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EDUCATION
The education provided by the NSGEU needs to provide activists with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote and sustain an "organizing" culture across the union, i.e. a culture in which members see themselves as the union and in which members are directly involved in identifying and solving workplace issues.
The NSGEU education program is rooted in the practice of popular education. Popular Education is an educational technique designed to raise the consciousness of its participants and allow them to become more aware of how an individual's personal experiences are connected to larger societal problems. Participants are empowered to act to effect change on the problems that affect them.
This approach:
- Respects and builds on people's knowledge and experience as workers
- Links learning to action
- Uses creative, collective, participatory methods
- Draws on the whole person
- Poses questions more than imposing solutions
- Links education to organizing
- Encourages critical thinking
- Challenges unequal power relations in all forms (e.g. class, gender, race, sexuality, etc.)
- Recognizes that adults have a variety of learning styles and that adults learn best when they can discuss and apply what they know
The goal of the NSGEU education program is to build the strength of the union through increased union activism in the workplace and in our communities.
The courses needed to accomplish this will change through time depending on the state of the union's development and organization.The courses listed below reflect the union's current needs. These courses are reviewed on a regular basis. 
WORKSHOPS
Please Note: To view course schedules select the Education Calendar on your right.
New Activist: 2 days
This course is open to all members of the NSGEU. It includes an overview of workers rights and the relevance of unions; the relationship and overview of other Labour bodies and relevant Nova Scotia legislation; NSGEU structure and function, including an overview of the constitution and by-laws, explanation of bargaining; and equity and human rights and its importance to the union. The program uses small group and interactivity to ensure that all members get to participate.
Steward Level I: 2 days
This course is open to all Stewards with no prior training. It covers the role and responsibilities of the steward; grievance process and timelines; dealing with workplace issues; common issues for Stewards, e.g. accommodation, OH&S and duty of fair representation; grievance handling protocol, investigating grievances and human rights issues.
Steward level II: 2 days
Investigating grievances, writing grievances, improved representation skills, building steward confidence, dealing with management, duty to accommodate, interviewing, problem solving and conflict resolution, encouraging activism in the workplace.
Steward Mentoring Program: 2 Weeks
To be eligible you must have completed Steward II and be a Chief Steward or very experienced Steward. The objective of the mentoring program is to expose experienced chief stewards or stewards who have completed the advanced steward course to the operating environment at the NSGEU office.
Train the Trainer: 5 days
Educates members in the philosophy, principles and practice of popular education within the labour movement. Courses include facilitation techniques as well as principles for designing effective adult education.
Advanced Steward (week long school) 5 days
For experienced stewards, with an emphasis on Chief Stewards. This program uses many role plays and real life scenarios to improve grievance handling skills and examine issues like duty to accommodate, harassment, addiction issues and effective ways of dealing with management.
Leadership (week long school)
Covers leadership skills and styles, conflict resolution, power relations, union building, accountability, inclusion, priorities and planning, diversity issues.
Political Lobbying (week long school)
Covers the history and structure of the labour movement, membership mobilizing, communications, working with coalitions, lobbying, media, and campaigns.
Organizing (week long school)
An intensive education course to develop skills for both external or internal organizing. Includes principles of one on one communication, labour law, campaign design and tactics, employer tactics, committee development and a full campaign simulation.
Communications (Week long school)
An intensive education course focusing on public speaking for union activists.
In-local contract workshop half day—1 day
Designed in conjunction with the ERO and/or Chief Steward, these provide specialized education for a local in an aspect of their contract or some other specific workplace issue.
BIENNIAL WORKSHOPS
Held every two years following the Local Biennial Meetings to ensure a level of training for union activists.
Resolutions workshops 1 Day
Workshops for local presidents on the resolutions and constitutional amendments processes. This course is actually held in the fall of even numbered years - prior to the convention.
Local officers workshop 1.5 days
Biennial education for newly elected local officers in their roles and responsibilities.
Regional & occupational council workshops 1 Day
Basic orientation to the union and education in roles and responsibilities for newly elected members of Occupational and Regional Councils. These meetings usually include election of the regional And Occupational Council Board members.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union offer Scholarships to dependent children of NSGEU Members. These Scholarships are awarded once a year. The deadline for receipt of applications is September 30th. Scholarships will be awarded only once to any individual in a two (2) year period.
SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINE
Conditions of Award
The NS Government & General Employees Union is offering four $1,500 scholarships and five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded annually (at the discretion of the NSGEU Scholarship and Bursary Committee) to dependent children of NSGEU members.
These Union Scholarships will be under the names of:
1. Adrian Timmons Memorial $2,500
2. Alex Buchanan Memorial $1,500
3. Aubrey Stevens Memorial $1,500
4. Greg Blanchard $1,500
5. David Peters $1,500
6. Unnamed $1,000
7. Unnamed $1,000
8. Unnamed $1,000
9. Unnamed $1,000
10. Unnamed $1,000
Once a year the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union offers scholarships to be awarded (at the discretion of the NSGEU Education Committee) to dependent children of NSGEU members.
Applications and all supporting documentation must be filed with the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union on, or prior to, October 15th in any year.
Guidelines and application forms are available on the NSGEU web site as well as in hard copy upon request to the NSGEU office.
The scholarship will be tenable at any recognized post-secondary institution.
Scholarships will be awarded only for full-time attendance as defined by Revenue Canada leading to a degree, diploma or certificate at a recognized university or other institution of higher learning.
If possible, a minimum of two (2) $1,000 scholarships must be awarded to high school applicants. If possible, a minimum of two (2) $1,000 scholarships must be awarded to post-secondary applicants.
Scholarships are to be based on scholastic achievement. Scholastic achievement will be based on previous year’s marks or last completed five courses, whichever is applicable.
Scholarships will only be awarded once to any individual in a two (2) year period.
Authentic signature of the actual applicant must appear on Application Form. Any other signature will cause the application to be invalid and therefore denied.
NB: If evidence is found that the questions were answered falsely, the application will be considered void. In cases where scholarships have already been awarded, reimbursement will be required from the NSGEU member.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must be a dependent child of a Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union member in good standing (for at least 12 months prior to the application); or the dependent child of a retired member( for at least 12 months prior to retirement was a member in good standing); or the dependent child of a deceased member. A clear definition of a member in good standing can be found in the NSGEU Constitution and By- Laws.
Requirements
1. Grade 12 High School applicants must have a minimum of 80% in five marks.
2. University applicants must have at a minimum GPA of 3.0 in each subject.
3. Other institutions of higher learning must have a minimum grade of 80% in each subject.
4. All questions (blank spaces) on the application form must be completed. The application form must be signed by the applicant and the member.
5. An official Letter of Registration (copy acceptable) from a recognized university or other institution of higher learning must be included. A Letter of Application /Letter of Admission / Letter of Acceptance will not be valid.
6. All applicants must submit a 500-word essay on the history and importance of the labour movement in Nova Scotia.
7. A transcript (copy acceptable) of marks must be included.
8. Successful recipients of a scholarship must be prepared to enter into normal publicity that goes with receiving such an award (ie union newsletter, union website or provincial newspaper).
APPLICATION FORM
BURSARIES
The Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union offer Bursaries to dependents of NSGEU Members. These Bursaries are awarded once a year. The deadline for receipt of applications is October 15th.
BURSARY GUIDELINE FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Conditions of Award
The NS Government & General Employees Union is offering ten $1,000 bursaries to be awarded annually (at the discretion of the NSGEU Education Committee) to dependents of NSGEU members in good standing. Uo to two (2) bursaries may be awarded to dependent spouses.
These Union Bursaries will be under the names of:
1. Westray Memorial $1,000
2. Brian Langille Memorial $1,000
3. Irving Deale Memorial $1,000
4. Philip Cogswell Memorial $1,000
5. John Burnham Memorial $1,000
6. John Rossiter Memorial $1,000
7. Unnamed $1,000
8. Unnamed $1,000
9. Unnamed $1,000
10. Unnamed $1,000
Applications and all support documentation must be filed with the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union on, or prior to, October 15th in any year.
Guidelines and applications are available on the NSGEU web site, as well as in hard copy upon request to the NSGEU office.
Bursaries will be based on the financial need of the applicant.
The bursary will be tenable for a program of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate at any recognized post-secondary institution.
Bursaries will only be awarded once to any individual in a two (2) year period.
Authentic signature of the actual applicant must appear on Application Form. Any other signature will cause the application to be invalid and therefore denied.
NB: If evidence is found that the questions were answered falsely, the application will be considered void. In cases where scholarships have already been awarded, reimbursement will be required from the NSGEU member.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must be a dependent of a Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union member; or the dependent of a retired member; or the dependent child of a deceased member who was a member in good standing at time of death.
A clear definition of a member in good standing can be found in the NSGEU Constitution and By-Laws.
Requirements
All questions (blank spaces) on the application form must be completed. The application form must be signed by the applicant.
An Official ‘Letter of Registration’ for a program of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate from a recognized university or other institution of higher learning must be included. A Letter of Application / Letter of Admission / Letter of Acceptance will not be valid.
Copy of Notice of Assessment and/or T4 slips to verify all household sources of income must accompany the application.
All applicants must submit a 500-word essay on the history and importance of the labour movement in Nova Scotia.
Successful recipients of bursaries must be prepared to enter into normal Union publicity that goes with receiving such an award.
GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIES AWARDED TO NSGEU MEMBERS
Conditions of Award
Twice yearly, within 45 days following the application deadline, the NS Government & General Employees Union is offering bursaries for the following numbers and amounts (at the discretion of the NSGEU Education Committee) to be awarded to members in good standing.
- Each Fall 12 - $750.00 Bursaries
(one of the 12 bursaries to be named the Bill Hebert Memorial Bursary) - Each Spring 12 - $750.00 Bursaries
(one of the 12 bursaries to be named the Cheryl Morton Memorial Bursary)
The bursaries will be based on the financial need of the applicant.
Applications and all supporting documentation must be filed with the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union on, or prior to, October 15th to be eligible for Fall Bursaries and March 15th to be eligible for spring bursaries in each year.
Guidelines and applications are available on the NSGEU web site, as well as in hard copy form upon request to the NSGEU Labour Resource centre at: 902.424.4063 or Toll Free: 1.877.556.7438
The bursary will be tenable for a program of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate at any recognized university or post-secondary institution and will not be awarded to the candidate until evidence is provided by the Registrar of the university or other institutions of the candidate’s attendance.
Bursaries will only be awarded once to any individual in a two (2) year period.
Authentic signature of the actual applicant must appear on Application Form. Any other signature will cause the application to be invalid and therefore denied.
NB: If evidence is found that the questions were answered falsely, the application will be considered void. In cases where bursaries have already been awarded, reimbursement will be required from the NSGEU member.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
The Applicant must be a NS Government & General Employees Union member in good standing for at least 12 months prior to the application.
A clear definition of a member in good standing can be found in the NSGEU Constitution and By-Laws.
Applicants having met the above but who wish to continue their academic education on a full-time basis, therefore resigning from their employment to attend a post secondary institution will remain eligible.
Requirements
- Successful applicants who have resigned from their employment will remain eligible only upon proof of attendance on a full-time basis. Failure to do so will result in their disqualification.
- All questions (blank spaces) on the application form must be completed. The application form must be signed by the applicant.
- ‘Letter of Registration’ for a program of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate from a recognized university or other institution of higher learning must be included. ‘Letter of Application’/ ‘Letter of Admission’ / ‘Letter of Acceptance’ will not be valid.
- All applicants must submit a 500-word essay on the history and importance of the labour movement in Nova Scotia.
- Verification of all household sources of income must accompany the application, (i.e. copy of T4 slips and/or Notice of Assessment)
- Those receiving a bursary must be prepared to enter into normal publicity that goes with receiving such an award (union newsletter, union web site or provincial newspaper).
The NSGEU Bursary for NSGEU members:
The Bursary will be tenable at any recognized post-secondary institution.
APPLICATION FORMS
AMATEUR SPORTS/FINE ARTS
Social Recreation Committee
These Awards will be issued to amateur athletes to help defray costs for organized participation in or training of amateur sports. Two of the ten Amateur Sports Awards is to be given for 'fine arts' to a member or a child of a member. These awards will be considered at the first meeting of the Committee following the deadline for applications. The deadline will be March 31 of each year. The Committee will bring a recommendation to the Board of Directors for ratification. Once ratified, the Awards will be presented in May. These Awards may only be received by an individual once every two years.
To view dates and times for workshops and courses please click on the calendar below.
For more information contact the appropriate administrative support listed below.
Education Workshops
Bursaries & Scholarships