Report: BC Fed 2019 Young Workers' School at Camp Jubilee
Many thanks to Corinne Foster, a young worker and PSAC member who attended the BC Federation of Labour School at Camp Jubilee, and shared this report with us. For more information about PSAC BC's Young Worker Committees and initiatives, vist http://psacbc.com/our-organization/young-workers
Camp Jubilee: June 14-16, 2019 a report by: Corinne FOSTER
Learning
The Young Workers’ School at Camp Jubilee was very educational and a great experience. I chose Introduction to the Labour Movement as my class. Through small group activities and facilitated discussions, we learned about various topics such as the history of the labour movement, different levels and organizations within the Canadian labour movement (e.g., local unions, labour councils, CLC, ITUC), labour terms, collective agreements and the concept of organizing. We also talked about what issues are facing young workers: being unaware of rights, cost of living (regional issue), automation and the treatment of international students by post-secondary institutions. I liked that our facilitators were also young workers that were passionate and knowledgable about unions.
Activities and Networking
There was a lot of classroom time but we were also able to participate in activities, network, and meet other young workers from across the province in various professions (e.g., teachers, ICBC adjustors, social workers, health inspectors, ferry workers). We chose two activities to participate in - I chose archery and kayaking. And every night there would be a big campfire.
Summary
Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend other PSAC young workers attend in the future. It is a great learning and networking opportunity. PSAC should try and send more young workers in the future - MoveUP and BCTF had at least a dozen representatives!
Opportunities
Some potential opportunities for the PSAC Young Workers Committee to take part in and/or continue their learning of unions and the labour movement are:
- Alive After 5, a program run by the BCFED that provides free occupational health and safety presentations to interested high schools and employment programs in BC.
- Period Promise, a campaign to improve access to menstruation products.
- BC Labour Heritage Centre Society, a non-profit society that preserves, documents, and presents the rich history of working people in British Columbia. They provide guided and virtual tours.
- CLC Young Workers Collective, Young Workers School at Harrison, and Canadian Labour Congress Winter School - for more information contact the Canadian Labour Congress Pacific Region.