Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Visit the education pages for upcoming PSMA courses.

Training Needs

We’ve identified three levels of training necessary for Locals in B.C. to be prepared for the implementation of the PSMA.

1. in depth training for Local Presidents and Component RVP’s. This was available at the Union School.
2. comprehensive training for Stewards and Local Officers – both an overview and issue specific (e.g. staffing, grievances, etc)
3. broad overview training for rank and file members

Education Delivery

Recognizing that there are limited resources, we’ve identified a variety of ways in which to deliver this training.

We are using the 2.5 day course as a resource to develop sessions in various formats: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1.5 hours and 1 day. We will also develop sessions on specific aspects of the PSMA (staffing, grievances, bargaining, etc.), but all will include a general overview so that there is no prerequisite required.

The full 2.5 day course should be provided to the Level 1 group.

The training for each Local President and RVP represents 146 members in B.C. (123 Local Presidents, 23 RVPs).

We will begin the delivery of this training with our Union School, at which we hope to do targeted recruitment and run to full courses. The maximum we can accommodate with these two courses is 45-50 participants.

We will approach the National Officer Representative on the Regional Council to discuss opportunities for delivering the training at component events – Regional Seminars, Local Presidents meetings, etc. Given the component convention cycle, in all likelihood these opportunities may not happen until the new year. In addition, we will work with the National Officers Rep on the Council to organize a three day meeting of the National Officers

We will market the shorter 30 minute, 45 minute, 1.5 hour sessions to be delivered at:

• workplace training
• lunch time brown baggers
• evening education forums
• area council meetings
• Committee meetings (HR, RWC, etc.)
• Local AGMs
• Regional UMCS
• Regional Council Meetings

Who should be taking the training?

All PSAC members working for Treasury Board and the Agencies will benefit from union training on the PSMA. The PSMA will impact staffing, bargaining, and grievances, to name a few.

The new legislation provides for a devolution of authority, and RVPs and Local Presidents may be called upon by the employer to negotiate some terms and conditions of employment at the Local or Regional level. While the PSAC is challenging this aspect of the legislation, we feel it is critical for Local Presidents and RVPs to be fully aware of these provisions as well as the particular responsibilities and liabilities that are unique to their positions: therefore, this training is particularly important for Local Presidents, Regional and National Officers, Local Executive Members and Stewards.

What kind of training will be offered?

We’ll be offering a variety of formats and content to accommodate PSAC Members in BC:

In-depth Training:

• 2 1/2 day course
• 1 day course

The first of the 2 1/2 day courses will be offered at our Union School Nov 4-6/05. We are also working with the National Officer Rep on the Regional Council, Nick Humphreys, to coordinate delivery at Component events and National Officer meetings.

One day courses will be added to our education schedule and will be offered on the Mainland and on Vancouver Island.

Additional Training:

We will also be offering shorter sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

These shorter sessions will be marketed for delivery at:

• workplace training
• lunch time brown baggers
• evening education forums
• area council meetings
• Committee meetings (HR, RWC, etc.)
• Local AGMs
• Regional UMCS
• Regional Council Meetings

If your Local, Committee or Area Council is interested in having the training delivered, please contact your Regional Representative to discuss.

What if there are more members who want the training than there are seats?

We will continue to review our plan and modify as we need to. If it is identified that additional training is needed, we will ensure that our education plan and schedule reflect that.