UNW

Description

This is an introduction to the UNW. The module forms the cornerstone of all UNW courses. It aims at increasing members’ understanding of their Union, what the Union does for them and their rights and obligations as workers and UNW members.

Please note that members cannot take other UNW courses if they have not attended this module or the PSAC’s TUB course.

TargetGeneral Membership

Duration5 Hours (1 Day)

Topics

• What is a union?
• History of the UNW
• Structure of the UNW
• What services does the UNW provide?
• Where do members’ dues go?
• How to join the UNW
• Benefits of UNW membership

Description

Do you feel harassed at work? Do you know how to cope with this type of behaviour? Do you know your rights when faced with harassment at work? These are some of the topics that are discussed in this module. The overall aim of this module is to contribute towards a work place which values and respects all workers.

TargetGeneral Membership

Duration5 Hours (1 Day)

Topics

• What is workplace harassment?
• UNW anti-harassment policy
• Issues on harassment (legal, human rights, productivity, self-esteem, etc)
• Achieving workplace respect/preventing workplace harassment
• Filing harassment complaints

Description

This course will help especially UNW Shop Stewards and other Local representatives learn how to handle grievances with confidence. Members are also encouraged to take this course. The course covers how to investigate workplace problems, how to word grievances as well as presenting grievances to management.

TargetLocal Representatives

Duration5 Hours (1 Day)

Topics

• What is a grievance?
• The grievance handling process: levels and roles
• Becoming aware of an issue
• First level grievances
• Second or final level grievances
• Arbitration
• Closing of files and notification to grievors

Description

The collective agreement is a contract that defines your relationship with the employer. Do you know what yours says? Do you understand it? This module will help you interpret your collective agreement. Don’t wait until you get into trouble before reading your employment contract. It is your responsibility to know what it contains. It is your right to enforce it.

TargetGeneral Membership

DurationWill vary depending on the collective agreement involved and level of depth and intensity required

Topics

• What is a Collective Agreement?
• Ten things to look out for in a Collective Agreement
• Finding the information you need in a Collective Agreement
• Interpreting the Collective Agreement
• Applying the Collective Agreement

Description

Shop Stewards are the eyes and ears of the Union at each workplace. To play this role effectively, Stewards need to be thoroughly prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This module examines the very important role of a Steward and offers an excellent opportunity to meet, share and network with others.

TargetShop Stewards

Duration5 – 10 hours (1 to 2 days)

Topics

• Introduction to the UNW
• The Shop Steward
• Steward’s role in providing information
• Steward’s role in handling first level grievances
• Steward’s role in helping GNWT members with staffing appeals
• Steward’s role in helping GNWT members with job ev

Description

A tree cannot be stronger than its roots. Similarly, strong Locals make an even stronger and responsive UNW. While numerical strength has always been the advantage of the labour movement, a dedicated, committed, visionary leadership is equally important and required. Leadership at the grassroots level needs to be supported and strengthened. This module helps Local Executive officers to lead and manage efficient Locals that can better service their members’ needs and impact positively on their lives, families and communities.

TargetLocal Executive Officers

Duration10 hours (2 days)

Topics

• Introduction to the UNW
• What is a Local?
• Local Executive officers
• Local Meetings
• Financial administration
• Communication, correspondence, filing
• Public relations
• UNW Conventions

Description

The NWT continues to have its share of occupational health and safety issues and concerns. A recent reminder of these concerns was when 2 firefighters died tragically in Yellowknife during March 2005. The year before that, 3 workers had been attacked by a grizzly bear at a mine site, one of them being seriously injured in the attack. Also, a parole officer was killed in October 2004 by the parolee she was supervising. There were 797 workplace injuries during 2004 in the NWT and Nunavut, according to the WCB. Also, 34% of time lost WCB claims in that year resulted from sprains and strains.

So health and safety is a union issue because one injury, or death, of a worker is one too many! UNW members now have an opportunity to examine health and safety policies and practices at their workplaces. In this module, you will discuss the following topics:

TargetAll Members

Duration10 hours (2 days)

Topics

• What is occupational health and safety?
• What do the NWT Safety Act and Regulations say about health and safety?
• The 3 Employee rights
• Safe work methods and practices
• Health and safety and your Collective Agreement
• Joint union-management Health and Sa

Description

UNW introduces a new course, Module 8

The UNW’s education section now offers members a new addition to its existing 7 course modules. Module 8 will train Locals how to file grievances using LabourWare.

What is LabourWare?

LabourWare is a system designed to manage the grievance process from complaint stage through arbitration. It is a web-based software application that can be accessed through the internet.

Why use LabourWare?

By using LabourWare, UNW Locals can conduct quick searches to find information on grievances, employers, collective agreements and members’ databases. They can also upload documents, files and images and share these as part of their correspondence. As well, details about grievance meetings can similarly be stored. Locals manage access to the system thus providing ready access to their Executives and Stewards.

Who will benefit most from Module 8?

This course is designed mostly for Local executive members, Shop Stewards and other union representatives who are responsible for filing grievances in the Local.

How can Locals learn more and register for LabourWare?

To learn more about the programme and get your Local trained, please contact:

Chaka Rukobo, Education Service Officer, Union of Northern Workers

5112 – 52nd Street, Yellowknife NT. X1A 3Z5

Tel: (867) 873 – 5668 ext. 233 (in Yellowknife)

Toll free: 1 (877) 906 – 4447 ext. 233

Fax: (867) 920 - 4448 Email: eso@unw.ca Visit:www.unw.ca

Education is your right. Use it!!

TargetLocal Executive members

Duration10 hours (2 days)