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Course Descriptions

ONLY COURSES ON EDUCATION PROGRAM SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE

COURSE SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Important Note: We are in the process of revising and updating many of the courses included in our education program. With this restructuring, Building Union Solidarity (BUS) and Welcome to Your Union have been combined in a new course called Talking Union Basics (TUB). Talking Union Basics now replaces the BUS and provides basic knowledge of union principles, structures, programs and activities. The TUB can be offered in a variety of formats to suit the needs of the learners, including the following formats: a one day course, a Friday evening/Saturday format or over several week-day evenings.

BASIC PROGRAM

TALKING UNION BASICS (TUB)
This is the Union's key introductory course. If you have wondered what it means to be a Union member, how the PSAC works, and what happens to your dues dollars, then Talking Union Basics provides answers to these questions. The course also introduces the collective agreements, your employee rights and your rights as a member of the PSAC. You will learn about the many opportunities to be active in the Union and ways you can make a contribution to building strong locals in the Ontario region. It is recommended that members take this course first, as it provides the basic knowledge you need to get the most from other PSAC courses.
Open to: All members, and new members are encouraged to apply.

GRIEVANCE HANDLING
This training is a must for stewards and other workplace representatives, or members who want to use the enhanced knowledge and skills to solve problems at the workplace. You will find out what the law says about grievances, grievors and their representatives, and the protections built in for those who choose to use the grievance procedure to solve problems. You will develop grievance handling and problem solving skills through "hands-on" exercises on gathering facts and resources, analyzing a problem, drafting grievance wording, building a complete file, and presenting the case to the employer. You will work with case studies based on actual grievances, and in the process, improve your knowledge of case law.
Open to: All members, and new Local Stewards are encouraged to apply.

GRIEVANCE HANDLING - PART 1 and PART 2 (2 days)
This course is presented in two parts on two separate Saturdays and Part I is a rerequirement
for Part II. This course is a must for stewards and other workplace representatives, or members who want to use the enhanced knowledge and skills to solve problems at the workplace.. (** Talking Union Basics (TUB) is a prerequisite for Grievance Handling.)

GRIEVANCE BASICS (Evening)
You will learn: Proper grievance wording, how to make grievances more effective, about the grievance procedure as a problem-solving mechanism.This course is an introduction to the forms required for grievances. Also the principles regarding the wording of grievances and corrective action.
Open to: All Members including new Local Stewards interested in developing their problem-solving and grievance handling skills.

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION (Evening)
You will learn: how to manage the paperwork including membership lists, about financial statements, time management tips, importance of Local By-laws.
Open to: Local Executive members, Stewards and members interested in developing their administrative skills, as they pertain to a Union Local.

HOW TO RUN A LOCAL MEETING (Evening)
You will learn: how to run an effective meeting, what happens at local meetings, how to motivate members to attend, roles and responsibilities of Local Executives, basic rules of order.
Open to: Local Executive and Union members interested in developing their leadership skills.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY: ROLE OF THE UNION (Evening)
You will learn: This two hour course deals with the role of the union in the Employment Equity process. Its main focus will be on the Consultation and Collaboration portion of the Act. Participants will have an understanding of the legal requirements of the Consultation process. It will include exercises to assist you in problem solving where there might be a difference of opinion. The course is geared towards Local Executive members, Employment Equity Committee members and/or anyone seeking to gain a greater understanding of the Employment Equity Consultation process.
Open to: All members. The course is geared towards Local Executive members, Employment Equity Committee members and/or anyone seeking to gain a greater understanding of the Employment Equity Consultation process.

EFFECTIVE LOCAL COMMITTEES (Evening)
This course is geared towards members looking to gain skills with which to become more effective local committee members. We will examine why committees are an important part of the local organization. An emphasis will be placed on administration responsibilities of committees and how they interface with the local executive and the membership.
Open to: All members.

LOCAL OFFICER TRAINING (One Day or Two Evenings or Two Days)
This is an ideal course for anyone elected to the Local Executive. You will learn how to use the structure and services of the Alliance to solve problems on behalf of your local. You will explore strategies to increase attendance at meetings, and learn how to run effective meetings by improving your working knowledge of Rules of Order. You will find out what the local executive needs to do to organize the local including strategic planning. You will develop some administrative skills. Some of these are transferable skills which can be useful as you participate in volunteer organizations within your community.
Open to: All Local Executive members and those that wish to upgrade their skills.
Prerequisite: The Talking Union Basics/BUS or its equivalent.

ORGANIZING (One Day or Four Days for Advanced)
You will learn: Why workers are choosing PSAC, elements of a successful organizing campaign, how to develop a representative organizing committee, role of a volunteer member organizer and how to communicate the Union message.
Open To: Members who are interested in becoming volunteer member organizers in an organizing campaign including Alliance Facilitators, Stewards and all other interested members.
Prerequisite: The Talking Union Basics/BUS or its equivalent.

POLITICAL EDUCATION & LOBBYING COURSE (PEL)
This one day course provides education modules on the Canadian political system (Federal, Provincial and Civic); developing an awareness of politics affects your daily life including your work life, the importance of becoming politically involved to have impact on your employer (for Treasury Board members - the ability to elect your employer); lobbying techniques including how to lobby your MP, MPP and City Councillors; volunteering for election campaigns; a review of Federal legislation and some guidelines; recruiting volunteers to help the union cause; and understanding the issues. Open to all members.

TOWARDS A RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE
The purpose of this training is to help create workplaces where measures are in place to ensure that we have harassment-free working environments. We will look at how to identify a respectful workplace and assess the impact that harassment has on that workplace and on individuals. We will work together to create actions that will contribute to a harassment-free workplace. You will be introduced to Policy 23A, PSAC Anti-Harassment Policy: The Workplace.
Open to: All Members

INTRODUCTION TO PSAC ANTI-HARASSMENT WORKPLACE POLICY TRAINING (Evening)
You will be introduced to the Union's Anti-Harassment in the Workplace Policy and the guiding principles.
Open to: All Members including Local Stewards responsible for handling harassment complaints, Harassment Complaint Coordinators, Component and Alliance Officers.

UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT
(one/half day or one and half-days)
This half-day workshop explores some key provisions and recent amendments to the collective agreement, and introduces an easy four-step interpretation framework. We will practice using the framework, and look "beyond the words" to the "intent" of various clauses. We will practice applying the collective agreement to actual workplace situations, using a number of case studies from adjudication/arbitration decisions (e.g., sick leave, operational requirements, other leave with or without pay, acting pay). Deconstructing actual cases will enhance your ability to problem solve through analysis and discussion. This session will "demystify" the collective agreement and provide you with the necessary interest and skills for ongoing self-directed learning. Organize one for your workplace. This is part of our Employer supported training initiatives.
Open to: All members interested in learning about their collective agreement and the skills required to interpret it.

UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT (Evening Session)
This workshop introduces an easy four-step interpretation framework.
Open to: All members interested in learning about their collective agreement and the skills required to interpret it.

CONVENTION PROCEDURES: Sessions I & II (Evening Session)
You will learn: the purpose and function of conventions; the procedures of conventions including elections, budgets, and reports; roles of convention committees, committee chair persons and the convention chair person, resolution writing, caucuses, rules of order, voting procedures including voting on a committee's recommendation; about speaking at conventions. You will participate in a mock convention in session II.
Open to: All members/delegates attending PSAC Regional/Component Regional Conventions this year and members interested in developing their union convention skills.

RESOLUTION WRITING (Evening Session)
You will prepare for conventions by developing your resolution writing skills. You will learn about the purposes of resolutions, the elements of a good resolution, the format of resolutions, and emergency resolutions.
Open to: All members/delegates attending PSAC Regional/Component Conventions this year and members interested in developing their union convention skills.

CONVENTION PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES
You will learn the purpose and function of conventions; the procedures of conventions including elections, budgets, and reports; roles of convention committees, committee chair persons and the convention chair person, resolution writing, caucuses, rules of order, voting procedures including voting on a committee's recommendation; about speaking at conventions. You will prepare for conventions by developing your resolution writing skills. You will learn about the purposes of resolutions, the elements of a good resolution, the format of resolutions, and emergency resolutions.
Open to: All members/delegates attending PSAC Regional/Component Conventions this year and members interested in developing their union convention skills.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
This course will cover:
-Negotiations
-Bargaining demands
-Mobilization
-Preparing for a strike

Open to: All members.

FEMINIST PROCESS (one day)
Feminist Process models an alternative to traditional processes of decision-making within groups. It emphasizes the importance of process as well as task completion. Feminist Process concentrates on inclusiveness of all the groups in the decision-making process. You will learn to value views, respect diversity, encourage flexibility and participation of everyone in the group to share knowledge and power.
Open to: All members.

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND INSURANCE BOARD (WSIB)

Levels I � Rights & Obligations
Level 1 provides front-line advocacy skills to union members. Participants will receive an insight into the operations of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, as well as an understanding of the rights and obligations of injured workers. At the end of the training, participants will be able to assist injured workers in the steps of filing claims, completing forms, receiving benefits and service entitlements, and accident prevention protocols.

Open to: Health and Safety Activists including Union Representatives on Joint-Health and Safety Committees.

Prerequisite: The Talking Union Basics//Bus or its equivalent

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND INSURANCE BOARD (WSIB)

Levels II � Benefits & Representation

Level 2 provides members with the advocacy skills and knowledge required to represent injured workers in the initial steps of a worker's claim. Participants will acquire an understanding of the benefits and services available to injured workers, including changes resulting from Bill 165 and Bill 99. Complete examination of files, communications with physicians and Insurance Board staff, and cutting through red tape and mediation skills are integral parts of the training.
Open to: Health and Safety Activists including Union Representatives on Joint-Health and Safety Committees.

Prerequisite: WSIB Level I

ADVANCED PROGRAM

(Some courses offered regularly in context of the Ontario School)

Alliance Facilitators' Training Program (AFTP)
The goals of the course are to promote the Alliance Facilitators' Network and strengthen PSAC locals through workplace and local-based union education. The AFTP develops members' skills and self-confidence to undertake union education activities within their locals, their Components, and their regions. Participants explore how to identify learning needs, set learning objectives, facilitate discussions and develop workshops and seminars. Through practical exercises, participants learn how to choose and use various techniques and aids and how to foster positive group dynamics. They also learn the principles of popular and adult education and the elements of an effective learning experience.
We are looking for committed Activist who will be an active Alliance Facilitator.
Open to: Members who have a demonstrated interest in the Alliance Facilitator Network (AFN).

Prerequisite: The Talking Union Basics/BUS or its equivalent

Transforming Women's Lives: Our Union, Our Work, Our Community
Upon completion of this intensive 5 day In-Residence PSAC Education Program, you will:

Be Able to advance Women's Issues in the Local;
Be Able to identify gender based inequities and forms of oppression;
Be Able to further a gender analysis of social, economic, and political
strategies that PSAC is engaged in;
Know the History of Women's struggles in the Labour Movement;
Know who profits from continued inequities at work and in the community
Know how to challenge inequities and barriers to an inclusive union and
workplace
Feel inspired to take your rightful place in the Union
Feel motivated to organize other activists around Women's Issues
Feel inspired to work with other social justice/feminist groups in furthering women's equality agenda

Prerequisite: The Talking Union Basics/BUS or its equivalent

LOCAL OFFICER ADVANCED TRAINING
Ideally, two or more members of the same local executive should participate in this course. You will develop leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and mobilization skills. Course content includes the role of the local executive, strategic planning, local activities, local committees and terms of reference, communicating and recruiting, representation issues and the Duty of Fair Representation, local meetings, improving the effectiveness of union management consultation and rights and protections of union representatives. You will learn about social activism and how to involve members in the broader labour movement. You will participate in a module on the implementation of PSAC Anti-Harassment Policy including the roles and responsibilities of the Local.
Open to: Local Executive members.
Prerequisite: The Talking Union Basics/BUS or its equivalent.

STEWARDS ADVANCED COURSE
The emphasis is on skills development. You will develop leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and mobilization skills. You will learn about social activism and how to involve members in the broader labour movement. You will learn how to organize the members for workplace collective action including how to effectively recruit new members and encourage them to become active; how to keep members informed and interested in the Alliance. You will explore the role of the Steward. You will participate in a module on the implementation of Policy 23A: Anti-Harassment Training including examination of the roles and responsibilities of the Local Steward and Union in harassment situations and representation issues including the Duty of Fair Representation.
Open to: Experienced Local Stewards
Prerequisite: Grievance Handling Course

POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVISM
We are affected by decisions of many levels of government as workers, voters and consumers. Political and Social Action provides an opportunity for you to think seriously about the kind of government we want and the kind of society we want to build together. If you are interested in political action - working with others in the workplace or community, between elections or during election campaigns - this may be the course for you. Topics include direct action, working with the media, coalition building, the political system, defending public services, creating membership awareness, lobbying elected representatives, use of the Internet in relation to social and political action, mobilization techniques, globalization and trade.
Open to: Area Council Members, Regional Committee Members including Women's Committee Members, Local Political Action Committee Members, and Social Activists.
Prerequisite: Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues.

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM
The course is designed for union members interested in developing their skills, knowledge and attitudes to become human rights activists in their union, workplace and community. Participants will be able to develop basic strategies and identify appropriate union and community resources to respond to discrimination, harassment and inequities in the workplace and in the union; develop a plan to apply the learning from the course to their work setting, union and community; network and work collaboratively with other human rights activists in the union/community and to share information and resources in your union and in your region.
You will participate in specific modules on Racism, Aboriginal Awareness, Pride, and Disability Awareness. You will explore the meaning of power as it relates to issues of human rights. You will develop a model of activism for human rights work and struggles.
Members who apply for this course must be supportive of PSAC Policy Statements on human rights issues including employment equity, sexual orientation, anti-racism, Aboriginal Workers, disability issues, and PSAC Anti-Harassment Policies.
Open to: Local Executive Officers, Stewards, Human Rights Activists including Community Activists, Local/Regional Human Rights/Equity Committee Members including members of Joint Equity/Human Rights Committees, Component Officers.

Duty to Accommodate (DTA)

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• identify discrimination in workplace culture, practices, policies and procedures;
• define the current meaning and context of workplace accommodation;
• act on their legal accommodation rights;
• explain the effect of accessing legal routes on workplace accommodation;
• identify the elements of a good workplace accommodation policy;
• identify workplace barriers to the full participation of persons from equality seeking groups;
• identify measures that promote the full participation of equality seeking groups in the workplace
• identify essential elements of return to work programs;
• understand the links between return to work programs and the duty to accommodate;
• begin the process of developing pro-active strategies to support inclusive workplaces for the “returning worker”.

OPEN TO: Human Rights Activists, Members of Equity Committees, Health and Safety Activists, WSIB Advocates, Members of Return to Work Committees.

Prerequisite: You must have successfully completed the Talking Union Basics course (TUB).

You must request Leave With Pay from your Employer, Duty to Accommodate is the Employer’s Responsibility.

PSAC ANTI-HARASSMENT WORKPLACE POLICY TRAINING (4 days)
This intensive 4 day course clarifies what is harassment and examines roles and responsibilities under union and employer policies. You will learn how to implement and apply PSAC Anti-Harassment Policy 23A: The Workplace . You will review alternate processes to resolve complaints, what to expect from an employer investigation, and the Duty of Fair Representation. You will learn how to conduct a local investigation. By the end of the course, participants should have a good working knowledge of PSAC anti-harassment policies and be able to help create harassment-free workplaces.
Open to: All Members including Local Stewards responsible for handling harassment complaints, Harassment Complaint Coordinators, Component and Alliance Officers.

Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC)
Level I: Occupational Health and Safety Training

This course will provide participants with a basic level of occupational health and safety awareness including hazard recognition and the legal rights and responsibilities of all workplace parties. It’s also designed to build participant confidence and encourage active involvement in workplace health and safety initiatives. The Level I program consists of seven (7) core modules
• Legislation ( Provincial or Federal)
• Principle of Control
• Staying Alive while Earning a Living
• Toxic Substances
• Body and the workplace
• Cancer
• Myth of the Careless Worker
and three (3) additional elective modules – selected from 12 other possible modules.

Open to: PSAC members who are either members of the Joint Health & Safety Committees or are workplace Health & Safety Representatives. The course is open to members from both the provincial and the federal labour jurisdiction.
Prerequisite: Completion of the Talking Union Basics (TUB) course is strongly recommended.
Loss Of Salary: Applicants must request Salary Replacement by your Employer as H&S is an Employer obligation.

WSIB Level III: Appeals and Dispute Resolution
The third level is designed to provide the skills necessary to participate a the hearings stage and in various other dispute resolution schemes. Participants will be provided with an in-depth analysis of different dispute resolution strategies including Mediation, the Appeals Resolution Officer level, the WSIB Alternate Dispute Resolution model, and at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal level. This level is designed to build on the knowledge of the previous two levels and provide the necessary skills for representatives to properly represent workers and employers at all levels in the Workplace Safety and Insurance system. Participants will be given hands-on experience in resolving disputes to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
Open to: PSAC graduates of WSIB Levels I & II only. Candidates must have a demonstrated experience with WSIB Advocacy and Union. Candidates must already be providing information, guidance, and advice with members in their locals/workplace. Candidates must be willing to take on representation at hearings at the Dispute Resolution level.

Prerequisite: WSIB Levels I & II

ADVANCED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Ontario Region offers a variety of leadership programs based on identified needs in the Regional Education Plan. In addition, Ontario Region participates in the National Officers' Training Program (NOTP) which is offered every 3 years during a PSAC Convention year.

AREA COUNCIL TRAINING
Area Council Members will learn:
To identify the roles of Area Councils.
How to reactivate Area Councils.
To develop action plans for Area Councils.
To describe the PSAC Organizing Program and identify current drives and Area Councils' role.
How to organize events your Members will want to attend.
How to conduct effective campaigns about issues that matter to members.
To develop strategies for encouraging Locals to join and participate.
How to be part of the labour movement in your community.

Open to: Area Council Members

REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICER TRAINING (RCOT)
Newly elected Regional Council Members will learn:
To identify the roles/responsibilities of Ontario Regional Council and the guiding principles of Ontario Regional Council.
To define strategic planning and describe the steps.
To identify regional priorities and PSAC organizational priorities and vision.
To develop action plans for Regional Council members in context of Council roles/mandates and priorities.
To develop media skills including interviewing skills.
To practice speech writing and speech delivery skills.
To describe the PSAC Organizing Program and identify current drives and Council's role/mandate.
To identify linkages among the Regional Council Committees and to develop committee action plans.

Open to: Newly elected Ontario Regional Council Members

UNION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
UDP is the PSAC's leadership development course. It trains activists to move into leadership positions as elected officers and staff. Equally important, it trains people to exercise leadership at the level at which they currently function. The role of UDP is to expand as well as regenerate the leadership base. An intensive 16 day course, UDP is taken in three separate segments.
Areas of study for the UDP include: Union Principles, the Organizing Model, Speaking to the Issues, Recruiting Activists, Local Development, Decision-Making in the Alliance, International Solidarity, developing and promoting an Inclusive Union, Charting the Future of the PSAC.

By the end of the UDP participants will be able to:
Describe their collective vision of social justice and the role of unions in achieving that vision.
Define the philosophy, structures and political dynamics of the Alliance and of the broader union movement.
Analyze some of the issues of current significance to Canadian working people and their unions.
Demonstrate leadership in pursuit of their vision.
Commit to working through the union for positive social change that effectively addresses the needs of working people.
Each UDP will have a maximum of 20 participants.

The potential UDP candidate is a member who:
Has demonstrated a solid commitment to the union's cause and to the underlying principles of collective action.
Has a well-developed understanding of the basics essential to union activism, including union principles and practices.
Has demonstrated initiative in furthering her or his own union development through active experience and participating in courses or conferences.
Has demonstrated a willingness to assume leadership responsibilities within the union.
Will commit to fulfilling all of the obligations of UDP, including participation on three separate 5 - 6 day
learning events and specific work assignments in between the learning events (3 to 6 months in total).
Has the will, ability and commitment to use her or his UDP experience to assume a leadership role in the union.

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