Member Education
The GMUFA Member Education Program is designed to empower members with the knowledge and confidence to engage meaningfully in their workplace and faculty association. Each course is just 1 hour in length, consisting of 40 minutes of accessible, focused content followed by 20 minutes for questions and discussion. No prior experience or background knowledge is required—these sessions are for everyone, whether you're new to the association or a longtime member looking to stay informed.
Courses cover a range of topics including workplace rights, association governance, collective bargaining, advocacy skills, and more. Participating in the education program helps members better understand their rights and responsibilities, build solidarity with colleagues, and prepare for deeper involvement in GMUFA activities—whether as a steward, committee member, or simply as an informed voice in the workplace.
Course dates coming soon!
Course Description: This introductory course is designed for members who want to better understand their faculty association and how it works. Topics include the structure and roles within the union, how to participate in meetings, and how decisions are made. Members will also learn about the collective agreement, union communication tools, key affiliations, and more. By the end of the course, participants will have a clearer understanding of how their association functions and how to stay informed and engaged at a foundational level.
Course Description: This course provides members with a practical introduction to key articles of their collective agreement. Through real-world examples and plain language discussion, participants will learn how to navigate, interpret, and apply key provisions of their contract. Whether it's about wages, workload, or member representation, this course will build members' confidence in using the collective agreement as a tool for protecting their rights and understanding their workplace.
Course Description: This course explores the vital role department stewards play in building strong two-way communication between members and the Association. Participants will learn how to share important union updates with colleagues, listen to and gather concerns from members, and ensure that feedback flows both ways. Designed for new and prospective stewards, this session focuses on creating a visible and approachable union presence at the department level.
Course Description: This course introduces members to the fundamental principles of occupational health and safety (OHS), with a focus on their rights and responsibilities under health and safety legislation. Participants will learn how to identify workplace hazards, understand the process of risk assessment, and take an active role in creating a safer work environment. The course will also explore the structure and function of the Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committee, emphasizing the Association’s role in advocating for member safety and holding employers accountable.
Course Description: This course offers a process-driven introduction to collective bargaining, focusing on both the internal and external steps required for effective negotiations. Participants will learn how unions develop bargaining proposals through member engagement, research, and internal prioritization. The course also covers the external, legislated stages of bargaining—notice to bargain, negotiation, mediation, and potential job action—within the legal framework that governs labour relations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the strategic planning and communication necessary to move through each phase. Practical exercises and case studies will build participants’ confidence in navigating the full bargaining cycle from preparation to settlement.
Course Description: This course provides a clear overview of the grievance and arbitration procedures set out in the collective agreement. Participants will gain insight into the steps involved in raising and resolving workplace disputes and what members can expect throughout the process. The course also explains why not every concern can be taken to grievance, highlighting how member openness, trust, and communication helps focus the association's efforts on building the strongest cases—leading to more meaningful and successful outcomes for members.
Course Description: This course is designed to help member activists, stewards, and leaders build stronger connections with colleagues and increase participation in association life. Participants will learn practical strategies for one-on-one outreach, identifying and addressing barriers to involvement, and using workplace issues to spark collective action. The course will also explore how to recognize and grow new leaders and use informal conversations to activate interest. Members will leave with tools and tactics to engage their colleagues in meaningful ways—whether by encouraging them to attend their first meeting, joining a campaign, or speaking up about workplace concerns.
Course Description: This course equips members with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare effectively for potential job action, including being locked out by the employer, strike, picketing, and other collective actions. Participants will learn about their legal rights, financial planning, communication strategies, and the role of solidarity in successful job action. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, members will gain confidence in standing together and advocating for fair treatment and stronger contracts.
Course Description: This course explores the current public-sector labour landscape in Alberta, with a focus on the political context shaping negotiations. Participants will examine how provincial bodies, such as the Public Bargaining Coordination Office, impact collective bargaining outcomes. The course highlights the roles of central labour bodies, sectoral alliances, and informal networks that support solidarity and strategic planning among unions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how unions navigate Alberta’s complex and often polarized environment.
Course Description: This course examines the benefits of affiliation with provincial and national post-secondary labour bodies, focusing on the direct benefits to the association and members. Participants will learn how affiliation provides access to expert legal advice, education and training programs, research support,member engagement support, and job action resources. The course will also explore how being part of a broader labour network increases bargaining power, offers solidarity during disputes, and ensures the association has a vo
Course Description: This experiential course offers members a unique opportunity to engage directly with the labour movement by participating in a union’s active strike or lockout picket line. Members will observe and support collective action, gaining firsthand insight into labour relations, strike dynamics, and the broader context of worker advocacy. The course emphasizes reflection, critical analysis, and participation in solidarity work. Availability is dependent on the occurrence of job action.
Offered on an occasional basis, subject to union picket line availability.