THE UNION EDUCATION PROGRAM - WHAT IT IS

The Union Education Program (UEP) is a four-week residential program. The four sessions are spread over several months.

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, DVDs 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 of the spring 2010 session are as follows:

•         Preparatory Session and Level 1 (combined): March 6 to 12

•         Level 2: April 11 to 16

•         Level 3: May 2 to 7

•         Level 4: May 30 to June 4                                     

The education program may happen in pleasant surroundings but it’s no holiday! The schedule includes classroom and plenary sessions during the day and on some evenings. There are also group assignments to be worked on outside of class.

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 spring 2010 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 and eldercare 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. This form can also be downloaded from the union’s website at www.cupw.ca.

DEADLINE – JANUARY 15, 2010

Applications must be received - by no later than January 15, 2010 to:

Lynn Bue

2^nd 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 spring 2010 session you must let me know, in writing, before the January 15, 2010 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.