2018 CUPE Spring School
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
- WSIB Return to Work (6 days starting 1:00 pm, Tues Feb 27; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
This course is designed for those activists that desire to become Return to Work Specialists. The material focuses on the process of helping injured workers return to work as quickly and safely as possible, with dignity and job security. The main focus is to change the work, not the worker, and accommodating the pre-accident job. This will build on the knowledge participants have gained from previous Levels, but will train them to be specialists in Early and Safe Return to Work and Labour Market Re-entry. Levels I & II are pre-requisites
There may also be evening course work which you will be required to attend.
- CONFLICT RESOLUTION (6 days starting 1:00 pm, Tues Feb 27; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
Conflict is a natural part of our lives. Learning to handle it well improves relationships with other members, co- workers and the employer. In this workshop, you will deepen your understanding of conflict; strengthen your communication skills; and practice responding to conflict.
- HUMAN RIGHTS – An Introduction (6 days starting 1:00 pm, Tues Feb 27; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
What are human rights? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948, in response to the atrocities of World War II. Human rights have become a part of social expectations, but how do they affect us? This workshop will help you identify the link between oppression and class struggles; determine how all kinds of discriminations operated in the past, and how they operate today, challenge oppressive attitudes and behaviours, ideas and systems in our society through individual and collective action and explore how talking about human rights issues strengthens our union.
4. HEALTH & SAFETY LEVEL I (30 hrs starting 9:00 am Wed, Feb 28; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
This course embraces an entire gamut of health and safety issues by focusing on hazard recognition and the rights and responsibilities of the workplace parties, as prescribed by existing legislation. This 30-hour key program consists of 10 modules which include seven core modules that identify the respective roles of the workplace parties – management, government and labour regarding health and safety; explains current health and safety legislation, provincial or federal; discusses how the body functions and the damaging effects hazards have on it; features carcinogens, and how to recognize them and toxic substances, as well as their sources; explains the effectiveness, or lack of, the three basic principles of control – at the source, along the path, and at the worker; and identifies the hazards presented by excessive workplace noise, and tells how to measure workplace noise and how to develop a noise abatement program. Level I is a certificate program and the prerequisite for entering Level II programs and Instructor Training. THIS TRAINING IS NOT FOR CERTIFICATION IE. JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES WHO ARE MANDATED UNDER BILL 208. There may also be evening course work which you will be required to attend.
- HEALTH & SAFETY LEVEL II- COMMITTEES (30 hrs starting 9:00 am Wed, Mar 1; ending Sun Mar 5 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
In this program participants gain a better understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities as workers and joint health and safety committee members. Important to this discussion are techniques and knowledge needed to perform workplace inspections along with incident and disease investigations. Essential research skills are also reviewed helping committee members to lead proactive initiatives aimed at eliminating or controlling exposure to workplace hazards. Prerequisite-WHSC Occupational Health & Safety Level I. THIS IS NOT CERTIFICATION TRAINING FOR JOINT HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS REQUIRED UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACT.
- WSIB – LEVEL I (OFL) (12 hrs starting 1:00 pm Fri, Mar 2; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
This first level is designed to provide basic knowledge of the Workers’ Compensation system. This level is directed at workers who need or desire a basic understanding of this sometimes, complex system. Participants will be provided a history of Workers’ Compensation as well as an understanding of the bureaucracy and some of the benefits and services available. Hands-on experience and completing Board forms is also included, as well as help in finding out how to access an experienced representative.
- WSIB – LEVEL II (OFL) (12 hrs starting 1:00 pm Fri, Mar 2; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
The second level is designed to provide workers with the skills and knowledge to represent injured workers in the initial steps of a worker’s claim. This level is designed to build on the knowledge attained in Level I and is directed at workers who will become active as worker representatives. Benefits and services for injured workers will be detailed, including changes as a result of Bill 162, Bill 165 and Bill 99. The course will take an in depth look at services and benefits available under the Act. Participants will learn how to examine claim files and master the art of communication with physicians and Board staff. These skills will enable representatives to cut through the “red tape” that traditionally slows the decision-making process. The Board’s new “Integrated Appeal System” will be explained as well as the new Mediation Services. WSIB Level I is a prerequisite.
- FINANCIAL OFFICERS (12 hrs starting 1:00 pm Fri, Mar 2; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register at course commencement
This workshop will help you understand your role as secretary-treasurer or trustee in your CUPE local. You will practice keeping a monthly ledger, produce a treasurer’s report and perform a bank reconciliation. You will also learn how to fill out a per capita tax report and prepare a budget. This will provide you with the basic bookkeeping skills you need to be a secretary-treasurer. Please bring a calculator and a copy of your Local’s by-laws
- INTRODUCTION TO STEWARDING (starting 9:00 am Sat, Mar 3; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register in Civic Ballroom Foyer Saturday, Mar 3 between 7:30 and 9:00 am
What does a CUPE steward do? If you are a new steward and want to learn how to help CUPE members solve workplace problems, this introductory workshop is for you! In this workshop you will learn the role of the steward, investigating workplace problems, CUPE’s structure, filing a grievance, meeting with management, and dealing with workplace complaints. After completing Introduction to Stewarding, stewards can complete other workshop modules from the Steward Learning Series. Please bring your Collective Agreement
- STEWARDING LEARNING SERIES 1 (starting 9:00 am Sat, Mar 3; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register in Civic Ballroom Foyer Saturday, Mar 3 between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Creating an Accommodation Friendly Workplace: Human rights laws require employers to accommodate workers who face barriers to employment. This module covers:
- the legal framework for the duty to accommodate;
- what a good accommodation process and plan look like;
- what to do if the employer is not willing to provide reasonable accommodation.
Being an Ally for Equality: Championing human rights in the workplace and the union is an important role for stewards. What does it really mean to be a good ally?
What’s Our Duty?: Learn about where stewards get their authority in the workplace, the duty of fair representation, and other labour laws that cover the workplace.
- STEWARDING LEARNING SERIES 2 (starting 9:00 am Sat, Mar 3; ending Sun Mar 4 at 12:30 pm)
Register in Civic Ballroom Foyer Saturday, Mar 3 between 7:30 and 9:00 am
Representing Members in Front of Management: This module equips stewards to be proactive when meeting with management. Learn tips for effective meetings and build confidence by practicing meeting situations.
Handling Grievances: In this module stewards teach each other “best practices” and share strategies for handling difficult grievances.
Handling Discipline & Discharge: Learn about key legal concepts and terms, the role of the stewards during the employer’s investigation, when discipline is given, and during grievance meetings, and how to develop effective arguments.