membership calendar and education calendar and program guide program guide 2008 … 2009/07... ·...

MGEU EdUcation calEndar and ProGraM GUidE

MeMbership education calendar and prograM guide2008-2010 REVISED

It’S My plEaSuRE to wElCoME you to tHE MGEu MEMbERSHIp EDuCatIon CalEnDaR & pRoGRaM GuIDE.

For those of you participating for the first time, thank you for stepping up and agreeing to accept the vitally important role of union activist. through the Mgeu’s education program, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to assist your fellow members in the workplace and ultimately, to help build a better union.

For those of you who’ve been active before, thank you for your continuing commitment to your union and to life-long learning. Many activists tell me that they come away from Mgeu courses with a renewed sense of purpose, not to mention a new network of friends and union contacts. Many also report that the skills they pick up often have direct application in both their professional and personal lives.

in this new program guide, we’ve included more detailed descriptions of each course to help people weigh their options. We’ve also added a Frequently asked Questions section which should help steer you through some of the logistics of attending.

as an elected activist, you’ve already shown you’re ready to stand up, have a say, and accept new challenges. You are now an integral part of making our union the best it can be and i encourage all of you to take advantage of the wide range of educational opportunities available.

peter olfert,Mgeu president

A MessAge FroM the President

An overview of Membership education Courses

the 2008-09 schedulethe 2009-10 schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

In tHIS booklEt, you’ll fInD:

Note: First two courses are scheduled over consecutive days. First three courses must be taken in order and are a pre-requisite for all subsequent courses.

We are the MGEU! (1 day) A broad overview of the MGEU, including:

• Who we are: diversity of MGEU Membership • Structure of the MGEU• What we believe: core values • What we do: primary functions • Roles of active members, elected leadership and staff• Communication within the MGEU • Membership Education Program

Running Effective Meetings (1 day) • Importance of Local meetings and how to strengthen them• Review of basic Bourinot’s rules of order (with video)• Role play of Local meeting• Taking effective minutes• Troubleshooting and keeping your meeting on track

Representing our Members - Steward Training (2 days) • Overview of steward roles• The MGEU grievance procedure• Labour/workplace legislation• Effective grievance investigation interviews

(includes role play).• Writing and presenting grievances• Representing members in disciplinary meetings

(includes role play)

Advanced Steward Training (2 days)• Review of key sections of Manitoba Labour Relations Act• Re-emphasis of critical role of sound grievance investigations• Discussion of recurring issues such as gambling, alcohol/drug

addictions, criminal charges, harassment, last chance deal• Alternative dispute resolution options• Mock Arbitration hearing role play

Bargaining Collectively (1 day) An overview of the MGEU Collective Bargaining process designed for Local Union activists as they prepare for bargaining. Topics will include:

• Legislative foundation of the right to collective bargaining• Constraints on collective bargaining (within and

beyond the Union)• Who does what: staff, leadership, members• Developing bargaining proposals• Communicating with members during bargaining• Ratification/strike votes

President/Vice-President/Chief Steward Discussion (1 day) Annual discussions providing these activists with a less-structured opportunity to:

• Network within their own geographic area• Share some successes and accomplishments over the past year• Raise and brainstorm over emerging issues and challenges • Receive updates on Union/membership education

developments• Discuss larger strategic issues across the Union

CORE TRAINING FOR LOCAL OFFICERS, STEWARDS AND MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Note: Members must have completed Representing our Members (Steward Training) in order to register for an Issues Seminar.

Duty to Accommodate - Illness, Disability & Addiction in the Workplace (2 days)

• Awareness-raising about illnesses and disabilities • Exploring different kinds of addictions (alcohol,

drugs, gambling…)• Principles and legislation surrounding the Duty

to Accommodate• Roles and responsibilities: employee, employer and Union

Building a Respectful Workplace (2 days) • Exploring elements of a respectful workplace

– sample policies• Defining harassment and bullying • Relevant legislation• Union strategies for responding and/or being

proactive on these issues

Building Understanding with MGEU’s Aboriginal Members (2 days)

• Changing demographics of Manitoba’s workforce• Understanding Manitoba’s Aboriginal history, culture

and politics• Barriers faced by our Aboriginal members in the

workplace, Union• How MGEU’s Aboriginal Liaison works with members,

workplaces and the broader Aboriginal community

Exploring Leadership (2 days)• Definitions, qualities and examples of leaders• Leadership motivation, styles and roles • Leading and listening• Practical leadership tasks in the MGEU

• Making progress on tough issues

Pension Primers - Manitoba Civil Service, Healthcare employees and Home Care employees (1 day each)

• How pensions developed over the years – role of Unions

• Overview of relevant legislation• Current pension issues ie.

funding concepts, social investing, pensions as just one part of retirement planning…

• Overview of Old Age Security/Canada Pension Plan

• Introduction to your pension plan/questions and answers

Critical Thinking (2 days)• Defining critical thinking and its importance to

Union activists• Identifying critical thinking skills• Components of arguments• Considering values and ethics in critical thinking• Looking critically at print, television and internet media • Using critical thinking at work and in the Union

Public Speaking (2 or 5 days)• Types/purposes of speeches• Organizing a speech • Analyzing and critiquing public speakers• Effective use of voice• Importance of body language, posture and gesture• Confidence-building exercises • Practice developing/delivering speeches on

personal and Union topics

ISSUES SEMINARS

Aside from the MGEU’s comprehensive training courses and issues seminars, the Union also allows a member to learn more about the MGEU and the role of a Staff Representative. The Membership Training and Apprenticeship Program (MTAP) is a six-month on-the-job work experience in which a member is able to work closely with MGEU Staff Reps. At least one position is advertised annually. Applicants are selected through an interview process. Periodically check the “Employment Opportunities” section at www.mgeu.ca to find out when the next MTAP position is available.

DID YOU KNOW?

MGEU Workplace Health and Safety training is available to: • Members who sit on Joint Workplace Health and Safety

Committees (workplaces with 20+ employees).• Members who are designated Health and Safety

Representatives in workplaces where joint committees are not required (workplaces with 10 – 19 employees).

• Chief Stewards responsible for communicating/working closely with the above.

• With special approval, other members who are interested in playing a health and safety role in their workplace.

MGEU will provide wage recovery for two days of MGEU health and safety training. In addition, MGEU members elected or appointed as Workplace Health and Safety Committee members or Representatives are entitled to two normal working days annually for employer-paid training as per provincial legislation. The Workplace Health and Safety Committee should discuss and approve which particular workshops these two days are to be used for: MGEU, Workplace Safety and Health Division, or other.

Basic Health and Safety Training (2 days) (Pre-requisite for all other workshops)

• Labour movement’s historical commitment to healthier/ safer workplaces

• Overview of provincial Health and Safety legislation• Identifying and controlling hazards in the workplace• Structure and function of Workplace Health and Safety

Committees

Health and Safety Programs (1 day)• Identifying Health and Safety hazards / risks• Establishing formal policy statements with respect to

control measures

• Developing a documented Health and Safety program

Violence in the Workplace (1 day)• Identifying various types of workplace violence• Identifying factors that increase the risk of workplace violence• Addressing workplace violence through the development

of workplace policies and programs regarding harassment, respectful workplace and violence

Workplace Wellness/Stress (1 day)• Identifying and discussing workplace stressors• Exploring symptoms of stress and stress-related dysfunction

• Discussing eight key areas for improving work/life balance

Ergonomics (1 day)• Definition and general principles of Ergonomics

(Fitting work to the worker)• Identifying specific risk factors

• Strategies for prevention and response

Workers Compensation (2 days)• Overview of Manitoba Workers Compensation • Benefit entitlements and process for appeals • Union roles in assisting and supporting members

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING

2008/2009 2008/2009LocaL officer/Steward educatioNwe are the MGeu

November 6, 2008 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

November 7, 2008 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

November 7, 2008 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4


effective Meetings

November 7, 2008 The Pas Areas 1 & 8


November 8, 2008 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4


representing our Members (Steward training)

November 27 & 28, 2008 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

November 28 & 29, 2008 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

November 28 & 29, 2008 Portage Areas 2, 3 & 4

December 5 & 6, 2008 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

advanced Steward training

November 21 & 22, 2008 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

December 2 & 3, 2008 Dauphin Areas 2, 3 & 4

May 13 & 14, 2009 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

Bargaining collectively

As requested by negotiators

TBA Particular Locals Starting Bargaining

President/Vice- President/chief Steward discussions

January 13, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 6 & 7

January 14, 2009 Portage Area 4

January 16, 2009 Selkirk Area 5

January 20, 2009 Thompson Area 8

January 27, 2009 The Pas Area 1

February 3, 2009 Dauphin Area 2

February 4, 2009 Brandon Area 3

February 6, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 6 & 7

issues Seminars (tBa)

February 27 & 28, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

March 13 & 14, 2009 Portage Areas 2, 3 & 4

April 16 & 17, 2009 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

Public Speaking

May 2009 TBA Areas 1 to 8

HeaLtH aNd Safety educatioN Basic Health and SafetyNovember 3 & 4, 2008 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

November 13 & 14, 2008 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4

November 20 & 21, 2008 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

Safety and Health Programs


December 4, 2008 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4

December 11, 2008 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

workplace wellness/Stress


December 5, 2008 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4

December 12, 2008 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

Violence in the workplace

January 8, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

January 15, 2009 Dauphin Areas 2, 3 & 4

January 22, 2009 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

ergonomics


January 16, 2009 Dauphin Areas 2, 3 & 4

January 23, 2009 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

workers compensation

March 20 & 21, 2009 Dauphin/Brandon Areas 2, 3, & 4

April 17 & 18, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6, & 7

May 7 & 8, 2009 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

2009/2010 2009/2010LocaL officer/Steward educatioNwe are the MGeu & effective Meetings

Sept. 25-26 Winnipeg Areas 5-7


Sept. 30-Oct.1 Thompson Area 8

Oct. 2-3 Winnipeg Areas 5-7

Oct. 7-8 The Pas Area 1

Oct. 30-31 Brandon Area 3

Nov. 6-7 Portage Area 4

Nov. 13-14 Dauphin Area 2

Nov. 13-14 Winnipeg Areas 5-7

representing our Members (Steward training)



Nov. 5-6 The Pas Area 1

Nov. 6-7 Winnipeg Areas 5-7

Nov. 19-20 Thompson Area 8

Nov. 20-21 Brandon Area 3

Nov. 27-28 Portage Area 4

Dec. 4-5 Dauphin Area 2

Dec. 4-5 Winnipeg Areas 5-7

advanced Steward training



Nov. 26-27 Thompson Areas 1&8

Dec. 3-4 Brandon Areas 2-4

Mar. 5-6, 2010 Winnipeg Areas 5-7

Bargaining collectively

As requested by Staff Negotiators

TBA Particular Locals Starting Bargaining

Local Table Officer Discussions

Jan. 12, 2010 Winnipeg Areas 6&7

Jan. 14, 2010 Portage Area 4

Jan. 15, 2010 Selkirk Area 5

Jan. 19, 2010 Thompson Area 8

Jan. 26, 2010 The Pas Area 1

Feb. 2, 2010 Dauphin Area 2

Feb. 3, 2010 Brandon Area 3

Feb. 5, 2010 Winnipeg Areas 6&7

issues Seminars (tBa)

Apr.19-23, 2010 Winnipeg Areas 1-8

HeaLtH aNd Safety educatioN Basic Health and Safety

October 15 - 16, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

October 22 & 23, 2009 Dauphin Areas 2, 3 & 4

October 29 & 30, 2009 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

Safety and Health Programs

November 19, 2009 Dauphin Areas 2, 3 & 4

November 26, 2009 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

December 3, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

workplace wellness/Stress

November 20, 2009 Dauphin Areas 2, 3 & 4

November 27, 2009 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

December 4, 2009 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6 & 7

Violence in the workplace


January 28, 2010 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4

February 25, 2010 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

ergonomics


January 29, 2010 Brandon Areas 2, 3 & 4

February 26, 2010 The Pas Areas 1 & 8

workers compensation

March 19 & 20, 2010 Dauphin/Brandon Areas 2, 3, & 4

April 9 & 10, 2010 Winnipeg Areas 5, 6, & 7

May 6 & 7, 2010 Thompson Areas 1 & 8

How do I get started on my training?When you are elected – at your Local Union meeting in September prior to the MGEU biennial convention or at another Union or workplace meeting – make sure you fill out the Election Certification form and ensure that it gets to the Winnipeg Union office. This will enable the Union to create a record of your new position. At the September meetings, you can also fill out the application form for We are the MGEU and Effective Meetings. When you attend these workshops, you can fill out an application for the next course: Representing our Members (Steward Training). Once you have completed these courses, you will automatically be sent applications for subsequent courses in your area.

Health and Safety representatives use the same process and will start receiving applications to courses as soon as their Election Certification form is sent in.

How many Education courses am I allowed to take in one year?The MGEU Union school year is August 1 to July 31 with courses generally scheduled from September 1 to June 30. In any one school year, a Local table officer, steward or member-at-large is allowed to take up to four days of training. (Note: President/Vice-

President/Chief Steward Discussions do not count as one day.)

If you hold an official workplace health and safety position,

your Employer is required to cover your wages for

two normal working days of related

training. In addition, the

MGEU will cover two more

days of Union-based training. (See Health and Safety course listings for more information.)

Am I only allowed to apply for courses scheduled in my own area or region? Generally yes, these are the only ones that you will be sent an application for. Scheduling courses in all areas or regions ensures access for as many members as possible. Northern courses are rotated between Thompson and The Pas. Western Manitoba courses are rotated between Brandon, Dauphin and Portage. An exception to this regional delivery of courses is that every second year the Issues Seminars are held in Winnipeg and eligible members are invited from across the province.

How do I know what courses I’ve already taken? After every workshop you attend, the Union updates your education record. This information is then used to determine who is invited to courses. You can view this record through myMGEU (your personal information portal on the Union website) or call the Resource Centre.

How does the Union decide whose course applications are accepted? Applications are initially screened to ensure the member is eligible to attend the particular course and then processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited in all courses. Read all applications carefully and fill them out completely – particularly any information regarding what time off you require. Respond right away if you are interested in taking a course you are invited to. Call the Resource Centre with any questions.

Do I still get paid when I attend a MGEU course? If you would normally have worked on the day(s) the course is running, your employer will continue to pay you and then bill the MGEU for reimbursement. If you would not normally be working, you attend the course on your own time.

MGEU MEMBERSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAM - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get time off work to attend Union courses?Your collective agreement contains an article that permits the Union to request that you be allowed to take time off work for Union business. A letter confirming your registration in a course will have a letter attached for you to give to your employer requesting this time off. Employers will generally agree to such requests unless workplace “operational requirements” prevent it.

What if I have special requirements as a course participant? You need to indicate on your application form if you have dietary/allergy, mobility, visual, hearing or other requirements. We will then do our best to accommodate your needs and communicate with you about them as required.

What travel expenses are covered by the MGEU when I attend a course?Your time off letter for your employer, will include “appropriate travel time” – a reasonable amount of time to get to and from the course location. Members who require a flight to the course location should discuss this with the Education Admin Support person. You will be expected to book your own flight and then expense it. You can also submit receipts for taxis from the airport to the course location, out of town buses, or bus fare within a city. If you use your own vehicle, you can claim your mileage and be reimbursed at a rate that is adjusted periodically by the Union.

Will the Union provide a hotel room to course participants who live a certain distance away from the training location? Yes. Course participants who live at least 120 kms (roundtrip) from the course location can request a hotel room on their course application. (Contact the Resource Centre at 1-866-982-6438) if you are uncertain if you qualify). If you are accepted into a course and authorized for a hotel room, you must contact the hotel identified by the union and make your own booking from a block of rooms reserved by the union. If you have booked a hotel room but are unable to attend the course, you must contact the hotel to cancel your room and also notify the Resource Centre that you will not be attending. If you do not do this, you will be responsible for these hotel expenses. Hotel parking is usually included in any hotel booking. Street parking can be expensed.

What meal expenses are reimbursed by the MGEU when I attend a course?Lunch is either brought in for course participants or everyone goes out and can claim up to a set amount. If you are required to stay away from home overnight to attend a course, additional meals, as well as an overnight per diem can be claimed.

What about childcare or eldercare expenses? Childcare and eldercare expenses are also reimbursed within certain guidelines. See the MGEU Policy Manual for more specific information on these and all other expenses or contact the Resource Centre. All expense forms can be accessed from the MGEU website.

What expectations does the Union have of me when I attend a course?

• To attend the entire course. • To be prepared to actively participate in all course activities.• To be respectful towards other workshop participants

and facilitators.• To notify the Union if for any legitimate reason you

are unable to attend.

What if I am accepted into a course, but then decide to withdraw? Notify the Resource Centre right away in case there are others wanting to get into the course. We will attempt to withdraw any time off letter sent to your employer. If you fail to attend a course without notifying the Union and without a legitimate reason, you can expect to receive a bill for the amount of expenses incurred on your behalf by the MGEU.

What if I unexpectedly have to leave early or miss part of a course?You should speak to one of your facilitators right away and provide a full, written explanation as to why you have to leave. The following MGEU policy is in effect:

MGEU POLICY MANUAL (2008-2010) FINANCIAL GUIDELINES – TRAVEL AND EXPENSES #14. PG. 8When a member registers for a MGEU sanctioned event and fails to attend the entire business proceedings of the event without a legitimate reason and notice to the MGEU, no reimbursement will be made for wage recovery, mileage, meals or hotel. The 2nd Vice-President will send a letter to the member advising that the member may be ineligible to attend any school or event during the following 12 months. This policy will become effective May 1, 2009. (Board of Directors - March 2009)

What if I am sick on a day that I am scheduled to attend training?You must contact the MGEU Resource Centre so your course facilitators can be notified. You should also contact your employer to notify them that you require a sick day. The Union will not reimburse your employer if you cannot attend a course due to illness.

What if I have to schedule an appointment during a course? You are expected to be in attendance each day at a course from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm. If you know ahead of time that you will have an appointment during the scheduled course hours, either change your appointment or do not apply to attend the course. If you have to schedule an appointment after you have registered for a course, you must withdraw from the course by notifying the Resource Centre right away.

Can I attend a course more than once? Generally no. However, in certain circumstances, with special permission, applications will be considered for refresher purposes after many years.

Who facilitates MGEU education courses? The MGEU Membership Education Program strives to ensure that, wherever possible, courses are facilitated by knowledgeable, experienced staff and active stewards or Local Union officers.

Who makes decisions about the Membership Education Program?The MGEU Membership Education Committee works closely with the Coordinator of Membership Education/Staff Development to ensure a high quality program that meets the needs of members. Chaired by MGEU’s Third Vice-President, the Committee includes elected representatives from each Area who meet regularly to review the program and discuss ideas for strengthening it – particularly feedback from course participants.

If you have any other questions about our education program, contact the Resource Centre at 982-6438 or toll free at 1-866-982-6438.

wE Can HElp.

MGEU Member Bursaries*The MGEU awards eight annual bursaries for $1,000 (one for each of the MGEU’s eight geographically defined areas). Any registered, dues-paying member, or their spouse, child or ward is eligible.

The Joseph Grenier Bursary** is available to any registered, dues-paying MGEU member of the Health Care Support Services component, or their spouse, child or ward.

Application forms for Member Bursaries or the Joseph Grenier Bursary are available online, in MGEU offices or through our Resource Centre in January each year. the deadline for all bursaries is the second Monday in May.

NUPGE ScholarshipsEach year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) awards four $1,500 scholarships to children of members

who are entering post-secondary education. Applications are available from the MGEU starting in February. June 30th is the application deadline.

For an application form or more information about MgeU and nUPge bursaries, contact the Resource Centre at 982-6438 (toll-free 1-866-982-6438) or visit our website at www.mgeu.ca.

*Recipients are selected by the MGEU Membership Education Committee based on financial need. Bursaries are then paid out in two installments upon receipt of proof of registration. **Recipients are selected by the HCSS Component Executive. The exact amount of this bursary varies from year to year depending on the annual interest earned by a trust fund established in honour of Joseph Grenier.

apply foR an MGEu buRSaRy toDay!

each Year, the Mgeu aWards several bursaries that help MeMbers or their FaMilY

MeMbers earn a diploMa and realize their dreaMs. Whether you’re a first-year college student, straight out

of high school, or an experienced worker returning to school to finish your degree, the MGEU’s post-secondary bursaries can help.

YoU CaN EarN YoUr DiPloMa.

Amanda Hardie – 2007 Joseph Grenier Bursary Recipient

MGEU EdUcation calEndar and ProGraM GUidEHaVE a quEStIon?

ContaCt tHE MGEu RESouRCE CEntRE

601 - 275 Broadway

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Canada R3C 4M6

982-MGEU (6438)

Toll Free: 1-866-982-MGEU (6438)

TTY for the deaf: 982-6599

or 1-866-982-6599

Fax: 204-982-6590

[email protected]

www.mgeu.ca

membership calendar and education calendar and program guide program guide 2008 … 2009/07... ·...

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