Steward Essentials

Steward Essentials is a blended learning course comprised of weekly online learning activities and two live sessions scheduled over a four-week period.

This introductory course gives BCNU worksite stewards the tools to create and maintain a consistent practice to advocate for and empower members to stand up for themselves and protect their workplace rights. It covers key components of steward work including:

• reading and interpreting a collective agreement
• effectively participating in union/management meetings
• determining when to file grievances and
• presenting grievances confidently at the Step 1 level.

Learners should be prepared to spend one to two hours per week in the online portion, and to attend two seven-hour live sessions.

Course Format

Blended Learning: Weekly online learning activities, two live sessions (virtual or in-person).

Course Requirements

Participants must currently be registered as an active steward (elected or appointed) having completed Building Union Strength workshop.

Steward Essentials is part of the BCNU Steward Education Program, which includes three sequential labour relations courses (Steward Essentials / Steward Intermediate / Steward Advanced) and Crucial Conversations. After completing Steward Essentials learners will receive a course completion certificate.

Salary Reimbursement

Please apply to your employer for union leave to receive salary reimbursement for this course after your application for the course has been approved using the Union Leave Request form on the BCNU website. Learn more about How to submit your Member Expense Form for salary reimbursement.

When to Apply

Course applications open three months prior to and close six weeks prior to course start to allow members time to request union leave.