PSAC BASIC AND ADVANCED PROGRAMS
PSAC’s basic education program consists of shorter courses and learning activities that members can take in their communities and workplaces, providing both members and new representatives with basic knowledge and skills.
The advanced education program builds on the knowledge and skills developed through union activity and the basic program. Advanced courses are normally three days or more and usually in-residence, and prerequisites are usually required. Advanced courses provide learners with a deeper understanding and analysis and a learning opportunity to apply complex cases.
Some advanced courses are offered regularly through the Ontario Region wide UnionSchoolor within the Regions as Geo-Based advanced course.
PSAC Basic Course Descriptions
Here is a list of basic courses offered by the PSAC Ontario Region Education Program. They are generally held on weekends with both 1 and 2 day offerings depending on the course. The courses are divided into 2 categories: those that we offer frequently as a core part of the regional education program and those that we offer in addition to the core courses based on demand and interest.
Frequently offered basic core courses:
Talking Union Basics (TUB)
It is recommended that members take Talking Union Basics first, as it provides the basic knowledge you need to get the most from other PSAC courses.
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 agreement, 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.
Grievance Handling
This training is a must for stewards and other workplace representatives, or members who want to use the acquired knowledge and skills to solve problems in 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, analyzing a problem, drafting grievance wording, building a complete file, framing the arguments and presenting the case to the employer. You will work on case studies based on actual grievances and, in the process, improve your knowledge of case law. Normally this is a 2-day course.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent.
Introduction to Local Officers
This is an introductory course for new Local Officers who need to know how to run a Local. Sessions cover the role of the Local Executive; Local administration, including by-laws and budgets; effective communications and Local meetings; and how the Local can access the wider resources of the PSAC. A major theme throughout the course is the organizing model of unionism and how to put it into practice so as to build a strong union presence at the workplace.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent.
Other Basic Courses:
Human Rights Issues
The course is designed for union members interested in discovering more around the issues of Human Rights. This one day will provide a brief introduction to the legislative requirements and related introductory information. Participants will identify appropriate union and community resources to respond to discrimination, harassment and inequities in the workplace and in the union. You will explore the meaning of power as it relates to issues of human rights.
Open to: All members and new members are encouraged to apply.
Dute to Accommodate – Basic
This course offering is an introduction to the elements of workplace accommodation. By the end of this course, participants will have a foundational knowledge of the current meaning and context of workplace accommodation and how to act on their legal accommodation rights. Participants will also learn to identify the elements of a good workplace accommodation policy; discrimination in workplace culture, practices, policies and procedures; workplace barriers to the full participation of persons from equality seeking groups; and the essential elements of return to work programs.
Open to: Human Rights Activists, Members of Equity Committees, Health and Safety Activists, WSIB Advocates, Members of Return to Work Committees.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent.
Return to Work
Participants will be able to identify essential elements of return to work programs, will be able to understand the links between return to work programs and the duty to accommodate, and will be able to 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: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent.
PSAC Anti-Harassment Course
This one day course will examine the elements of harassment. You will learn about the roles and responsibilities of the Employer and the Unionto ensure that the workplaces are harassment free. Participants will learn how to apply PSAC Anti Harassment Policy 23A.
Open to: All Members including Local Stewards responsible for handling harassment complaints, Harassment Complaint Coordinators, Component and Alliance Officers.
Poltical Action Training
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.
(ODRT) Occupational Disability Response Team / 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: All members. Of particular interest to Shop Stewards, Local Executive Members, Health and Safety Committee Members and Injured Workers.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent.
Levels II – Benefits & Representation
Level 2 provides members with the advocacy skills andknowledge required to represent injured workers in theinitial steps of a worker’s claim. Participants will acquire anunderstanding of the benefits and services available toinjured workers, including changes resulting from Bill 165and Bill 99. Complete examination of files,communications with physicians and Insurance Boardstaff, and cutting through red tape and mediation skillsare integral parts of the training.
Open to: All members. Of particular interest to Shop Stewards, Local Executive Members, Health and Safety Committee Members and Injured Workers.
Prerequisite: WSIB Level I
Facing Management
Do you often wonder if your Local Union could be more effective and assertive at the workplace? Local union representatives meet with management representatives as equals for various reasons – grievance hearing, union management consultations and sometimes for collective agreement negotiations. This course will give you the skills and confidence to ‘Face Management’ in a number of different environments. Together we will examine the collective agreement legal framework, protocol and practice of union/management consultation. We will also explore the appropriate use of interest based workplace negotiations as well as introduce some hands-on techniques. And last but definitely not least, when formal and informal union/management consultation fails we can always rely on the power of the collective to make our voices heard. Learn how to organize and carry out strategic and effective workplace actions and campaigns.
Open to: All members
3 Hour Workforce Adjustment (WFAA) Module (Evenings or partial day Saturday)
Participants will:
• Increase awareness of Steward and Local Officer roles in the WFAA process;
• Strengthen Steward and Local Officer capacity to advocate on behalf of members and workplaces in this process;
• Feel prepared to anticipate and respond to WFAA situations.
Open to: Stewards and Local Officers and Interested Members
PSAC Advanced Course Descriptions
Here is a list of advanced courses offered by the PSAC Ontario Region Education Program.Advanced course offerings are based on interest and demand and PSAC priority identified learning needs.
The Talking Union Basics (Basic Core TUB) or its equivalent is a prerequisite for our Advanced Programs with the exception of these two Leadership Courses: Regional Council Training and the National Leadership Program.
Frequently offered advanced core courses:
AllianceFacilitators’ 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: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent..
Advanced Duty to Accommodate
This comprehensive advanced course will equip participants to provide representation and advice for members with disabilities who require accommodation in the workplace. Issues include avenues for compensation (i.e. Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance), mental health disabilities, harassment and accommodation and intersectional oppression. Participants will work with complex case studies, based on jurisprudence, in order to work through various accommodation scenarios.
Opent to: Steward, Local Officers, Human Rights Activists, Members of Equity Committees, Health & Safety Activists, WSIB Advocates, Members of Return to Work Committees.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent and Steward training (i.e. Grievance Handling course or Advanced Steward Training or equivalent), experience with representation and exposure to issues related to the duty to accommodate.
Please note: You must request “Leave Without Pay” (LWOP) from your Employer, Duty to Accommodate is the Employer’s responsibility.
Human Rights Activisim
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.
Local Officers 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 the PSAC Anti-Harassment Policy including the roles and responsibilities of the Local.
Open to: All Local Executive Officers and Stewards, with priority to Local Executive Officers.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics course (TUB) or its equivalent.
Women at Work (WAW)
60% of PSAC members are women and the numbers of women in leadership positions are increasing every year. This course will help participants continue the momentum of building real equality in our Union and in our communities. Participants will explore our herstory and understand the importance of a feminist analysis in ensuring our collective agreements, our union structures and our communities reflect our principles and our goals. We will also develop strategies to advance women’s issues, both locally and globally.
Open to: PSAC members who are women.
Prerequisite: Talking Union Basics (TUB) or its equivalent.
Advanced Stewards Training (AST)
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 Unionin harassment situations and representation issues including the Duty of Fair Representation.
Open to: Experienced and New Local Stewards. Directly Chartered Local Stewards are encouraged to apply.
Prerequisite: Grievance Handling Course You are encouraged to request Leave with Pay from your Employer. This course includes skills development in leadership and problem-solving.
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.
PSAC Anti-Harassment Workplace Policy Training
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 antiharassment 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.
Advanced Leadership Training
Regional Council Officer Training (RCOT)
(Regional Education Program offered every threeyears after Ontario Regional Convention)
Newly Elected Council Members will:
• Know how to work together as a Council, cross committees and within committees by describing a art of hosting work model
• Identify roles of RO Staff and Council Members
• Describe decision-making models for working in Council, in Committees, and with RO Staff
• Identify good meeting practices
• Use a new reporting system for Committees and Council Members
• Develop Strategic planning skills to establish priorities in context of organizational priorities and a Council Plan and Committee Plans for October (including a Member survey)
• Explore roles and responsibilities and mandates of Regional Council Members and Regional Committees
• Identify communication systems with Council, Committees, Staff, The Membership
• Describe the Regional and National Programs and the Regional Structures and associated Budgets
Open to:All Council Members of the newly elected Ontario Regional Council
Leadership Courses (National Education Program)
The Union Development Program (UDP) is an inresidence course that prepares union activists to assume leadership roles in the union and the broader labour and social justice movements. It covers union leadership at the workplace, labour’s role in society, and leadership in action.
The Leadership Program is offered once every three years and is open to elected Component National Officers, Regional Council members, National Aboriginal People’s Circle and National Human Rights Committee members. It provides a forum where union leaders can gather and hone their knowledge and skills in service of the union.