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Union Education

CUPE's Union Development Department offers a wide variety of workshops to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to improve our workplaces and our society.

As a steward, local officer and bargaining committee member, you also have access to an education program that will help you develop skills and expertise to represent members in the workplace.

What workshops are available through Local 500?

In order to assist our Shop Stewards in performing their function more effectively, CUPE Local 500 offers a Steward Orientation and Basic Effective Stewarding Course. For more information about Local 500 steward training opportunities, contact Karen Byzuk, Special Assignments Officer, CUPE Local 500, (204)942-1001 or email: kbyzuk@cupe500.mb.ca

What other workshops can I sign up for?

CUPE offers its members hundreds of workshops every year, on topics such as new member orientation, human rights, union officer training, and many more. CUPE has more than 50 established workshops. We also design unique workshops to meet the needs of local unions, district councils, Divisions and other groups within the union.

Can I get a union education diploma?

When you attend a CUPE workshop, you will receive a certificate. When you've completed a set of workshops, you will receive a diploma. Currently, there are Six Levels in our diploma program. In the future, we will offer two diplomas – one for Advocacy and one for Leadership. As well, there will be an Advanced Labour Studies diploma for those who take more CUPE workshops or the Labour College of Canada's program. If you received certificates in the past, those certificates will still be recognized when our new program begins. Some community colleges and universities accept union education certificates as credit towards a diploma or degree in Labour Studies.

For additional union education opportunities, contact your Unit President or Chief Shop Steward.

You can also contact Ann Robins, Education Representative for the Manitoba Regional Office at (204)942-0343.

Upcoming Workshops:

Education Calendar Fall & Winter 2008/09

Manitoba Winter School 2009