Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions & Requirements
AUPE will offer ten courses throughout the next education schedule. The courses are intended to increase the union’s presence at the workplace and represent our members’ interests more effectively.
Introduction to Your Union — Union Steward Level 1 — Union Steward Level 2
Contract Interpretation — Union Officer Training — Convention Procedures
Respect In the Workplace — Mobilizing — OH&S Advocate Level 1
OH&S Advocate Level 2
Introduction to Your Union
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
Description: Provides basic information on AUPE including its structure and democratic process. Also, addresses two questions: What can the union do for me and what is my responsibility to my union? Members should take this course to gain an understanding of where they might want to get active within AUPE’s structure.
Level 1 Union Steward Course
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30 both days
Requirements: Must be nominated as a Union Steward by your Chapter/Local. Must have taken the Introduction to Your Union course.
Description: This is an Introductory Union Steward Course. Participants will gain knowledge in areas such as: Roles and Responsibilities as Union Stewards; Knowing your Contract, a Systematic Approach to Contract Interpretation; What is Discipline; and Investigation and Disciplinary meetings.
Click here to download the information booklet on becoming a Union Steward.
Level 2 Union Steward Course
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30 both days
Requirements: Must be a Level 1 Union Steward.
Description: Allows Stewards to refine their skills in: Identifying Grievances versus Complaints; Writing and Presentation of Grievances; Investigation and Discipline; and understanding their role in the Duty of Fair Representation. Expected to attend disciplinary investigations and present grievances on behalf of members, upon completion of this course.
Contract Interpretation
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
Requirements: Must be a Union Steward.
Description: Looks at rules of construction and interpretation of Collective Agreements. This course is not contract specific but reviews ways to interpret contract language.
Union Officer Training
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30 both days
Requirements: Must be a Component Officer1.
Description: Provides union officers with information on AUPE’s structure, roles and responsibilities of union officers, effective meetings, rules of order, and speaking in a union context. The course ends with a mock meeting to provide an opportunity to apply some of the knowledge gained in the course. Prerequisite to Leadership Training.
Convention Procedures
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
Requirements: Must be a Convention Delegate or Alternate, or Observer.
Description: This one-day course aims to develop a clear understanding of the purpose of a convention, how to write resolutions for convention, to increase knowledge of Convention Rules of Order and develop abilities in their usage and to develop an understanding of their role as delegates, alternates or observers and to improve their abilities to carry out their responsibilities.
Respect In the Workplace
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
Requirements: Must be a Union Steward Level 1, 2 or 3.
Description: Develops an understanding of Human Rights and the process for resolution when our rights are violated. To enhance understanding on issues like equity, diversity, harassment and discrimination, issues that must be overcome in developing respect in the workplace. Prerequisite to the Duty to Accommodate course.
Mobilizing
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
*Description: This one-day class covers the basics for reaching your fellow members and taking action around issues. Communications plans and tactics will be covered as well as organizing public events and campaigns.
This ad hoc course is offered as part of AUPE’s Mobilizing Campaign. The course will be provided for Locals, Chapters, regions and workplaces who are interested in engaging their members and taking action. Contact Internal Organizing for course availability.
Occupational Health and Safety Advocate Level 1
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
Requirements: Must be a Union Steward.
Description: This is an Introductory Health and Safety Course. Participants will gain knowledge in the basic principles of workplace health and safety and workers compensation (WCB). This course will provide them with the critical tools and skills necessary to help prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses at their workplaces. Participants will review Occupational Health and Safety legislation, Workers Compensation and their collective agreements to understand what the union steward’s role is in this area.
Occupational Health and Safety Advocate Level 2
Registration: 8:45 – 9:00
Course Time: 9:00 – 4:30
Requirements: Must be an OH&SA Level 1.
Description: Reviews the role of the Occupational Health and Safety Advocate and Health and Safety Committees. Will focus on developing strategies to identify potential health and safety issues, workplace hazards and proper reporting procedures.
1Component Officer: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Council Rep., Alternate Council Rep., Chief Steward, Provincial Executive, Alternate Provincial Executive, Union Steward or Worksite Contact
2011/12 Schedule
Registration for Winter and Spring 2012 courses begins Dec. 22!