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Local Education Coordinators

Every union local is encouraged to establish a position (or function) of Local Education Coordinator (or committee) to help members access union education.

Local Education Coordinators receive and circulate information on union education. They recruit for courses. They identify possibilities for union education at the workplace and work with the local executive to obtain the necessary support from the employer. A number of locals have developed Terms of Reference to guide the work of their coordinators or committees. Your Local Education Coordinator has information about union education. The topics and delivery formats change regularly to respond to membership needs and requests. Review the course descriptions and your region's education schedule and request courses for your workplace or community through your Local Education Coordinator.

Financial Assistance

In most cases, the PSAC membership education budget provides financial assistance to members participating in the advanced program, and the basic program on weekends. Some locals, components, area councils and regional committees provide additional financial support.

Loss of salary is usually covered for all members who need to take leave without pay to participate in the advanced program. Loss of salary may be paid to shift workers participating in the basic program on weekends if they are scheduled to work at that time and need to take leave without pay in order to attend. Prior approval must be obtained, and attendance recommended by the union local. All loss of salary claims for shift workers must be accompanied by a shift schedule.

A Family Care Allowance consists of up to $35.00 per day for the first child/family member and up to $15.00 per day for each additional child/family member. In addition, up to $20.00 per child/family member per night will be paid if overnight care is needed. An original receipt is required. More information is outlined on the PSAC Family Care Expense Claim form available from your PSAC Regional Office.

For the basic program, a training allowance of $25 per day (i.e., Saturday and Sunday) is usually paid for each full day of training. This is designed to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as gas, parking and lunch. For the advanced program, the allowance is usually paid to participants (not in travel status) for each full day of the course.

For the basic program, any other expenses are usually the responsibility of the local or individual participants. However, to promote equitable access to union education for out-of-town participants and smaller locals, additional assistance may be available if discussed in advance with the PSAC Regional Office.

Accommodation, meals, incidentals and mileage are usually covered for the advanced program. The specifics are always outlined in a pre-course letter to participants.

Subsidies (full or partial) are available to support members' participation in courses offered by our union and social justice partners. Resources are limited so in most cases, other sources of funding will also need to be explored. Contact the PSAC Regional Office for details.

Scholarships are available through the PSAC and most components for participation in the Labour College of Canada.

Access/Accommodation Requirements

The PSAC is committed to doing whatever is necessary so members with specific access requirements can fully participate in union education. It is important that you contact your PSAC Regional Office to communicate your specific needs. In addition, all courses are smoke-free and scent-free.

How to Register or Apply

In most cases, registering for courses that are part of the basic program is a simple matter of completing the registration form and giving it to your Local Education Coordinator. Or, you can complete the form and fax or mail it to your PSAC Regional Office. Or, sign up for courses on-line.

Obtaining a seat on one of the courses that are part of the advanced program requires a detailed application form [pdf]. Completing an application form helps the course facilitators make important choices about what sessions to include. It takes time but we want to make sure the time spent on course is well worth it.

If you would like to participate in the Atlantic School, please complete the school application form.

Completed application forms must be received by the advertised deadline date.