CUPE Workshops

Through the education of our members, CUPE builds better collective agreements and strengthens our ability to defend workers' rights and protect the services we provide.

There are over 50 different workshops CUPE can provide to your local. Click here for a list and description of what's available.

Are you thinking about becoming a Shop Steward? Read our leaflet and find out more about a rewarding way of contributing to your workplace.

For more information on Union Education through CUPE contact our CUPE Education Representative, Ed Hanson at (403) 235-6955.

Frequently asked Questions about CUPE Education.

1. What kind of education does CUPE offer?

CUPE offers many opportunities for union education. Some workshop examples are:

Leadership Workshops		Health and Safety Personal Development Workshops		Humanities Workshops
Effective Stewarding Collective Bargaining Financial Officers Labour Law		Assertiveness Training Retirement Planning Public Speaking Parliamentary Procedure Workplace Stress Face-to-Face Communication Conflict Resolution		Harassment in the Workplace Understanding Diversity Pride in CUPE Violence in the Workplace Human Rights

2. Is there a brochure available which lists all the courses offered by CUPE?

Yes. A list of workshops is available from your CUPE Alberta Representative or Education Representative. You can also view the list here.

3. How are these workshops offered?

Workshops are offered in a variety of ways. For example, the Alberta Division sponsors an annual weeklong school in May of each year. Other times, CUPE District Councils sponsor weekend schools. Union education is also offered at the Alberta Division Annual Convention in March and at the Solidarity Days in September.

4. Can CUPE Locals sponsor workshops?

Yes. Many Locals sponsor workshops either just for their local or for all locals in their areas. If your locals is interested in sponsoring a workshop, information is available from their CUPE Alberta Representative or Education Representative.

Sometimes Locals jointly sponsor workshops with their employer.

5. What if our members want something that is not listed on the brochure?

Your CUPE Education Representative can help you develop workshops specific to the needs of the membership.

6. Are there any prerequisites to taking a course?

For the basic courses no, but there are once you get into the second level of some workshops. For example, if you wish to take Advanced Stewarding you need to take Effective Stewarding first.

7. What if our members don’t have time to spend a whole weekend at a CUPE workshop?

Although most of our workshops are formatted for weekends, workshops can be reformatted and scheduled for lunch hours or evenings. Some courses are also available for home study.

8. What is OTO?

OTO means Organize the Organized and are workshops specific to your local. These workshops challenge us to rethink the way we conduct our union affairs. OTO workshops focus on involving members in our union’s activities. Workshops can be arranged through your CUPE Alberta or Education Representative.

9. How do members find out about workshops that are offered in our area?

Brochures advertising upcoming workshops are sent out to all locals, so members should:

• Attend monthly membership meetings
• Check your union bulletin board
• Ask your CUPE Alberta Representative
• Ask your Education Representative
• Check the CUPE Website calendar here.
• Check articles in newsletters
• Read letters or leaflets from Local Union President or Education Committee