Welcome to UPSE

Welcome to UPSE is a very informative course for any UPSE member who would like to learn more about their union.  It includes a review of the history of the Union, the union’s organizational structure, what PEI UPSE does for Union members, the role of the Steward in a union as well as a brief review of grievance and collective bargaining processes.  Pensions and benefits of members are also discussed.   Finally, the course informs members of their role within the Union and how to carry it out effectively.

Welcome to UPSE is the first step for any member who would like to become involved in PEI UPSE.

Welcome to UPSE is a prerequisite for most PEI UPSE sponsored educational offerings.

Steward Level 1

An UPSE Member contemplating taking on a Steward role within their local but are not yet trained are encouraged to register for Steward Level 1.  No Member may represent until they are trained as a Steward.  At Steward Level 1 you will learn:

• The important role Stewards play in the union.
• What tools are required to act effectively in the role of the Steward.
• What makes unions strong?

Prerequisite: Completed Welcome to UPSE

Steward Level 2

Steward Level 2 is the second step in Steward education at PEI UPSE.  This course focuses on representation issues, knowing the membership you work with, linking with the local and union executive, identifying grievances, developing problem solving and conflict resolution skills.  A consistent theme through the course is the role of a steward as both an enthusiast and activist.  The importance of the duty of fair representation and the duty to accommodate are discussed at length.

Prerequisite: Completed Steward Level I and must be elected as a Steward at a local meeting

Advanced Steward

This 2-day course is the culmination in the UPSE Steward series and is provided to Steward Level 2 graduates with some experience working with and representing members.  High level steward skills are practiced in Advanced Steward.  Several role plays are utilized to give the Steward an opportunity to do case studies and develop strategies and arguments to defend a worker.

Advanced Steward will develop skills and knowledge in gathering relevant information to assist in possible grievances. Grievances concerning the duty to accommodate, dealing with management, and harassment will be studied / analyzed.  The course will build confidence and enhance your ability to act as educator in your local.

Prerequisite: Completed Welcome to UPSE, Steward level I and II and must be elected as a Steward at a local meeting

Mental Health and The Workplace

This course emphasizes the importance of maintaining good mental health and understanding mental health conditions.  You will learn about the nature of stress in the workplace and This course emphasizes the importance of maintaining good mental health and understanding mental health conditions.  You will learn about the nature of stress in the workplace and some strategies to manage stress.  Attendees will discuss the ways people can help themselves cope with the aftermath of dangerous or traumatic situations at work so they can minimize the risk of suffering long term impacts on their mental health.

Prerequisite: Completed Welcome to UPSE

Violence in the Workplace

Violence in the workplace is a serious issue.  All workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace.  The course will address:

• What constitutes workplace violence and how prevalent it is?
• The difference between harassment and violence?
• What extent is the employer accountable for workplace violence?
• What can be done to reduce incidents of workplace violence?

Prerequisite: Completed Welcome to UPSE

Addressing Workload and Overworking

Address workload issues and the stress it causes using the collective agreement, Occupational Health and Safety Act provisions, employer policies and WCB policies

Prerequisite: Completed Welcome to UPSE

PEI UPSE Voting Delegates

All first time convention delegates, or returning delegates who would like a refresher in parliamentary procedure, are invited to attend this course. This course happens annually in the fall before convention.

Prerequisite: Completed Welcome to UPSE

Planning the Future / Financial Management