Labor Education Service announces 2014-2015 skills courses

The University of Minnesota Labor Education Service is offering six courses on “nuts & bolts” skills important to working people. The 2014-2015 schedule includes an online class, “Introduction to the Labor Movement.”

All classes are non-credit and are open to all. Sessions for in-person classes are held on the West Bank of the University’s Minneapolis campus. Room locations will be sent with registration confirmation.

For more information or to obtain a brochure and registration form, call 612-624-5020 or e-mail.

The 2014-2015 schedule:

Basic Arbitration
Saturday, September 20, 2014
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taught by John Remington
This course covers the basic principles of evidence and preparation of witnesses, developing a theory of your case, and the principles arbitrators rely on to decide cases. It will also consider such issues as discipline, contract interpretation standards, past practices, worker rights and management rights. It is designed for those who have completed a basic steward training course. Tuition is $50. Registration deadline is September 12, 2014.

People Power: Building Union Strength Through Member Engagement
Saturday, December 6, 2014
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taught by Russell Raczkowski
For over two decades, the labor movement has followed a path from a “business model” of unionism toward practices embracing organizing, relationship building, and member involvement. This course traces the challenges faced on this journey and practical lessons learned along the way. Throughout this interactive session, we will identify and explore effective methods of organizing that workers and unions can employ to build capacity and power. Tuition is $50. Registration deadline is November 27, 2014.

Contract Negotiations
Two Saturdays, January 17 & 24, 2015
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taught by Tony DeAngelis
Designed for new and experienced negotiators desiring to sharpen their skills, this course examines the legal framework for collective bargaining, the concept of bargaining power, negotiations preparation, bargaining at the table and the process of mediation. Students will apply learned skills by negotiating a contract in a bargaining simulation. Tuition is $100. Registration deadline is January 9, 2015.

ONLINE COURSE:
Introduction to the Labor Movement
February 1 to 28, 2015
Taught by Russell Raczkowski and Monica Bielski Boris
This is our only Labor Studies Skills course taught exclusively online. You’ll be able to participate from anywhere, at times convenient to you. This introductory class provides an overview of the labor movement—its successes and challenges—in a global context. Learn the structure, organization and evolution of the movement, the impact of union membership on workers and communities and discuss future directions. Tuition is $50. Registration & payment deadline is January 17, 2015. More information on how to access the online course will be sent after registration.

The Wonderful World of Google
Saturday, March 14, 2015
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taught by John See
Google now provides many full-featured online tools that touch on virtually every aspect of our work lives. This class examines some of them, including Google+ (similar to Facebook), Docs (creating and editing documents), Slides (for presentations), Drive (a place to save and share all kinds of files), Hangouts (live video meetings), Picasa (for photos), YouTube, and Blogger. A Gmail account is required- contact John (612-624-6039) if you have questions about how to create one. Class members will have their own computer to work on in the computer lab.
Tuition is $50. Registration deadline is March 6, 2015.

Basic Steward Training
Saturday, April 11, 2015
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taught by Monica Bielski Boris
This course is designed for the new steward or member who wants to become a steward. Emphasis will be placed on steward roles, rights and duties; grievance investigation, writing, presentation and day-to-day problem solving. Tuition is $50. Registration deadline is April 3, 2015.

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