Steward Intermediate

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

Designed to strengthen the ability of BCNU stewards to address issues in their workplaces while supporting BCNU members, this course reinforces key concepts taught in Steward Essentials by exploring labour relations theory about progressive discipline, union investigations, reading and interpreting collective agreements, and the grievance process.

Steward Intermediate re-examines the grievance process, identifies multiple issues within a single member incident scenario, and provides practice in preparing and presenting complex grievances confidently at the Step 1 level. Additional learning activities focus on communicating effectively in difficult conversations and integrating member advocacy services provided by BCNU into their steward role, such as Occupational Health Safety, Professional Practice, Licensing, Education, Advocacy Practice (LEAP) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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 Steward Essentials.

Steward Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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.