Talking Union Basics/Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement

Facilitator: Robert Strang

This course combines the Talking Union Basics material and the Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement material. The Talking Union Basics portion provides an introduction to the union. If you have wondered what it means to be a union member, how the PSAC works, and what happens to your dues dollars, then this course provides answers to these questions. The course also introduces the collective agreement, your employee rights and your rights as a member of the PSAC. You will learn about the many opportunities to be active in the union and ways you can make a contribution to building strong locals in the B.C. region. It is recommended that members take Talking Union Basics first, as it provides the basic knowledge you need to get the most from other PSAC courses.

The Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement portion explores key provisions in members' collective agreements and introduces an easy four-step framework for interpreting the contract. We will practice applying the four-step interpretation method and examine cases providing examples of "aids to interpretation". This portion of the course will "demystify" the collective agreement and provide you with the necessary skills and tools for on-going, self-directed learning. NOTE: please bring your collective agreement to this course.

Saturday and Sunday, 9AM - 4:30PM. Participants must attend both days.