Labor education classes start in September

The University of Minnesota Labor Education Service has announced its 2015-2016 schedule of Labor Studies Skills Courses, starting Sept. 19 with “Addressing Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment.”

These non-credit courses provide a foundation in “nuts & bolts” areas important to working people. Classes are open to all. Sessions are held on the West Bank of the University’s Minneapolis campus. Download the course brochure here.

To register, call 612-624-5020 or e-mail the Labor Education Service office. Here is the schedule:

Addressing Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment
Sept. 19, 2015 
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Respect and dignity on the job is key for the well being of all workers. This course covers how to identify workplace bullying and sexual harassment. We will also explore the impacts bullying and sexual harassment have on the workplace and the roles unions can play in terms of prevention and responsiveness. Tuition is $50. Registration & payment deadline is Sept. 11, 2015.

Introduction to the Labor Movement (Classroom)
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015
Time 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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 while exploring the impact of union membership on workers and discussing future directions for the labor movement. Tuition is $50. Registration & payment deadline is Oct. 16, 2015

Social Media for Organizing and Mobilizing
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The labor movement has always faced the challenge of adopting new media and technologies. This class explores issues around the use of those technologies in society, and looks at issues that arose with their use in organizing, mobilizing, and communicating over the years. Emphasis will be on modern developments, particularly social media that developed after the invention of the Internet, with an eye on practical application and future possibilities. In the Carlson School Media Lab L-117. Tuition is $50. Registration & payment deadline is Oct. 30, 2015.

People Power: Building Union Strength Through Member Engagement
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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 Nov. 27, 2015.

ONLINE COURSE:
Introduction to the Labor Movement
Feb. 1 – 29, 2016
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 Jan. 23, 2016. More information on how to access the online course will be sent after registration.

Collective Bargaining 1 & 2
Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016              
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016              
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This two-session course is for new bargaining committee members and unionists wanting to understand the process of bargaining a contract.  We will cover preparing for bargaining including surveying members and conducting research; bargaining at the table; and building power through member and community engagement. The second session features a collective bargaining simulation that allows participants to practice the skills learned. Tuition is $50. Registration & payment deadline is Jan. 15, 2016.          

Basic Steward Training
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This course is designed for the new steward or member who wants to become a steward. Emphasis will be placed on stewards’ roles, rights, and duties; grievance investigation, writing, presentation; and day-to-day problem solving. Tuition is $50. Registration & payment deadline is Feb. 19, 2016.

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