Talking Union

Course Description

Unions are under attack because they are one of the only institutions powerful enough to stand up to runaway corporate greed and cuts to public services. Fighting back won’t be easy – Alberta has the lowest unionization rate in the country and the media amps up common misconceptions about organized labour. Workers are also divided by barriers to solidarity.

This course is for:

Members who want to gain confidence, tools, and practice having conversations that challenge negative stereotypes about labour.

Prerequisites

Rethinking Politics (formerly Introduction to Politics) or Direct Action

This course uses:

• A homework assignment
• Group work, including story circles
• Current data and research
• Discussions with the Union’s Executive
• Public speaking
• A strong focus on inclusion, celebrating diversity, and overcoming barriers to solidarity

Learning outcomes

• Promote the benefits of unions, strong public services, and the value of your work
• Define union terms in order to “talk union”
• Explain why business and government often blame workers and attack their unions
• Start conversations to define issues, learn from others, and problem solve
• Identify paths and resources to continue learning and mobilizing