Enrolment for AUPE’s Fifth Annual Labour Education School now full
EDMONTON – More than 200 AUPE union activists and stewards have been confirmed to attend AUPE’s fifth annual Labour Education School at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, Feb. 26 to March 2.
“We’re confident participants of our annual advanced Labour Education School will return to their respective work sites with more tools at their disposal to do their union work effectively,” said Union Representative Greg Maruca, the school’s organizer.
“This is an important growth opportunity for AUPE activists,” Maruca said.
There will be seven classes in this year’s school: one each of Union Counselling Training; Education Techniques and Processes for Union Activists; Advanced Unions Stewards Course; Lobbying Government and Changing Legislation, and Essential Skills Assessment Training. In addition, there will be two Union Leadership classes.
The union counseling course is new for 2006. “Our stewards deal with more than simply issues related to grievance procedures,” said Maruca. “They must often deal with members who are facing issues such as financial problems, abuse, family violence, bullying or other stresses.
“At times, issues such as these can affect a member’s work performance, which eventually ends up coming to us,” he said.
“The counselling course will provide stewards with an opportunity to nip these things in the bud,” Maruca said. “The goal is not to train stewards to be counselors, but to help them make appropriate social services referrals.
“We’re hopeful, that with this course under their belts, stewards may be able to prevent a potential problem from getting to the employer’s desk,” Maruca concluded.
AUPE President Dan MacLennan will address school participants on opening night, Feb. 26.