about public pensions and about the different types of workplace pension plans. They will also explore the different roles they, as Stewards, can play to support and accompany members in understanding and protecting their pension.

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!