PSAC BC Union School 2004 - People Before Profits

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.

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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.

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As our rights as workers and concerned citizens fighting for social justice continue to be attacked and eroded, we can lose no time in engaging in a planned strategy of resistance.

Activism is critical, resistance a must. Learn the skills necessary to build and sustain a plan of resistance. Become an effective union and community activist.

The following topics will be covered: preparing for the upcoming provincial elections, lobbying elected officials, media and communication skills, direct action, civil disobedience, coalition building, using the internet for activism and mobilizing members.

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"When I rise it wll be with the ranks, and not from the ranks."
Eugene V. Debs, 1855-1926, leader of the 1890's Pullman strike and co-founder of the Industrial Workers of the World.

Enquiring minds want to know - how exactly does one become a union leader?

Learn the A,B,Cs of how to get on the leadership track within our union. If you are already a leader/seasoned activist within the union, learn skills to make you more effective and successful in your role.

This course will bring together seasoned activist/leaders with youth, newer members and emerging leaders to gain new skills and inspiration from each other. Mentoring, sharing knowledge and experience will be key components of this course.

All participants will be trained in public speaking, media skills, political resume writing, conflict resolution, process facilitation and other related topics. Participants will work collaboratively to develop an action plan to recruit and train new leaders/activists.

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The corporate agenda: profits before people.

The union agenda: people before profits!

How can we build resistance to increasing corporate control of our workplaces and communities? How can we fight the privatization of public services? What strategies can we use to resist globalization, both as union activists and community members? This course will take you through an analysis of the corporatization of our workplaces and communities and into a plan of action for implementing a people first union agenda.

We will examine the links between corporations, the political arena and collective bargaining and discuss the ways in which the privatization of public services has eroded workers’ rights and human rights both locally and globally.

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