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Over ninety PSAC-NCR members attended the 2009 Union School held February 19-22, 2009 in Cornwall.
The theme "Educate, Unite, Defend" reflected the Organizing Committee's view that PSAC-NCR members need to engage in the daily life of their Union to ensure respect and dignity in our workplaces, fairness and social justice in our communities, and unity and strength in our union.
Workshops offered included:
- A two-day "Tough Spots in Grievance Handling;"
- One-day workshops on Health and Safety; Psychological Harassment; and Human Rights;
- Three-hour modules on Connecting with Members; The Art of Persuasion; The Duty to Accomodate; Public Speaking; and Clear Language.
Over a third of the members who participated were attending their first PSAC-NCR Union School. Many others, who regularly attend union activities and courses, used the opportunity offered at the Union School to network, expand their knowledge on particular issues and learn new strategies in dealing with challenges they regularly encounter in their union work.
Of the fourteen Components represented in the PSAC-NCR, twelve had members in attendance at the Union School.
Several members who emerged as union activists following the UPCE strike also were attending their first union school and are beginning their union education experience.
Our guests and speakers offered thoughtful messages about the need to sustain our activism, expand our connections with others and explore issues that are emerging in society. Thanks again to Maria Fitzpatrick (REVP), Elaine MacDonald (President, Cornwall and District Labour Council), Neera Karunananthan (Council of Canadians), Morgan Day (PSAC negotiator), Réjean D'aoust (FLQ - Federation of Labourers of Québec), Tamara Levine (CLC) and Richard Mitchell (Mohawk Elder from Akwesasne).
 
Organizing Committee members:
- Barbara Buchanan (NAT)
- Suzanne Cadieux (NAT)
- Sandra Griffith-Bonnaparte (UNDE)
- Linda Iezzi (NAT)
- Karoline Klug (NAT)
- Lez Maiczan (CEIU)
- Michele Milotte (NAT)
- Jean-Pierre Ouellet (NAT)
- Enza Ricci (UNDE)
- Vicki-Lynn Smith (UTE)
- Ken Zarichansky (UPCE)
Other helpers:
- Kim Cardinal (UTE)
- Sonny Moran (NAT)
Our member facilitators:
- Daniel Charron
- Lorraine Cormier
- Sandra Griffith-Bonnaparte
- Linda Iezzi
- Karoline Klug
- Michele Milotte
Our staff facilitators
- Johanne Labine
- Dominic Lavoie
- Pierre Lebel
- Stephanie Penwarden
- Holmann Richard
- Lisa Rossignol
Take our PSAC Quiz!
(correct answers are highlighted on odd numbered pages)
Participant comments
What did you learn from the Union School?
"I was inspired by the new union activists’ energy."
"There are a lot of passionate people working as union activists within the NCR!"
"The power of the collective to solve problems through communication with each other, with our members and with those outside the union."
"There are many issues within the union that need people to help organize and recruit. We need to encourage members to participate."
"A lot! I got a lot of good info but most importantly it helped me to think of ways that I would apply what Iearned to my own local."
What parts of the Union School did you find most helpful?
"The three-hour sessions were a wonderful way to become aware of so many different issues."
What would you change or add?
"There were too many interesting workshops that were missed because the time was too short."
Other comments
"I loved it (Union School). I will recruit other members."
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