The Fall education seminars for the Pacific Region will be held at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1763 Comox Street, Vancouver, B. C. (telephone: 604-688-7711). The courses will run from Friday, November 20, 2015 to Sunday, November 22, 2015. The following courses are being offered:
BASIC SHOP STEWARD COURSE
Stewards are the backbone of the union. The aim of this course is to provide new stewards with knowledge and confidence. Topics covered include: the roles of the steward, tips for dealing with management and speaking with members, the steward as organizer/mobilizer, how to investigate and file a grievance, and key provisions of the urban operations, RSMC and private sector bargaining unit collective agreements. This course is for members wanting to become a shop steward, or to have a better understanding of the rights and duties of a shop steward. Participants will also learn how to represent members in disciplinary interviews, health and safety, the importance of meeting new members and our rights under federal legislation. This course will give participants the tools they need to better defend and inform the members, and build solidarity in the workplace.
GRIEVANCE HANDLING
This course is designed for those members and Shop Stewards responsible for handling of the Local’s grievances. Training in filling out grievance investigation forms; back up that is required; interviewing grievors; researching and investigating a grievance.
HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The primary goal of this course is to prepare Health & Safety Committee members who sit on a Local committee of two or more. This course provides the basics for the committee members as well as the Union’s responsibility, participation, rights and role on these Committees.
Please note: this course is reserved for LJH&S committee members and alternates.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SECRETARY-TREASURER
Every Local in CUPW must have at least three Local Executive Committee members, one of which is the Local Secretary-Treasurer. This position is critical to the functioning of the Local. The main focus of this course is on the proper administration of the Local with emphasis on finances, membership records and control. Other administrative functions include the maintenance of minutes and official documents; dealing with correspondence and keeping an orderly filing system.
Please note: this course is reserved for elected Local Secretary-Treasurers.
The deadline for applications is October 2, 2015 at 12 noon. All applications must be approved by Vancouver Local and the registration form must be signed by the Vancouver President or designate.