Workshop Catalog

Unions are strongest when every worker is valued, included, and empowered. This interactive workshop is your introduction to building an anti-racist union—one where solidarity means standing up for all members. Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, we’ll explore key concepts, challenge biases, and develop the skills needed to create a more inclusive and powerful labour movement.

This workshop is an introduction to building an anti-racist union. It is part of a wider program of anti-racism workshops from CUPE Education. This intro workshop introduces some core ideas, concepts and skills that are carried through the other workshops and resources.

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-hour workshop, learn and practice how to intervene.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 workshop explores the benefits of bringing services in house - both for CUPE members and for those who rely on the services we provide. Learn how to identify possible services to bring in house and the steps to contracting in. Work with CUPE's new toolkit to stop contracting out called "Stop Contracting Out: A guide to bringing jobs and services back in house."

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 Steward Learning Series (SLS) for Challenging Racism in the Workplace.

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.

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.

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.

Participants should bring a copy of their collective agreement.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

This workshop covers:
- How to recognize warning signs of indoor air quality problems;
- How to investigate, analyze a situation and explore solutions;
- When and how to use respirators safely to control a hazard;
- How the health and safety rights and process applies to indoor air quality issues.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

In this workshop you will learn what mobilizing for health and safety looks like, how to engage members around health and safety in your workplace and how to create a mobilizing plan.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

Learn how to takes notes at committee meetings and prepare recommendations.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your binder and Health and Safety Committee Resource Kit.

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.

In this workshop you will:
• explore union values;
• learn about CUPE’s structure;
• find out how unions solve problems ;
• gain skills that will help you play a stronger role in your CUPE local.

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.

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 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.

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, 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 your local's duty to represent the members in your union, the legal requirements of fair representation and how it applies to your collective agreement and other laws covering your workplace.

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?

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.

Following the completion of LET - Financial Essentials, this 6-hour workshop allows Secretary-treasurers and Trustees to delve deeper into local finances.

Secretary-treasures 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.

NOTE: Please bring a laptop, if possible.

Have you ever sat through a meeting, either as a participant or a facilitator that you knew could be more focused, efficient, inclusive, or effective? We use Bourinot's rules of parliamentary procedure to make important decisions in a way that is fair. But sometimes a different kind of conversation is needed to be inclusive and build our movement. In this workshop, executive members learn a how to find and lead the right process for the work that needs to get done.

Parliamentary procedure is an important part of our democratic process in CUPE. Some conversations are better had using other approaches. How do you decide when parli-pro is needed and when another approach could help?
Build your facilitation skills for supporting effective and inclusive discussions, learn and practice some processes that you can use in your day to day work.

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.

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.

NOTE: Please bring a copy of your local bylaws to the workshop.

This workshop is for local executive members who have previously taken the the 9-hour parliamentary procedure workshop, to help refresh and practice chairing skills; or who have not taken the full workshop and need a primer.

NOTE: Participants should bring their local bylaws to the workshop.

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.

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; and
• communicate effectively with members.

NOTE: Please bring your local bylaws, sample meeting notices, sample membership meeting minutes and a laptop or tablet (if you have one) to the workshop.

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. 

Staff work with locals 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.

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.

More than half the population will experience a mental health problem over their lifetime. At least 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. *Includes certification "Mental Health First Aid."

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, cultural differences and power
• Choosing the best response in a conflict.
• Conflict communication skills and difficult conversations

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 is an introduction to why Truth and Reconciliation is a union issue, what Indigenous cultural safety can look like in the workplace and how members can use collective bargaining to make workplaces more safe and inclusive of Indigenous workers.

What creates respect at work? What is harassment, bullying and violence? What can we do to stop it?

This workshop explores how to create inclusive, safer workplaces for Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary staff. It will provide tools to better understand our Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary colleagues and fight transphobia.

Participants will have the opportunity to assess their workplace and determine what steps they can take to build safer spaces.

This workshop can have two audiences; a mixed audience of staff and management or an audience of only CUPE members.

This workshop will help participants:
- Recognize sexual harassment and sexual violence.
- Understand the impact of sexual violence and harassment on workers.
- Know our rights, roles and responsibilities.
- Practice how to address sexual violence as an active bystander.
- Learn how to deal with and prevent sexual violence and 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.

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.

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.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your Steward Handbook to the workshop.

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.

In this online workshop, you will 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.

NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement and Steward Handbook to the workshop.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 you can build solidarity with Indigenous workers and support reconciliation in the workplace.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement to the workshop.

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

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.

At work and in the union... 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.

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.

NOTE: Please bring your collective agreement to the workshop.

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!

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!

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.