The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
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75th PRC - Training Committee

Report from the Prairie/NWT Training Committee Chair to the 2018 PRC

The duties and responsibilities of the regional training committee are:

  • Reviewing, monitoring and strategically advising on regional training issues, with the focus being on building a vibrant and healthy steward network.
  • Providing advice to the Regional Executive concerning Institute training programs and the recruitment and training of stewards.

The Prairie/NWT Region Training Committee is comprised of:

Bobby Eiswirth (chair)

Sharon Losinski

Nancy Shalay

Robert Trudeau

Nancy McCune (Director)

Ernie McLean (PIPSC staff)

Training completed in 2017:

Regional Labour School

  • May 4, 5 & 6 at the Delta Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Stewards are asked to select either Module 1 or Module 2, and either Module 3 or Module 4.

MODULE 1

Advanced Grievance handling

2 days

Course is designed to:

  • identify and apply the steps in the grievance process;
  • appreciate the steward’s role in the grievance process;
  • support members through the use of effective interviewing, communication and investigation skills;
  • demonstrate sound knowledge of grievance handling, effective grievance writing and the presentation of grievances and;
  • network with other stewards and seek support and collaboration when required.

OR...

MODULE 2

Discipline

2 days

Course is designed to:

  • identify the steps in and intent of the progressive discipline process;
  • appreciate the steward’s role in the disciplinary process;
  • support members facing discipline using effective interviewing, communication and investigation skills;
  • demonstrate an ability to assess discipline-related situations and to determine additional processes that may be required and;
  • network with other stewards and seek support and collaboration when required.

MODULE 3

Bullying & Harassment: Making it Right

1 day

Course is designed to:

  • recognize bullying and harassment within a larger context of workplace violence;
  • identify strategies and resources to assist and support members who are targets of harassment and/or bullying;
  • network with other stewards on ways to foster a respectful workplace and;
  • develop initiatives for raising awareness around workplace bullying and harassment for PIPSC members.

OR...

MODULE 4

Duty to Accommodate

1 day

Course is designed to:

  • In this course, stewards will be introduced to the concept of duty to accommodate and what it encompasses, applicable legislation,
  • occupational requirements, the role of the steward, grievance preparation, and significant cases.

Basic Steward Training in 2017 – 20 participants per course

  • June 15, 16 & 17 at Matrix Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
  • October 19, 20 & 21 at Delta Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Course is designed to:

  • Reflected on the purpose of unions in the workplace and in Canadian society as a whole and on the reasons why they became active in the union;
  • Developed a better understanding of their role as steward;
  • Familiarized themselves with the structure and internal functioning of the Institute;
  • Been provided with an overview of problem-solving mechanisms available to address issues of concern to the members they represent;
  • Identified strategies and approaches to help build the union presence in their respective workplace.

Steward Council

  • September 29 & 30 at Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton, Alberta

The 2017 Steward Council started with Café Style Training featuring three different subjects presented by the regional EROs.  The subjects included consultation, worker’s compensation and a steward toolkit.

The following day focused on the mental health of stewards featuring a presentation from the Canadian Mental Health Association as well as a Mindfulness session.

Lunch & Learns

What is a Lunch and Learn Session?

A Lunch and Learn session is a PIPSC-sanctioned activity to communicate information, increase visibility, meet new members or advise PIPSC members on specific topics.

To minimize costs, these sessions are usually held in the workplace, over the lunch hour and, in some instances, right after work as long as there are no costs involved for travel or salary replacement.

Who can organize a Lunch and Learn Session?

Any member, steward or constituent body of PIPSC can organize an event at their worksite or other venue. A lunch and learn could also be suggested by regional staff.

What costs are allowable for a Lunch and Learn Session?

If required, room rental can be refunded, as well as cost of light lunch and/or refreshments (e.g. sandwiches or pizza, non-alcoholic beverages).

What topics can be discussed at a Lunch and Learn Session?

A lunch and learn session is, by definition, a training or educational opportunity. It is designed to circulate information to the members on a specific topic over a one hour period. Topics can be as varied as:

  • Presentation for new members (PIPSC : An Introduction to Your Union)
  • Information on Pensions
  • Explanation of the PIPSC Web Site
  • Explanation of the provisions of the Work Force Adjustment Policy
  • Familiarization with collective agreement articles
  • Bullying
  • The necessity of stewards in the workplace (steward recruitment drive)

However, the following are examples of events which would be deemed inappropriate as lunch and learn activities:

  • a meeting or AGM of a constituent body
  • any topic of a political nature such as to discuss candidates in a PIPSC election
  • update on collective bargaining

What is the process to request a Lunch and Learn Session?

Limited funds are available in each of the regional training budgets to help defray the costs of these sessions.

  1. Requests must be made prior to the event to the Regional Training Committee Chair by a constituent body, regional staff, steward or member on the Institute approved form (link below).

Note: For clarity, travel costs and/or salary replacement will not be reimbursed.

  1. An email with a standard Request for Lunch and Learn Form attached to the Regional Training Committee chair is the preferred method of request.
  2. The Regional Chair of the Training Committee will review the request and reply with approval/denial via email.
  3. Once the approval for the Lunch and Learn session is received the steward may proceed with organizing the event (booking meeting rooms, guest speakers, inviting members, etc.). Please ensure that you keep your receipts for expenses incurred.
  4. Please bear in mind that reimbursement of claims received at the Institute for activities, which have not been previously authorized by the regional training committee, may be denied.

Training and Education Committee

The Training and Education Committee shall be responsible for advising and making recommendations and/or providing advice to the Board on any issue relating to the recruitment, training and education of Stewards/members and the Institute training program.