Member Facilitator Training Workshop
In 2004, HEU launched the Member Facilitator training program. During this three-day workshop, members learn how to facilitate the union’s one-day Union Activism course. Everyone who takes the facilitator training course must agree to be available, over an 18-month period, to participate as a facilitator when requested by the union. Advanced facilitator training is also offered on an as-needed basis.
- Information Letter
- Application Form
Union Activism
HEU members who are interested in becoming active in the union are invited to apply for this one-day Union Activism workshop.
The goals of the workshop are to introduce new activists to the union and union rights, and to encourage members to become involved in HEU.
Participants will learn about the history of HEU and the labour movement; the relevance of unions in today’s political climate; privatization and how HEU is defending public health and social services; equity and human rights in the union; and why union activism is important.
- Information Letter
- Application Form (deadline closed)
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) - Introduction
HEU offers an annual, employer-paid, two-day workshop for occupational health and safety stewards.
Participants learn how to apply the WCB Act and the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation to protect workers’ rights and ensure safe workplaces. They also learn about the duties and responsibilities carried out by local health and safety committees.
Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Workshop - Supplementary
This is a one-day supplementary workshop for members on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. It follows the Introductory OH&S Workshop. Training deals with effective inspections, meaningful incident investigations, and moving toward a "green" hospital.
- Information Letter
- Application Form (deadline closed)
Shop Steward - Introduction
Held annually in all regions, this course gives participants the skills and confidence they need to become shop stewards. It also teaches new stewards how to foster union solidarity and motivate our members and supporters into action when required.
Participants learn the most effective ways to handle grievances and complaints, the responsibilities they accept as shop stewards, guidelines for interpreting and defending collective agreement provisions, and basic health and safety concepts.
Members must commit to being a shop steward for the next 18 months. The Introduction to Shop Steward training is provided over a period of three to six months, with classroom instruction scheduled in two parts. The first part is a three-day introductory workshop, followed by workplace experience with the chief shop steward and a one-day final workshop.
Shop Steward - Advanced (Chief Shop Steward)
HEU’s Advanced Shop Steward (Chief Shop Steward) course provides participants with indepth training on more complex types of grievances, including discipline and duty-to-accommodate.
Members must complete the Introduction to Shop Steward course before taking this advanced-level workshop.
- Information Letter
- Application Form (deadline closed)
Know and Enforce Your Rights
This three-day workshop is offered to HEU members currently dealing with grievances and contract enforcement, and who have already taken the HEU Introductory Shop Steward workshop.
The primary goals of this workshop are to build upon knowledge of the facilities, community health or community social services collective agreements, and to foster confidence in enforcing members’ rights.
HEU Equity Conference 2011
Held every two years, this three-day equity conference was held on March 8, 9 and 10, 2011 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond. The conference focused on the equity portion of the Strategic Directions document that was passed by delegates at the 2010 HEU convention.
Conference participants developed two-year action plans to help end discrimination, organize effectively around equity issues, and develop ways to increase participation at all levels of the union for equity-seeking groups. Equity caucus members also elected standing committees to carry out these action plans.
- Information Letter
- Application Form (deadline closed)
Demystifying Classifications
This two-day workshop for HEU members who have taken the HEU Intro Shop Steward course includes: an introduction to job classifications, information and strategies for navigating through classification processes and Job Review Requests (JRR), and Maintenance Agreement and Classification Manual demystified.
Young Workers' Workshop
This two-day workshop for HEU members who are 30 and under is being offered in conjunction with HEU's Young Workers' Committee. Members of the committee will be in attendance and this is a great opportunity to meet them and other young workers in your union!
Women Breaking Barriers
This one-day workshop for women members is an opportunity for those attending:
- to look at women members’ real situations at work, at home with their families, and in the union;
- to identify common issues and barriers to participation in the union, and
- to discuss suggestions and recommendations for change.
LPN Professional Responsibility Advocacy (Steward) Training
This one-day course will help LPNs better understand how they can use the Professional Responsibility language to advocate for themselves, and the patients, residents and clients they care for.
The training is intended for LPNs who are shop stewards (or activists) and are willing to make a minimum 12-month commitment to working with, representing and supporting LPNs at the local and regional levels.
Table Officers
Workshops for Table Officers provide newly elected local officers with information on how to fulfill their duties as a chair or secretary-treasurer. These workshops are arranged at the request of the local.
HEU Summer School
HEU’s Summer School is a week-long, “in residence” program which provides skills and leadership development for new and experienced activists.
The school features practical training in areas that support union activism in the workplace as well as information about historic and current struggles for equality, justice and workers’ rights, both here and around the world.
Summer School 2007 was divided into two parts: Grassroots Leadership and Saving Medicare. Check out webcast highlights.