THE UNION EDUCATION PROGRAM - WHAT IT IS

The Union Education Program (UEP) is a four-week residential program. The four weeks are spread over several months. There is also a pre-session (orientation) weekend.

In July 1992, the CUPW became the second union in North America (the Autoworkers were the first) to sign a collective agreement with an employer-paid, worker-controlled education fund. The Union Education Program is paid for out of this fund.

This intensive program is an exciting and enriching experience.

COURSE CONTENT

The goal of the Union Education Program is to increase CUPW members’ understanding of the world, social and political issues, and their union — thereby developing our base of socially conscious, well-informed activists.

The first week of the program will focus primarily on history, an analysis of social disparities and class consciousness. The second week will deal with racism and sexism, among other topics. The third week will delve into political questions – e.g. state, national and globalization issues. Throughout the program, there will be sessions on public speaking, labour history and postal issues.

Instructing is done by CUPW members. There will also be guest speakers, videos and reading assignments. Instructors use participatory learning techniques to encourage class discussion. These techniques also bring into play the participants’ personal and union experience.

The Union Education Program is NOT a “tool” course. It’s not about the technical aspects of the grievance procedure or health and safety committees. “Tool” courses such as these are a different part of our education program.

WHERE IT IS

The Union Education Program is given at the CAW Education Centre, about 150 kilometres northwest of Toronto. It is an excellent education centre in a beautiful setting.

THE UNION EDUCATION PROGRAM

The dates for the Fall 2007 session are as follows:

Prep session   August 17 - 19

Level I    September 9 - 14

Level II    September 30 – October 5

Level III   October 28 - November 2

Level IV   November 25 - 30

The education program may happen in pleasant surroundings but it’s no holiday! Classes are every day and evening from Monday to Thursday, plus there are sessions Sunday evening and Friday morning. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Also, please note that the CAW Centre is now entirely non-smoking.

WHO CAN ATTEND

All members in good standing are eligible to attend, regardless of educational background or union experience.

As adopted at the 1993 convention, here is the breakdown of participants entitled to attend the fall 2007 UEP program: Atlantic (3), Quebec (3), Metro-Montreal (6), Central (4), Metro-Toronto (7), Ontario (6), Prairie (6) and Pacific (6).

PAYMENT OF PARTICIPANT’S EXPENSES

The Union Education Fund pays the following costs for participants:

• lost wages
• meals and accommodation at the education centre
• travel costs
• childcare expenses

APPLICATIONS - HOW TO GET THEM

Local presidents have been sent an application form that they’ve been asked to reproduce and distribute to those interested.

DEADLINE – JUNE 8, 2007

Applications must be received - by no later than June 8, 2007 to:

Denis Lemelin

2nd national vice-president

Canadian Union of Postal Workers

377 Bank Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K2P 1Y3

DID YOU APPLY LAST TIME? DO YOU STILL WANT TO ATTEND?

If you applied for the previous session, you do not have to apply again. However, if you wish to have your application reconsidered for the Fall 2007 session you must let me know, in writing, before the June 8 deadline.

OUR FUTURE

Through the Union Education Program, together with the different skills-building courses and the regional seminars, we are building and informing our leadership. This is the key to our future.