Union Education at PSAC Ontario
PSAC offers some of the best union education courses in the Canadian labour movement. Our program uses a popular education approach. Our courses invite members to share their knowledge, reflect on new learning, take action and change their world for the better. Participants analyze ideas, discuss new information, solve problems and practice new skills.
PSAC helps cover the costs of your participation and we are committed to making our courses accessible to all members. For further information you can check out our education related policies here and review our course catalog here.
PSAC Ontario runs two terms of Basic Education Courses annually:
- Fall-Winter Term: September 1st to the End of February
- Spring-Summer Term: March 1st to the end of August
Advanced Education Courses are offered when available. You can find all upcoming courses in the schedule at the bottom of this page.
Internal Training Resources
- Online self-paced learning – Check out these exciting online learning courses that are available for PSAC members.
- Resources for Locals and activists– Useful handbooks and other resource guides for union activists. Stewards can also check out this dedicated page and Local executives this page.
- Navigating the PSAC – Introductory resources to better understand how to navigate the structures of PSAC.
- Joint Learning Program (JLP) – The JLP offers joint training opportunities between union and management for all PSAC members in the core public administration
- Health and Safety Training through the JLP.
Learning through Activism, Organizing and Political Action.
We believe that education happens not only in the classroom but also through taking action and upon reflecting and learning from our experiences. Every strike line, every union event is an opportunity for us to strengthen our skills, develop our analysis and ultimately increase our capacity to effect change.
We encourage members to get involved and deepen their learning through:
- Getting involved and participating in activities through your PSAC local Area Council or a regional equity committee
- Get involved in the Ontario Federation of Labour and get in touch with your local district labour council!
- Attending labour and progressive direct action and protests. This is a useful resource guide from the OFL to support activists in knowing more about their rights and safety
- Supporting labour friendly and progressive political action at the municipal, provincial and federal level.
Below you can also find some programs and organizations that offer opportunities for you to deepen your learning, organizing and leadership skills:
- Union Education through the Canadian Labour Congress
- Health & Safety Training through the WHSC
- Workers Compensation Training through Prevention Link (Occupational Disability Response Training)
- LaborNotes – Labor Notes is a media and organizing project that has been the voice of union activists since 1979.
- Institute for Change Leaders – Trains grassroots organizers to help build strong movements for social justice.
- Midwest Academy – Trains organizers with time-tested tools that build people power, grow strong organizations and transform communities.
From getting involved at PSAC to taking action in the larger labour movement, we encourage you to see your activism as a source of learning and personal growth.
Learning Solidarity through Anti-Racism, Decolonization, and Equity
At the heart of what we do as trade unionists is taking collective action. To understand where we are today as a labour movement we must learn from where we came from in the past. Thus at the heart of our PSAC Ontario education program lies a mission to better understand the mistakes of the past so we can build a future where working people can develop the skills, awareness and wisdom to be in solidarity with one another.
PSAC Ontario’s Solidarity Through Racial Justice online learning module serves as an introduction to how racism has divided and weakened the labour movement and how despite their exclusion, racialized workers have fought throughout history for social and economic justice. It is only through building solidarity across diverse backgrounds, between different working communities and equity groups can we come together to win for working people.
Educational Resources
- Dear White Brothers and Sisters, A Letter from the Late Carol Wall
- Truth and Reconciliation: Educational Resources for Members for Sept 30 and onwards
- PSAC Anti-Racism Action Plan
- PSAC Webinars on Anti-Racism
- General Resources on Anti-Racism
- Decolonization and Indigenous Issues
- Black Lives Matter
- Anti-Asian Racism
- How to Support Trans Workers and Union Members
- Addressing Gender Based Violence
- PSAC Disability Rights
- Anti-Racism Resources for White People
- Workforce Adjustment Webinars: Treasury Board and CRA