For immediate release: Mar. 19, 2003

JASPER – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees’ weeklong Labour Education School, which drew to a close today with a workshop on Bill 27, was a remarkable success, said AUPE President Dan MacLennan.

The annual school, which was held at the unionized Jasper Park Lodge, provided advanced training for more that 200 committed AUPE activists. It built on the success of last year’s labour training program in Jasper.

"The level of support in our union for this school is truly remarkable," MacLennan said. "Students come away from these courses with many added skills that make them more effective union leaders and activists, and which contribute to making AUPE stronger for present and new members."

"The program is an example of the superior service provided by AUPE and its trained professional staff for its members," MacLennan said.

"The level of commitment to standing up for our rights as a union, and to representing our members with passion and commitment is very moving," MacLennan said after members discussed Bill 27, provincial legislation introduced last week that will outlaw strikes for more health sector workers and allow health employers to break severance provisions of a legal contract with employees of the Alberta Mental Health Board.

"The main objective of this school is to make our most committed members more effective union stewards and union leaders, and I know we have achieved that goal again this year," MacLennan said.

Participants in this year’s school also raised $2000 for the Jasper Food Bank.

The success of the school will be repeated at the Jasper Park Lodge next year from Feb. 22 to Feb. 26.
The dates were changed to February from March to accommodate AUPE members in the Education Sector who face their busiest time of year in March.

"We expect application forms to be sent out to members before summer," said AUPE Union Representative Greg Maruca. "Selection of participants should be completed before Christmas."

Classes this year included advanced training for union stewards, leadership training, effective union communications, worksite activist training, re-energizing health and safety committees, and bargaining strategies.

AUPE is Alberta’s largest union with more that 50,000 members.

For more information:
Dan MacLennan, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-910-8392 (cell phone)
Greg Maruca, Union Representative, Education, 780-930-3358 or 780-982-1148 (cell phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cell phone)