CUPE 387 is offering an introduction to stewarding course in May. If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved in being a shop steward, come and find out at this two day course.
Date: May 14 and 15, 2019
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Centennial Community Centre, 65 E Sixth Ave, New Westminster
Contact CUPE 387 Office for more details and availability.
CUPE 387 is pleased the City of New Westminster is showing its dedication to the health and wellness of its employees with its new mental health training and awareness program.
The Working Mind is offered in a partnership between the City, CUPE Local 387 and IBEW Local 213 and will begin in January 2019.
The program is designed to promote mental health literacy in the workplace, dispel the myths of mental health problems and reduce associated stigma by providing an overview of mental health as a continuum. For managers and supervisors, the program will also include learning about:
Phase I of The Working Mind will begin in January 2019 with the training of Supervisors and Managers. In February 2019, Phase II training will begin for all full-time regular, part-time regular and auxiliary employees and will continue into the following year. The Working Mind sessions will be delivered by internal facilitators from the NW Police Department’s Mental Health Unit who are certified with the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
The implementation of the program follows over two years of discussions between the Union and the City about the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace (see post Mental Health in the Workplace from March 10, 2018). The Union continues its endeavors to make the workplace safe both physically and psychologically.
If you’re thinking of retiring in the next few years, taking a workshop will help with your planning and decision making. CUPE offers 3 day workshops and several are scheduled for the Lower Mainland this fall.
The next closest workshop is in Burnaby from December 6 to 8 from 9am to 4pm each day. There is a charge which includes lunch and refreshments. Registration is accepted online. For complete information, check out the schedule of workshops.
Over the years, the Union has successfully worked with the City of New Westminster to address many issues regarding physical health in the workplace including office ergonomics and low stress seats for truck drivers.
Two years ago, Business Manager George Habib took the initiative to approach the employer about mental health in the workplace. He felt it is best to be proactive and not wait until someone is dealing with a long term disability.
Over the past two years the Union and the employer have worked closely together to reach a solution. As a result the City should soon select a mental health care provider to work with the staff. Several providers have presented workshops on their services and the City and Union are evaluating them before making a decision.
UPDATE: A service provider has been chosen and as soon as the contract has been signed, training of staff will begin. Training will begin with managers and supervisors and will include all staff. Watch for more information.
CUPE 387 supports on-going education for all its members, not just the executive. Take a look at the upcoming seminars and workshops offered by CUPE BC and CUPE National. If you see something you would like to attend, please contact George Habib.