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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.Deadline Extended: Seeking Bully-Free Workplaces Facilitators
The NSGEU's Bully Free Workplaces program is looking for expressions of interest from members who are interested in becoming program facilitators. People chosen to be trained as facilitators must be in a job that will allow them to spend an average of three or four days per month off from their job.
If you're interested, please fill out and return this three-page application.
Bully-Free Workplaces
NSGEU offers a two-hour Bully-Free Workplace awareness session and six-hour workshop for employees. Our Bully-Free Workplace workbook, handbook, and peer-to-peer facilitation program has been developed by NSGEU educators to help our members and their employers identify and eliminate workplace bullying.
Peer-to-peer facilitation is an excellent starting point in discussions about workplace bullying. Our trained facilitators are NSGEU members who are available to deliver the NSGEU Bully-Free Workplace Program in workplaces across the region.
The essential message is that bullying in the workplace is a form of violence that makes it an occupational health and safety concern. Something can be done about it.
We focus on this workplace concern by
- Defining bullying
- Understanding how it can remain hidden within the work setting
- Evaluating who might be the target of bullying
- Looking at the characteristics and behaviors of bullies
- Understanding specific health effects of bullying
- Introducing some tools and remedies such as documentation and personal, informal, and formal courses of action
- Touching on the need for strong and effective policy
- Considering how to build a culture of civility in the workplace
Not all conflict situations in the workplace constitute bullying or harassment. Our program will help you recognize the difference and identify whether a person (or persons) may be a bully. We also cover what is not considered workplace bullying.
Identifying the Risks
The term psychological harassment is a term often used; however we feel that to enable an effective intervention and remedy behavior we must first name it for what it is: bullying.
Workplace bullying is often subtle or veiled. Establishing whether bullying exists in your workplace, or if bullying could occur at some point in the future is something we can’t ignore. Obvious signs of workplace bullying may not be evident; however, it does not mean that bullying behavior or conduct does not exist.
Consider that targets of bullying are typically
- Good at their jobs prior to the bullying
- Independent thinkers and workers who are able to take initiative
- Those who demonstrate integrity, a well-defined set of standards to live by, and a strong sense of fair play
- People who have expertise in an area that is recognized by others or hold qualifications leading to personal envy on the part of the bully.
- Hard-working and willing to go the extra mile
Our program helps employees and their employers take reasonable steps to identify environmental factors that increase the potential for workplace bullying.
This program will help
- Identify the likelihood bullying is occurring
- Implement strategies to change workplace dynamics and culture
- Develop a Bully-Free Workplace policy
- Evaluate and review strategies to solve this problem
Benefits for the Employer
A healthy workplace is a productive workplace
- Lower absenteeism
- Increased productivity
- Reduced staff turnover
- Improved morale
- Increased work quality
- Improved health in the workplace
The results of psychological harassment, abuse of authority and workplace bullying may include
- Increased sick-leave
- Decreased productivity
- High turnover
- Reduced enthusiasm
- Lack of communication
- Low job satisfaction
- Increased stress
- Increased workers compensation costs
- High costs related to conflict
Management Strategies
Strategies involving workers, at all levels of the organization, is the most effective way to deal with bullying in the workplace.
Develop specific strategies against psychological harassment and bullying. Make improvements in the psychosocial work environment which includes
- Give workers choice on how to carry out their work
- Increase information about goals
- Develop a leadership style
- Avoid unclear role and task expectations
Bullying is Not Acceptable
Workplace bullying is unwanted and unreasonable behavior directed toward an individual worker or a group that creates a risk to the health and safety of those workers. Not only does it create a risk to health and safety, workplace bullying can affect an organization through reduced productivity, increased staff turnover and legal costs.
Bullying has a negative impact on an organization and its workers. We need to take action by working together and taking a stand to end bullying.
Through education we can provide ourselves with the tools and knowledge to help each other remove this form of behavior from our workplaces.
Workshops
To help understand the problems and solutions our two-hour awareness session explores the effects of bullying on the individual, co-workers, within the workplace, and at home. Our six-hour interactive workshop explores issues in greater depth through group interaction with a variety of adult learning techniques used to engage participants.
Call the NSGEU Labour Resource Centre to get details or to arrange for one of our workshops. 1.877.556.7438
The first session went very well, the information was extremely valuable and some of our staff thought that it was a great gathering — really, really valuable.
— Mountain Lea Lodge
Everyone has been involved in bullying at one time or another and probably not even realized it. Now, we will all take notice when things like this happen, and do something about it.
— Community college worker
WORKSHOPS
Please Note: To view course schedules select the Education Calendar on your right.
WEEK LONG SCHOOL
Next Week-Long School begins on June 5, 2011.
Apply online or download an application form.
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.
NEW ACTIVISTS WORKSHOP
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.
STEWARDS
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.
LOCAL WORKSHOPS
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 October 15th. Scholarships will be awarded only once to any individual in a two (2) year period.
Fall 2011 Dependent Scholarships |
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| Name | Member | Amount | Award |
| Lauren Longobardi | Valerie Musgrove, Local42 | $2500 | Adrian Timmons Memorial |
| Erin Hayes | Anne Hayes, Local 97 | $1500 | Aubrey Stevens Memorial |
| Carlee Bryson | Candace Bryson, Local 53 | $1500 | Alex Buchanan Memorial |
| Alexander somerville | Marguerite Sommerville, Local 42 | $1500 | Greg Blanchard |
| Lauren Walsh | K. Anne Walsh, Local 8 | $1500 | Dave Peters |
| Elizabeth Deveaux | Audrey Deveaux, Local 42 | $1000 | |
| Kaitlin Whitehouse | Margaret Whitehouse, Local 97 | $1000 | |
| Devon Mills | Mark Mills, Local 470A | $1000 | |
| Ellen Hines | Nancy Hines, Local 22 | $1000 | |
| Johanna Sildam | Natalya Sildam, Local 6 | $1000 | |
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 graduate 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 graduate 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).
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.
Fall 2011 Dependent Bursaries |
|||
| Name | Member | Amount | Award |
| Kelsey Bowman | Margaret Layes, Local 88 | $1000 | Brian Langille Memorial |
| Jillian Casey | Angela Casey, Local 93 | $1000 | Westray Memorial |
| Kabu Davies | Stephen Davies, Local 7 | $1000 | Irving Deal Memorial |
| Courtney Holder | Kim Holder, Local 71B | $1000 | Phillip Cogswell Memorial |
| Kelsey Holder | Kim Holder, Local 71B | $1000 | Gordon Burnham Memorial |
| Alicia Lahey | Kim Sheppard, Local 94 | $1000 | |
| Jenna MacDonald | Deborah MacKenzie, Local 246 | $1310 | John Rossiter Memorial |
| Jenna MacLeod | Audrey MacLeod, Local 97 | $1000 | |
| Julia Mahoney | Sandra Fougere, Local 79 | $1000 | |
| Simon Meynell | Marla Meynell, Local 66 | $1000 | |
| Scott Prinoski | Gaynia Johnson, Local 97 | $1000 | |
| Sarah Sears | Freda Sears, Local 71A | $1000 | |
| Robert Snyder | Thelma Snyder, Local 88 | $1000 | |
| Scott Sutherland | Cathy Sutherland, Local 76 | $1000 | |
| Elisabeth Teklet | Asmeret Ghebreab, Local 77 | $1000 | |
2011 Members' Bursary Recipients |
|||
| Name | Local | Amount | |
| Jude Abbey | 8 | $750.00 | |
| Jennifer Banks | 42 | $750.00 | |
| Edna Carloss | 97 | $750.00 | |
| Ashlie Cormier | 93 | $750.00 | |
| Elizabeth Devine | 77 | $750.00 | |
| Lucy Doan | 19 | $750.00 | |
| David Huett | 23 | $750.00 | |
| Marlene MacLean | 267F | $750.00 | |
| Giselle McCormick | 23 | $750.00 | |
| Debbie McKee | 267F | $750.00 | |
| Heather Morgan | 53 | $750.00 | |
| Adam Rostis | 8 | $750.00 | |
| Monica Slauenwhite | 267K | $750.00 | |
| Rhonda Sweeney | 267B | $750.00 | |
| Sandra Traynor | 42 | $750.00 | |
BURSARY GUIDELINE FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Conditions of Award
The NS Government & General Employees Union is offering fifteen $1,000 bursaries to be awarded annually (at the discretion of the NSGEU Education Committee) to dependents of NSGEU members in good standing. Up 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
11. Unnamed $1,000
12. Unnamed $1,000
13. Unnamed $1,000
14. Unnamed $1,000
15. 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 15 - $750.00 Bursaries
(one of the 15 bursaries to be named the Bill Hebert Memorial Bursary) - Each Spring 14 - $750.00 Bursaries
(one of the 14 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.
AMATEUR SPORTS/FINE ARTS
Social Recreation Committee
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.
Download Amateur Sports/Fine Arts Award
2011 Sports and Fine Arts Award Recipients |
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| Name | Member | Local | Award |
| Jacob Low | Mary Low | 27 | Fine Arts |
| Jessica Low | Mary Low | 27 | Fine Arts |
| Gillian Stanton | Gordon & Twila Stanton | 16 | Fine Arts |
| Jenna Blackburn | Carla Blackburn | 42 | Amateur Sports |
| Duncan Coady | Marion Coady | 8 | Amateur Sports |
| Tyler Dixon | Vicky Dixon | 23 | Amateur Sports |
| Chiara Knee | Claudia Baldasso & Ray Knee | 42 & 6 | Amateur Sports |
| Kendra MacDonald | Member | 42 | Amateur Sports |
| Justin Mansour-Gillis | Tammy Gillis | 2 | Amateur Sports |
| Jack Mercer | Linda Mercer | 53 | Amateur Sports |
| Mark Richard | Member | 77 | Amateur Sports |
| Patrick Quinn | Angela Quinn | 97 | Amateur Sports |
| Colin Samson | Micheline Samson-Graves | 27 | Amateur Sports |
| Ellen Taggart | Christina Carter | 8 | Amateur Sports |
| Bethany Tremblay | Krista Tremblay | 8 | Amateur Sports |
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