This course will help shop stewards, health and safety representatives and other union representatives gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence at work and the role of the union and employer in addressing it. Participants will learn ways to best support members who may be experiencing domestic violence, including how to recognize and respond to the warning…

Effectively examines the economic, political and social forces at play between union and management. Participants can expect participation, interaction and roleplays along with practical skills and tools for com-munication, analysis, strategy and critical thinking.

Healthy and safe workplaces are a basic right. This workshop will provide worker activists with tools, materials, and processes to address this key area of work life. You will develop an understanding of how workplace stress and other psychosocial hazards can affect us and how to deal with them. The workshop will help identify stressors affecting workers such as job…

Member Action is designed for experienced shop stewards, local union leaders, and union staff who want to transform how members engage with their union and how their union engages with members. This course will train participants on the three-step approach to effective member engagement (Go, Listen, Build) and connect it to a three-step approach for building an active membership (one-on-one…

This course will get people thinking about the main factors in planning for retirement with emphasis on finances and retirement goals. While finances are a major part of retirement planning, this course will also delve into relationships, living conditions, retirement activities, women in retirement, health and wellbeing. Designed by retired union members, this course is for members who are retiring…

This course is designed for non-Indigenous workers who want to learn more about Indigenous issues and who want to work in solidarity with their First Nations and Metis brothers and sisters. Issues to be discussed will include history, spirituality, creating a representative workforce, Indigenous issues at the bargaining table, and opening the union to Indigenous activists. Indigenous workers are also…

This course is for chief stewards, business and assistant business managers, local officers, and stewards with considerable experience handling grievances. You will practice more advanced grievance handling skills using real life case studies and role plays. Participants will discuss discipline grievances, harassment, drug and alcohol issues, and different styles of management. The course will deal with procedures before the process…

Women make the union strong! This course offers union women an opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills, find their voice and ignite the spark to take on further challenges.

is a next step for women leaders, who are considering running in a municipal, provincial or federal campaign. It is designed to address the day to day challenges in the face of high stress campaigns. Participants will take away new ways of campaigning, strategic planning, and framing our message. By building on communication and presentation skills, participants will leave with…

Workers and their family members continue to struggle with a changing labour market, the rise of precarious work, harmful trade agreements and changing technologies. These issues can cause a deep sense of loss, increasing stress, mental health challenges and increasing susceptibility to addictions and other dependency disorders. Labour Community Advocates assist union members in finding the resources they need, and…

Prevention Link (ODRT): Level 1 – Rights & Obligations & Level 2 – Benefits & Services This week-long workshop will explore worker and employer rights & obligations under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (WSIA) and the benefits and services available. The workshop will also examine the roles and responsibilities in accommodating injured workers in the return-to-work process. **EXTRA COST…

Transforming Conflict into Union Activism approaches conflict in a novel way. It recognizes that conflict isn’t always negative but that it is the outcome of the conflict that is negative or positive. The course will teach participants how to listen to people involved in a conflict, get to the root causes of a conflict, and how to coach people involved…

Making the Link Between Occupational Disease and the Workplace: provides participants with information about workplace origins of occupational disease and environmental impacts, the steps to control exposures to prevent disease, and how to engage the union, workplace and community in recognizing workplace disease and fighting for prevention. Ergonomics: Basic Information for Joint Committees empowers health & safety activists with information…

Introduces participants to adult and popular education practices and facilitation techniques that focus on learning, action and inclusive movement building. Participants learn skills and knowledge required to facilitate short courses or workshops and adapt materials for a diversity of learning needs and styles.

Member Engagement – Member Action is designed for experienced shop stewards, local union leaders and union staff who want to transform how members engage with their union and how their union engages with their members. This course will train participants on the three-step approach to effective member engagement (Go, Listen, Build) and connect it to organizing approaches for building an…

This introductory survey course will help raise awareness for participants about mental health issues facing workers in today’s workplace. Activists will develop a range of strategies to specifically support, accommodate & represent members with mental health challenges at work. We will look at the myths around mental illness, challenging stigma and what role the union can play in making our…

This is a two-part course. Parliamentary Procedure covers how to run a meeting effectively, the duties of a chairperson and secretary, and how rules of order can provide a democratic and fair process to get the business of the union accomplished. Public Speaking covers how to speak persuasively to various groups and how different formats are used to speak at…

Pre-Requisite Level 1 and 2. Return to Work is an essential course for those assisting injured workers through a therapeutic work reintegration (WR). Learners will explore: the principles of good WR practices and the Duty to Accommodate. Barriers to successful WR will be discussed with a focus on attitudinal barriers and their elimination using the social model of disability and…

This program provides the skills to identify and assess workplace hazards based on key health and safety principles, providing participants with the information and skills required to strive for the prevention of workplace injury, illness and death. It is also the prerequisite to the Workers Health & Safety Centre Instructor Training program. **EXTRA COST $190.00

Participants will leave with a solid understanding of the bargaining process and the factors that affect collective bargaining. This course also introduces some of the laws and rules that structure the bargaining process and provides opportunities for hands on practice and skills development in preparing for and negotiating parts of a collective agreement. Level 1 is aimed at new bargaining…

This course is a good starting point for union activists & leaders looking to build their skills and perspectives to better engage and represent the diversity of their members. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination against people with disabilities are used to divide workers. Participants will focus on the role unions can play in advancing equity and changing how we…

This session is open to Labour Council Presidents in the Atlantic Region ONLY.  Who am I as a leader? As a president? Who are we as a labour council? How do we fit into the broader movement? Learn how to use the power of your elected position to build power in your labour council, create space for more members to get…

This course will cover how to run a meeting effectively, the duties of a chairperson and secretary, and how the rules of order can provide a democratic and fair process to get the business of the union accomplished.