260 to attend AUPE Labour Education School in Jasper
JASPER – More than 260 members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees will take part in the union’s sixth annual Labour Education School, starting tomorrow at the Jasper Park Lodge.
The goal of the intensive five-day program is to provide advanced union education for committed AUPE activists, said AUPE President Doug Knight, who will address the school’s opening session at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Media are welcome to attend the opening session, or to arrange another time to attend the school.
“Courses will begin Sunday evening right after the president speaks to the opening session,” said AUPE Union Representative, Education, Greg Maruca. “The 263 participants will work hard right through to the end of the school, mid-day on March 1.”
However, he noted, in addition to hard work on their union education courses, participants will have the opportunity to mingle with other AUPE members beyond the classroom setting to exchange ideas and opinions.
Training at the 2007 Labour Education School, the largest ever organized by the union, is designed to help activists deal with challenges always faced by union activists, as well as specific issues that will have an impact on them this year, Maruca said.
“Ultimately, the goal is to help them represent members more effectively in their own workplaces,” he explained.
Seven courses are offered at this year’s Labour Education School, as follows:
- Organizing
- Duty to Accommodate (two classes)
- Advanced Steward Training
- Advanced Health and Safety
- Union Counseling (two classes)
- Educational Techniques and Processes for Union Activists
- Leadership (two classes)
“AUPE has made a significant commitment to this program because we believe that as our union continues to grow, the training opportunities for members must grow as well,” Knight concluded.
AUPE is Alberta’s largest union, with more than 63,000 members throughout the province.
For more information, contact:
Doug Knight, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-265-6655 (cellular phone)
Greg Maruca, Union Representative, Education, 780-930-3358 or 780-982-1148 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)