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Events
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Canadian Labour Congress Week-End Courses Anti-Racism The course objectives are to understand the meaning of racism, how racism works and its underlying causes. The course will allow the participants to develop the ability to identify racism, develop basic strategies for responding to racism in the workplace and in the Union. Arbitration I It is important to have completed Stewards' Training 11 or equivalent. The first step of the arbitration process will be covered; grievance investigation and preparation for hearing; legal framework of arbitration; order or proceeding; preliminary objections; and opening statements. Arbitration 11 It is important to have completed Arbitration I or equivalent. The final steps of arbitration; examination, cross-examination, legislative reform and presentations of final argument will be discussed, using case studies and a simulation hearing, as time permits. Assertiveness Training This course examines the difference between passive, aggressive and assertive behaviour, stereotyping and what to do about it; how to deal with criticism, put downs, manipulation and compliments. Basic Computers Combining hands-on experience and discussion of issues, students will be introduced to basic computer terminology, operations and programs. Emphasis on exploring possible uses of computers in the Local Union. Basic Forklift This is a program designed for forklift operators, committee members and workers whose jobs may bring them in contact with counterbalanced forklift trucks. Basic principles of operation are explained, as well as safe operating procedures. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations are discussed, in addition to other relevant pieces of legislation. Participants are encouraged to develop strategies for the use of forklift in their own workplaces. Basic Internet Basic computer skills are required by the course participant. The course will introduce the participant to the power and functionality of the Internet. Course participant will gain a basic, hands on understanding of how to use the standard internet tools, i.e. an internet browser (Netscape/Explorer), E-mail, search engines, chats, list servers and news servers. This course will provide a list of sites of interest to the labour activist, information about the cost of getting there and the different options available. This course is a must for labour activists who intend to stay active and function in the information age. Basic WordPerfect This course will give you an understanding of all the fundamental uses of the word processor, WordPerfect 5.1. You must have some knowledge of the computer keyboard and a basic understanding of computers. Building Local Unions This course is a must for local union leadership who are faced with aggressive employers and workplace restructuring schemes. Topics include developing local union priorities and strategies for action, fundamental ingredients to assist in educating and communicating with the membership and how to positions the local unions to create an education culture in the workplace. Campaign Co-ordinator Training This course involves developing, organizing and co-ordinating skills in labour's political and issue campaign strategies. Participants will develop a sense of campaign strategies, tactics and techniques, as well as developing leadership skills, problem solving techniques and coalition building ideas. Coalition Building Coalition building and developing community involvement on issues of importance to workers and their families is crucial to maintaining our standard of living in Canada. This course outlines the skills required in developing community support and broadening the issues. Collective Bargaining I In preparation for bargaining, you must understand the legal and economic factors affecting negotiations. The function of the bargaining committee, its size and work in setting demands are part of your role. Course includes an introduction to costing and COLA. Collective Bargaining 11 It is important to have completed Collective Bargaining I or equivalent. This course will deal with costing the package and the structure of negotiations. Classroom exercises will be used to study contract language and wage demands. Coroner's Inquests Participants discuss the Coroner's Act and its shortcomings, as well as strategies that can circumvent these shortcomings. Critical Incident Stress Explains its causes, effects and symptoms. Strategies and control to eliminate situation which cause this and how to handle it when it does occur are discussed. "Emergency Preparedness" provide a basic understanding of the legislated and/or other requirements of setting up an emergency preparedness plan for the workplace. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive instead of reactive when handling emergencies. Dealing with Management This course exposes various anti-union/anti-worker tactics and helps trade unionist understand the corporate agenda and how it is dangerous for workers. More important, this course emphasizes that the needs and goals of working people are quite different from those that management is constantly promoting. Effective Communication Communicating ideas requires preparation and practice. Participants will discuss the components of an effective speech, as well as gain practical experience and confidence. You will be expected to present a short speech. Employment Insurance Discussion of the Employment Insurance Act and Regulations will cover how to file a claim, benefits entitlements and what to do in case of appeal. Empowering Women This course will deal with developing strategy and skills of women to be able to actively participate in their unions and workplaces. This course will be of interest to women in their struggle for equality and justice. Ergonomics Ergonomics is concerned with the relationship between people and their working environments for labour. This means adapting the work environment, machines and equipments to the needs of human being to produce a safe, clean, healthy and stress free workplace. Facing Management This course is designed to illustrate the techniques in union responses to modern management methods. Global Solidarity The world is shrinking and the need for understanding and co-operation on a world scale is increasingly felt by the labour movement and social justice groups. We need to link our local and national struggles with what's happening all over the world. This course and the Toolbox for Global Solidarity are designed to give Canadian workers the opportunity to make links with workers issues in other countries. As we develop a better understanding of the work and the struggle we share with all workers, our solidarity will strengthen and our strength will grow. Health & Safety To protect our membership we must know our rights in the contract and in legislation. This course discusses union involvement in identification and correction of workplace hazards, noise, legislation and principles of control. Health & Safety 11 A companion to Level 11 - Legislation Committees is devoted to equipping health and safety representatives with the skills to investigate, research, assess and report on workplace hazards; conduct and evaluate occupational hygiene monitoring; make Joint and Health and Safety Committees work. Health & Safety for Health Care This level I, 30 hour program, is a health and safety awareness course specifically developed for health care workers. It was prepared by the Workers' Health and Safety Centres with the assistance of CUPE, ONA, OPSEU and SEIU. The program addresses the health and safety concerns of many workers in health care facilities and services, from those workers who provide direct care for patients and residents to the many services and technicians whose supportive work is vital to the day to day operation of these organization. Health & Safety for Caregivers This course consists of three, 3 hour modules on issues of relevance today: . The latest information about HIV and AIDS, how it is transmitted; how it progresses; prevention and how to take back awareness to the workplace. . Occupational health and safety for community caregivers provides the knowledge needed to identify and assess hazards encountered by community caregivers. . Workplace violence gives background required to recognize and assess existing or potential hazards that may result in workplace violence. Health & Safety - Manufacturing Hazard of Cranes, Hoists and Rigging. This program is intended to provide participants with the knowledge required to recognize and assess hazards associated with overhead cranes, hoists and rigging which will enable them to recommend and implement proper controls in their workplace. Working at Heights
. After completing this three hour module, participants will be able to recognize and assess hazards of working at heights. They will also know how to apply this knowledge in their own workplaces with a focus on eliminating potential hazards. Participants will gain knowledge and practical skills related to each of the following issues: . Recognizing the hazards. Participants will discuss various examples of working at heights, type of equipment used and the risk that workers are exposed to in these situations. The discussion includes the significance of weather, housekeeping, electricity, noise, maintenance and working in isolation. Health & Safety - Hazards of Welding This program targets workers who may be exposed to such welding hazards as chemicals and noise. A variety of topics are addressed including the health effects caused by exposure, legislation and control measures. Health & Safety - MusculoskeJetallnjuries - Repetitive Strain Injuries This program address the Musculoskeletal injuries problem and discusses effective solutions. It discusses types of injuries and symptoms associated with work activities and the need for JHSC involvement. Human Rights and Unions This course will develop a basic knowledge on human rights issues, harassment of all forms, including rights of the disabled, aboriginal rights, racism and Federal and Provincial legislation. Practical strategies for combating discrimination that can be used by union members, will be worked out through case studies. Indoor Air Quality How to identify the causes of poor indoor air quality and how to go about correcting them. More specifically this session enables participants to identify; the concept of sick building syndrome (SBS); ventilation system problems associated with SBS; commonly found pollutants in office buildings, their sources and effects on health; steps needed' to resolve indoor air quality problems and strategies that can be used to ensure that air quality standards are met. Intro to Desktop Publishing Newsletters and flyers are two ways of getting information to members. This hands on course is designed to show how work processing, spreadsheets and graphics can be combined to make a winning union publication. Participants must have a basic knowledge of WordPerfect 5.1. Jobs Crisis This examines the structural problem of the Canadian economy, unemployment and business decision making in the context of the kinds of jobs being created and their implications for the Canadian economy. It focusses on the effects of these problems on local union bargaining positions and on the membership. Strategies to combat this economic direction will be discussed in the context of labour's Agenda for Jobs. Labour History Our history of struggles and achievements has won us the benefits we enjoy today. learn about our history and how to discover the history of your local and union. labour law (Also Federal Course) This course provides an introduction to Onta_rio labour law, including how laws are formed and enforced and a brief history. Subject matter will include basic union rights, collective bargaining rights, picketing rights, strike regulations, unfair labour practices and the certification process. As new legislation has been introduced the course is a good backgrounder for local union leadership, activists and labour council executives. labour's Role in the Community Participants will discuss the goals of the labour movement and their relation to government at the local, provincial and federal level. How do we make our voice more effective in achieving our goals in the political arena? Leadership Skills The leadership Skills course aims to equip trade union activists and leaders with a range of skills and ideas to build and strengthen local unions and that if the union within the community. Meeting Procedures Process Knowing the procedures for more effective meetings and memberships participation depends on knowing the Rules of Order. Discussion will include the role of the chair and presentation of agenda items. Sewing the Social Safety Net This is a weekend course in the "Issues for Activists" series. The course focuses on social programs, specifically the stakes involved in the federal government's social policy review. The course demystifies and de-myth-ifies social spending and social program principals and uses, and determines how what's on the table (government plans to change and slash Canada's social safety net) will affect the bargaining table and our communities. The course will provide strategies for bargaining committee officials and labour council activists involved in coalition building at a community level. This course will enable participants to take personal action around the social policy review with a better understanding of economic and social realities. Sisters in Solidarity This course is for all interested union sisters - those already in leadership roles and those having the desire to become involved. The program includes information on communication, confidence building, understanding how unions work, leadership and strategies. Stewards' Training Level I What are the responsibilities of a Steward? Discussion and class exercises will assist you in handling grievances, knowing your collective agreement and implementing the grievance procedure. The relationship of the Steward to the membership will also be discussed. Stewards' Training Level 11 It is important to have completed Stewards' Training I or equivalent. The grievance procedure, the writing and investigation of grievance and preparation for arbitration will be discussed by using case studies. Stewards' Training Level III (As Leader) This is an advanced course designed to build on skills already acquired in Levels I and 11, while introducing new skills necessary to the role of the steward as an effective and responsible leader in today's union. Stewards' Training Level IV (As an Educator) Education of union members is crucial to the survival of local unions. The Steward as Educator course is designed to assist Stewards, local union leaders or local union activists develop skills and confidence in educating members around union issues in the workplace, issues that affect the workplace and community issues of the day. The course offers new ideas and methods of discussion, membership education and communication and offers participants a look at how they can strategize around making union education and the role of the Steward a crucial part of the local union culture. Stress Awareness This courses comprehensive Stress Awareness program equips workers with the skills to identify workplace stressors; understand how stressors affect workers' minds and bodies; develop strategies for the resolution of reduction of stress; and draw on tactics to remain healthy while continuing the push for healthier workplaces. Stress in the Workplace Stress is the invisible enemy and has been linked to many health related problems. This course examines the causes of stress in the workplace and considers ways, as a union, of countering those causes. Also covered are ways of coping with stress when it can't be dealt with at its source. UI/EI Discussion of the UI EI Act and Regulations will cover how to file a claim, benefit entitlement and what to do in case of appeal. Understanding Pensions This course will look at the existing pension system and discuss the importance of collective bargaining in the labour movement for better public pensions and, if time permits, discuss your own typical pension plan. Violence in the Workplace An increasing risk of violence exists for those who work with the public, related to this threat is the attitude that the "customer is always right" which means there is also a threat of job loss or discipline for the worker, as well as many other stressors. Any workers who works in a situation where violence may be a factor, is invited to attend. Women in the Workforce This course is an introduction to issues which affect women in the workplace. The historical role of women in the workforce will be explored, as well as the current status of women in the economy, sex role stereotyping, setting goals for equality and practical skills for making equality happen. Issues, such as, sexual and gender harassment, systemic discrimination, employment equity and pay equity will also be explored. A major part of this course will deal with developing strategy and skills for women to be able to actively participate in their unions and workplaces. This course will be of interest to women in their struggle for equality. This course has been adapted from PSAC's "Women at Work" course. Workplace Environment This is an environment course designed for workplace environment activists and those interested in becoming one. This course will examine the roles of Workplace Environment Committees and the strengths and weaknesses of some current environment management systems. Workplace mapping as a tool for the class participants will be discussed. The course will conclude with an examination of the Canadian Labour Congress's policy on "Just Transition of Workers During Environment Change" and an analysis of some current "clean production" models. Workplace Policies and Programs Work related Stress Workers learn to develop a workplace health and safety policy and program. Participants learn to identify the components of an effective policy and program, as well as the strategies for implementing them in the workplace. There is not an occupation existing that does not have some measure of stress involved in it. This course pinpoints causes of stress in the workplace, how they affect the body and how we can reduce or eliminate them. Your Rights as an Activist This course will deal with your rights at demonstrations, meetings, crossing the border, if under arrest, on the picket lines and in many other situations. Activists from the labour movement and from our social justice allies are invited to participate. Young Worker Awareness Developed for presentation to high school students, this program identifies the right to know, the right to participate and the right to refuse. This is a two part program. Initially, the participants are secondary and co-op students in assembly setting. As well as the presentation which includes a video, each student receives a booklet for referral. The second part of the program consists of an "instructor's package" for the teachers to use in a classroom follow up. The flexible format of this part of the program is designed for up to three hours of delivery. This program is an excellent introduction to health and safety for new workers. Local Unions that wish to have any one of these courses put on by the Labour Council Education Committee please contact Bill Steep at blsteep@kent.net or write or E-mail the Labour Council. |
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