Here is a list of basic courses offered by the PSAC BC Regional Education Program. They are generally held on weekends with both 1 and 2 day offerings depending on the course. The courses are divided into 2 categories: those that we offer frequently as a core part of the regional education program and those that we offer in addition to the core courses based on demand and interest from members.
Frequently offered basic courses:
Understanding & Interpreting the Collective Agreement (UICA)
This course explores key provisions in members’ collective agreements and introduces an easy four-step framework for interpreting the contract. We will practice applying the four-step interpretation method and examine cases providing examples of “aids to interpretation”. Using a number of case studies from adjudication / arbitration decisions (e.g., sick leave; operational requirements; other leave with or without pay; acting pay; discharge), we also will practice applying the collective agreement to actual workplace situations. Working with actual cases enhances your ability to problem solve through analysis and discussion.The course will “demystify” the collective agreement and provide you with the necessary skills and tools for on-going, self-directed learning. NOTE: please bring your collective agreement to this course.
Talking Union Basics (TUB)
This is the union’s key “introductory” course. If you have wondered what it means to be a union member, how the PSAC works, and what happens to your dues dollars, then Talking Union Basics provides answers to these questions. The course also introduces the collective agreement, your employee rights and your rights as a member of the PSAC. You will learn about the many opportunities to be active in the union and ways you can make a contribution to building strong locals in the B.C. region. It is recommended that members take Talking Union Basics first, as it provides the basic knowledge you need to get the most from other PSAC courses.
Grievance Handling (GH)
This training is a must for stewards and other workplace representatives, or member who want to use the acquired knowledge and skills to solve problems in the workplace. You will find out what the law says about grievances, grievors and their representatives, and the protections built in for those who choose to use the grievance procedure to solve problems. You will develop grievance-handling and problem-solving skills through “hands-on” exercises on gathering facts, analyzing a problem, drafting grievance wording, building a complete file, framing the arguments and presenting the case to the employer. You will work on case studies based on actual grievances and, in the process, improve your knowledge of case law. Normally this is a 2-day course.
Local Officers Seminar
This is an introductory course for new Local Officers who need to know how to run a Local. Sessions cover the role of the Local Executive; Local administration, including by-laws and budgets; effective communications and Local meetings; and how the Local can access the wider resources of the PSAC. A major theme throughout the course is the organizing model of unionism and how to put it into practice so as to build a strong union presence at the workplace.
Facing Management (FM)
Do you often wonder if your Local Union could be more effective and assertive at the workplace? If so, this is the course for you! This course will give you the skills and confidence to ‘Face Management’ in a number of different environments. Together we will examine the legal framework, protocol and practice of union/management consultation. We will also explore the appropriate use of interest based workplace negotiations as well as introduce some hands-on techniques. And last but definitely not least, when formal and informal union/management consultation fails we can always rely on the power of the collective to make our voices heard. Learn how to organize and carry out strategic and effective workplace actions and campaigns.
Other basic courses:
This course was originally developed by the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Aboriginal Committee in 2001. The course is open to all members but is designed for non-Aboriginal members who want to learn more about Aboriginal issues and who want to work in solidarity with their Aboriginal sisters and brothers. This course begins the process of providing a basic awareness of Aboriginal people’s history and culture as well as contemporary issues they are facing today.
By analyzing current political and social Aboriginal experiences, and learning the uniqueness of Aboriginal cultures, participants will be able to create a better understanding of the shared struggles of Aboriginal people and unions and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal issues. Participants will examine, in a positive environment, the barriers to diversity in the workplace and explore their personal attitudes about an inclusive work environment. This training will begin the process of preparing our workplaces and locals for the increased involvement of Aboriginal people.
When completed, participants will be able to connect new information and theory to what they already understand and build their capacity to help create positive change.
Highlights from past participants:
It has encouraged me to look deeper into issues relating to Aboriginal people. It will help me to promote awareness with my community, workplace and in my union.
The friendly atmosphere enables participants to learn in a comfortable environment.
It cleared up most of the myths that I heard about Aboriginal People.
I benefited because I get it now. I will never again turn my back, my eyes are open.
note: Turtle Island is an Aboriginal term for North America
Canada Labour Code Pt II (CLC II)
This course, designed for Local health and safety activists, will provide participants with hands-on application of The Canada Labour Code Part II. Participants will practice interpretation and analysis of various parts of the act as they pertain to the workplace. There is a strong focus on key amendments to the act and how these changes should be applied and monitored. Learning activities cover such things as; changes to the Canada Labour Code Part II; duties and responsibilities of the parties; committee roles; and mobilization around occupational health and safety.
Convention Procedures
By the end of the course, participants will understand the purpose of conventions, become familiar with convention procedures such as voting, elections, reports, etc., and become more skilled at using Rules Of Order. We will examine the roles of convention committees, committee chairpersons, convention chairpersons, and gain some understanding of the dynamics of conventions.
Creating Respectful Workplaces
This fast paced and interactive course will take you through the basic steps of creating and maintaining respectful work environments. Together we will identify the signs of an unhealthy workplace, look at underlying factors, gain an understanding of different forms of harassment and identify concrete solutions for creating healthier working relationships. We will examine what is meant by diversity and what measures can be used to make our workplaces more inclusive. We will also discuss strategies for increasing participation and our effectiveness on joint employment equity committees.
Deconstructing Racism
In light of our ever-changing world there is a need now, more than ever, to eliminate racism in the workplace, in our Union and in society. Join us to: begin to identify what personal and systemic racism is - learn how to act as an ally against racism - evaluate our Union’s work against racism and target areas where further gains are needed - discuss the role human rights legislation has in preventing and addressing acts of racism and the implications for our work on human rights.
Duty to Accommodate
This training is a must for Local Officers and other workplace representatives. You will learn what the law says about the Duty to Accommodate and how this law is applied in the workplace. These rights and our ability to enforce these rights have serious ramifications for the members, the union, and the employer.
You will develop skills in identifying issues, understanding needs to be met, and negotiating accommodations with the employer on behalf of members. You will work on case studies from actual case law.
This training will equip you with the skills necessary to be one of the specialists in the workplace.
Employment Equity
This course introduces the federal Employment Equity Act and will be of interest to local officers and activists who are committed to union action on equity issues. The focus of the course is the legislative framework for employment equity. Specifically, we examine the obligations of the employer to implement Employment Equity, the legal responsibilities placed on unions and union representatives, and the role of the Canadian Human Rights Commission in enforcing these obligations. We also explore the role and functions of workplace Employment Equity Committees and develop strategies for the union’s full participation in the implementation of Employment Equity.
Harassment Awareness Training (HAT)This course brings together Alliance members to further their understanding of what constitutes sexual and personal harassment, and the conditions that make people vulnerable to this type of behaviour. Participants develop both individual and Local strategies for effectively dealing with sexual and personal harassment in the workplace.
Human Rights Advisors and Resource Persons
Given the union’s responsibilities under human rights legislation, it is critical that we have members placed in locals who can provide advice and assistance on human rights issues. The goal of this course is to create a network of knowledgeable human rights advisors who will be a resource to locals and members throughout the BC region. The course will focus on rights and obligations under human rights legislation, particularly as this relates to redress, and will examine harassment and duty to accommodate in specific detail. By the end of the course participants should have a good working knowledge of anti-harassment policies and the roles of employers, unions and individuals in fulfilling the duty to accommodate.
Member Awareness - Health and Safety
This course, designed for Local health and safety activists, will provide participants with hands-on application of The Canada Labour Code Part II. Participants will practice interpretation and analysis of various parts of the act as they pertain to the workplace. There is a strong focus on key amendments to the act and how these changes should be applied and monitored. Learning activities cover such things as; changes to the Canada Labour Code Part II; duties and responsibilities of the parties; committee roles; and mobilization around occupational health and safety.
Organizing the Local
Ideally, at least two members of the same local executive should participate in this course. Course content includes the role of the local executive, local activities, local committees, communications, recruitment of new members and local volunteers, the Duty of Fair Representation, legal rights and protections for union representatives, union management consultation, and the role of the local in collective bargaining. The general theme of the course is increasing membership participation and building solidarity, and executive members develop the organizational and leadership skills that can make this happen.
Public Service Modernization Act
This course will explore key aspects of the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA) while providing members with the tools necessary to deal with its implementation. Participants will also develop an understanding of how to ensure our members rights are respected under this act.
Public Speaking For Trade Unionists
One of the biggest fears people have is speaking in public. As trade union activists you will have many opportunities to do so, especially as we approach our conventions. Learn how to do it effectively and with the minimum amount of anxiety. The course will provide you with some hints to help you overcome your fears and assist you to learn how to speak in public effectively.
Staffing in the Federal Public Service
What are the staffing systems in the Public Service? How do they work? This 1 day course will outline the main aspects of staffing systems in the public service and identify the interests, rights, obligations and expectations flowing from them. Together, we will identify strategies for building fair and transparent systems, in the absence of effective recourse mechanisms.
This course is applicable to PSAC members from the following bargaining units: Treasury Board, CRA, CFIA and Parks Canada.