September 27, 2017
To: Steward Applicant
From: Ernie McLean, Regional Representative
Peter MacDougall, Chair, BC/Yukon Regional Training Committee
Re: Basic Steward Training – November 23 - 25, 2017
We are pleased to advise that a Basic Steward Training session is being offered on November 23 - 25, 2017 in Vancouver. The training will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 23, 2017 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017. The course will be held at the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Accommodation will be provided at the adjoining Delta Vancouver Suites.
The training session will focus on developing the basic skills and knowledge you need to fulfill your role as a steward. Topics will include an overview of the PIPSC organization, the role of the steward, the legal framework for labour relations and tools for understanding collective agreements, participating in consultation and providing grievance representation.
We strongly encourage you to register for this training as you cannot be appointed as a steward, nor can you function as a steward, until after you have completed the Basic Steward Training course. It is a necessary prerequisite to the assumption of your union responsibilities and is designed to foster a better understanding and enhancement of your skills in that role.
All course materials will be provided at the session. However, please bring a copy of your collective agreement.
Please complete the online registration by October 13, 2017. Please be advised that travel arrangements can be made once you have received your confirmation email by contacting BCD Travel at 1-866-768-7624. Hotel reservations will be made in your name by the Vancouver regional office as per the selected nights on your registration form.
Keep in mind when registering that it is expected that all participants attend this course in its entirety. It is recommended that you register early. As part of the Basic Training, stewards are expected to attend the Friday night dinner, which is an important part of networking. Only participants with extenuating circumstances will be permitted to opt out.
If you have any questions regarding this Basic Training and the registration process, please contact Patricia Fung at 604.688.8238 or 1.800.663.0485, extension 7820 or pfung@pipsc.ca.
We look forward to meeting and working with you.
Sincerely,
Ernie McLean
Regional Representative
Vancouver Regional Office
Peter MacDougall
Chair, BC/Yukon Region
Training Committee
ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
BC/YUKON REGION BASIC STEWARD TRAINING
November 23 - 25, 2017
SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and Delta Vancouver Suites Hotel
TRANSPORTATION
Stewards can claim the lesser of the actual kilometres (x 505¢)* driven or the rate of $700.00,* which is based on Air Canada Flight Passes and ground transportation.
Compensatory salary and meal expenses will be reimbursed based on travel by plane.
*This is based on the PIPSC Travel Policy Schedule A, effective July 1, 2017.
Any car rental requests require pre-approval.
Once you have been confirmed by e-mail and you require air travel arrangements only, please call BCD Travel in Ottawa at 1.866.768.7624 or by e-mail at reservations1.ca@bcdtravel.com to reserve your flights. You will be asked for your Aeroplan number if you are booking on an Air Canada flight.
If you have any questions about the PIPSC Travel Policy, please inquire prior to travelling.
Additional costs due to driving (rather than flying), such as meals, time missed from work and accommodation incurred during transit, will be at the responsibility of the traveller. Refer to the PIPSC Travel Policy available on our website at: www.pipsc.ca for further information.
ACCOMMODATION
The meeting and hotel coordinates are:
Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue
580 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
604.291.5800
Delta Vancouver Suites
550 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6
604-689-8188
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrdv-delta-vancouver-suites/
It is expected that the majority of participants will be able to travel on Thursday morning in order to get to the training on time for the 1:00 p.m. commencement.
Participants from Whitehorse are entitled to accommodation on Wednesday evening, upon request.
Participants who reside outside of the Lower Mainland, or those who reside outside a 16 km radius, but within a normal commute from downtown Vancouver [ie. Surrey, Delta, etc.], will be provided accommodation for Thursday and Friday evening, upon request. Local participants within a 16 km radius from the hotel will be provided accommodation for Thursday and Friday night, upon request.
As there are no activities scheduled for Saturday evening, it is expected that participants who have less than a three (3) hour commute will travel home on Saturday following the training. Those participants who cannot arrive home by 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night travelling by the most direct route, including a one hour meal stop, are entitled to accommodation upon request.
The Vancouver office will be solely responsible for booking your room nights at the hotel and will occur once you receive the confirmation e-mail. The room rate is based on single or double occupancy. If you wish to bring your spouse and/or child/children, please inform us on your registration form.
The cost of the hotel will be paid by the Institute through a master account. All incidental expenses are to be paid by the member. Rooms will be guaranteed to the Institute for late arrival. Please be aware that PIPSC will be charged in full for any rooms cancelled after November 9, regardless of whether or not they are used. We ask that you be mindful of this fact when completing your registration form, as we have had to pay for rooms after individuals decide to leave early. If, however, you have to cancel at the last minute with a valid reason, please notify Patricia Fung immediately at 604.688.8238 or 1.800.663.0485, extension 7820 to cancel your reservation.
PARKING
Parking will be provided at the hotel. Please note this amount will be charged to your bill upon check-out and can be submitted with your expense claim to the Institute. PIPSC will reimburse for one vehicle only. If you do not have a hotel reservation and require parking, please note that payment will be required upon arrival at the hotel. You will be able to submit this expenditure with your expense claim to the Institute.
MEALS
Lunch will be provided on Friday and Saturday. On Friday evening, there will be a dinner hosted for the participants at 6:00 pm and stewards are expected to attend, as it is an important part of networking. Only participants with extenuating circumstanced will be permitted to opt out. No scheduled events will occur on Saturday evening or Sunday.
Note: Meal allowances will not be paid for the lunches on Friday and Saturday, and the dinner on Friday evening.
COMPENSATION FOR LEAVE
Institute policy allows for compensating participants who use vacation, compensatory leave or leave without pay for attendance at training sessions. Compensation is also allowed when such leave is required to travel to the course. The participant must provide a completed employer's leave form authorizing the leave and complete a PIPSC Compensatory Salary Claim Form available on the PIPSC website.
Salary compensation will be provided for up to two (2) days on Thursday and Friday, including reasonable travel time, except in the case of shift workers who will be reimbursed for appropriate shifts due to their attendance at the training. Reasonable travel time is defined as the amount of time that it takes to get from your home or work to the training location by the most direct route with no stops.
OTHER
Dependent, child or other care expenses, will be paid by the Institute where receipts are provided and in accordance with PIPSC policy.
If, for any reason, you expect to deviate from the guidelines set out in this document, you must notify us in advance.
Please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Fung by phone at 604.688.8238 or 1.800.663.0485 extension 7820 or by e-mail at pfung@pipsc.ca should you require further information regarding this training activity.