Union Education Program
Build your knowledge, confidence, and skills as a UNDE member through our comprehensive training program.
UNDE offers a comprehensive education program designed to help members understand their union, build skills, and get more involved. Courses cover topics such as how the union is structured, effective communication, leadership, proactive workplace strategies, the role of stewards, grievance procedures, and the classification system.
The Communications and Training Committee (COMTRA), a standing committee of the National Executive, is responsible for maintaining the UNDE Education Program.
For additional information, please contact your UNDE Vice-President.
Training Modules
UNDE currently offers 9 modules — 6 delivered by trained union facilitators and 3 delivered by UNDE Labour Relations Officers.
Module 1
Union Structure and Operations
Union Structure and Operations
Objective:
- The roles, responsibilities, and structure of the Union
- The rules, regulations, and policies governing the Union
- The services provided by the Union
- The regional committees within the Union
- The coalition partners of the Union
- How to communicate with the Union
- The conventions and conferences held within the Union
Modules 2 & 3 • 2.5 Days
Effective Communication
Effective Communication
Part 1 — Objective:
- Demonstrate effective communication skills
- Identify a communications model
- Describe effective listening and its characteristics
- Recognize various aspects of body language and the messages they convey
Part 2 — Objective:
- Identify the different components of a presentation and organize one effectively
- Manage anxiety when delivering a presentation
- Identify appropriate visual aids and body language
- List various methods for communicating and building relationships with the media
- Demonstrate skills for speaking with the media
Module 4 • 1 Day
Leadership
Leadership
Objective:
- Describe the basis of effective leadership and delegation
- Describe situational leadership
- Identify apathy and list ways to combat it
Module 5 • 1 Day
Proactive Workplace Strategies
Proactive Workplace Strategies
Objective:
- Define consultation
- Describe confrontational and cooperative tactics
- Identify the Union's role in joint programs and co-development
- Describe problem-solving techniques
- Identify problems facing UNDE members today
- Describe methods for dealing with employer representatives
Module 6 • ½ Day
Role of the Steward
Role of the Steward
Objective:
- Describe the various roles a steward has within a Local
- Discuss the qualities of a good steward
- Demonstrate how to recruit stewards
Module 7 • 2 Days
Grievance Procedures: Private Sector, NPF, CSE
Grievance Procedures: Private Sector, NPF, CSE
Objective:
- Define what a grievance is
- Identify the steps in the grievance process
- Demonstrate improved skills in interpreting collective agreements
Module 8 • 4 Days
Grievance Procedures: Treasury Board
Grievance Procedures: Treasury Board
Objective:
- Define what a grievance is
- Identify the various types of grievances under the PSLRA
- Identify the steps in the grievance process and applicable timelines
- Demonstrate the skills required to prepare and present a grievance
Module 9 • 4 Days
Classification
Classification
Objective:
- A general understanding of how the classification system works
- Knowledge of how classification standards are applied
Newfoundland/Labrador and New Brunswick
- Easson Haskin
- Amanda Sykes
Nova Scotia
- Nicole Brown
- Derek Forbes
- Rosemarie Smith-Gimblett
- Grant Tennant
Ontario
- Serge Desbiens
- Preben Hansen
National Capital Region
- Sandra Griffith-Bonaparte
- Shawn King
- Elizabeth Pecana
Quebec
- Jean-Sébastien Gervais
- Kevin Piton
Manitoba/Saskatchewan
- Josée Emond
- Mona Simcoe
Alberta & The North
- Joel Hildebrand
- Steve Sukhbir
British Columbia
- Kevin Hunt
- James McAllister
- Josh Peterson
- Chris Shipway
NPF
No facilitators currently listed.
CSE
- Eugene Stone
- Stephanie Torrealba