Location:
- The Chelsea Hotel – 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4
- Under OPSEU/SEFPO policy, the 60 km rule WILL be enforced for this weekend Educational.
- Members living further than 60 km from the hotel are entitled to single accommo-dations for both Friday and Saturday nights (November 27 and November 28, 2026).
- Members living within 60 km of the hotel will not be covered for hotel for this event.
Dates:
- Saturday, 28 Nov, 2026 – 9 am to 5 pm
- Sunday, 29 Nov, 2026 – 9 am to 1 pm (approx.)
- Applications must be submitted by: 4 pm on 23 October, 2026
- Late applications and applications sent elsewhere will not be acknowledged/accepted
Please Note: In accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy, full attendance is mandatory for both days for all participants at the Educational. If you are unable to attend with full attendance, you will not receive credit or a certificate for the course and your expenses (if any) will not be reimbursed.
Childcare: Childcare will be available on Saturday, 28 November 2026 from 8:30am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 29 November 2026 from 9:00am to the end of classes. Parents/Guardians must be on site at all times when utilizing Childcare services provided by OPSEU/SEFPO.
Courses
We are pleased to offer the following six courses:
Stewards 3: Dealing with Discipline
Prerequisites: Stewards 1 and Stewards 2
This is an advanced level Steward course. It is suggested that participants take Stewards 1 and Stewards 2 prior to signing up for this program. Dealing with Discipline is a skills and knowledge focused workshop that will assist Union Activists in their duties representing members that are facing discipline up to and including dismissal.
The course bridges concepts from Stewards 1 and 2, Basic and Advanced Grievance Handling and Workplace Investigations. Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.
The Indigenous Journey: Walking Together Part 2
Prerequisite: The Indigenous Journey Part 1
The Indigenous Journey Part Two course offers an overview of key events and policies shaping the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers in Canada. Beginning with early settler contact and a Two Row Wampum activity, participants will explore the origins and impacts of treaties, the Royal Proclamation, and the Indian Act – including enfranchisement.
The course examines the residential school system, and the 60s and Millennial Scoop as examples of ongoing systemic harm. Participants will learn about Jordan’s Principle and Shannen’s Dream, which advocate for equitable access to services for Indigenous children and youth. The course discusses decolonization and Indigegogy, along with guided discussions on practical, actionable steps participants can take to support reconciliation in their personal and professional spheres as well as their Union, workplaces and communities.
Please note: it is a prerequisite that you have taken The Indigenous Journey: Walking Together Part One prior to taking Part Two.
Duty to Accommodate 2: Making Accommodation Work
Prerequisite: Duty to Accommodate 1
Does your employer balk at providing proper accommodations? Has your employer challenged the medical information the member has provided? Is the employer asking members for independent medical exams? Do you hear grumblings from co-workers about the number of accommodations in the workplace? Building on the skills and information in the first course, “Duty to Accommodate: A tool for inclusive workplaces”, Making Accommodation Work: Duty to Accommodate 2 examines the challenges of supporting a worker in need of an accommodation. This course investigates strategies and skills for gathering information, challenging employer tactics used to prevent accommodations, developing a fair accommodation plan, and communicating with co-workers to build more workplace solidarity. While the course focuses mainly on the practical aspects of accommodation due to disability, many of the issues such as Collective Agreement language, attendance management programs, and co-worker resentment apply to accommodation based on sex and family status as well.
Note: Due to the volume of information about Duty to Accommodate, it is strongly advised that participants take “Duty to Accommodate: A Tool for Inclusive Workplaces” before Duty to Accommodate 2.
Organizing to Win
This course explores principles, strategies and techniques of internal organizing as a process for empowering workers, strengthening the Local, and building a strong trade union movement. Participants will focus on discussing organizing strategies, mapping networks, identifying organic leaders and practicing the organizing conversations. Together we will build our power to create a movement that ensures all workers’ rights are respected. This course includes some materials and resources created by Labor Notes: Secrets of a Successful Organizer (labornotes.org/secrets). It also draws from the ideas of Jane McAlevey (janemcalevey.com)
Interpreting Your Collective Agreement: An Activist’s Role
Do you know what your Collective Agreement is? Do you have a copy of it? Have you ever wondered what is in your Collective Agreement and how to find information on different articles? Do you know how the Collective Agreement is structured? Are you confused by some of the terms used in it?
In this course members will be assisted in understanding the power of their Collective Agreement and how to interpret and enforce their Collective Agreement. Using interpretation guidelines developed through case law, participants will build the skills and confidence needed to understand and use their Collective Agreements. Activities will give participants an opportunity to review legislation, examine the importance of timelines, discuss case scenarios, and debate some common clauses and what they mean. Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.
Introduction to Grievance Handling: Rights Enforcement in the Organizing Toolbox
This course replaces Basic Grievance Handling for Union Building
This course establishes the fundamental skills required for a Steward to contribute leadership to handling grievances, in an organizing and equity framework. Participants will learn up-to-date legal best practices around how to analyze workplace issues, identify legal contraventions, interview witnesses, manage documentation and evidence, draft grievance statements, and deal with management – and support the Grievor throughout the process. Participants learn about grievances as a legal tool that members use together to enforce existing rights – and how to address complex real-life situations, such as systemic human rights and equity issues. Participants explore actively combining grievances with broader organizing tools to maximize worker participation, build power over the employer, and win new rights. This course prepares a Steward to represent the Union in grievances and lays the foundation for more advanced grievance handling courses.
Important Information
- The Participant and Course Selection Process will be carried out in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO Education Policy.
- Confirmation will only be sent to applicants who are accepted.
- For members scheduled to work the weekend of the Educational, the Local’s Time-Off Fund (LTO) can now be used, provided the Local’s TARs are up-to-date.
- As a reminder, in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy, full attendance is mandatory for both days for all participants at the Educational. If you are unable to attend with full attendance, you will not receive credit or a certificate for the course and your expenses (if any) will not be reimbursed.
- All application forms must be approved/signed by a Local Executive Committee member from the applicant’s Local, as per OPSEU/SEFPO Policy 6.2.2.
- Applications without the required signatures will not be processed.
For This In-Person Event
- Under OPSEU/SEFPO policy, the 60 km rule WILL be enforced for this weekend Educational.
- Members living further than 60 km from the hotel are entitled to single accommodations for both Friday and Saturday nights (November 27 and November 28, 2026).
- Members living within 60 km of the hotel will not be covered for hotel for this event.
- You are responsible for booking your own accommodations directly with the Chelsea Hotel, if required. An online direct booking link for rooms in the Event Group Block will be issued to successful applicants at the following rates: Single $239.00 (taxes not included). Individuals may also call the hotel directly, toll free 1-800-CHELSEA (1-800-243-5732) or 416-595-1975. These individuals must also identify themselves as part of OPSEU/SEFPO November 2026 Educational to take advantage of the discounted group rate.
- Parking will be reimbursed for this event with a valid parking receipt; however, valet parking or parking citations will not be covered.
- Participants attending OPSEU/SEFPO meetings are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne or any other fragrances for the comfort of other participants.
- Participants are also asked to refrain from bringing nut products, bottled water and Coca Cola products to OPSEU/SEFPO Events.
Accommodation
- OPSEU/SEFPO’s 60 km rule will be enforced. Members living outside 60 km from the hotel will be covered for both Friday and Saturday nights November 27 and 28, 2026. Members living within 60 km of the hotel will not be covered for hotel for this event.
- A block of rooms has been reserved at the Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4.
- Members are responsible for making their own accommodation and payment arrangements. Accommodation must be booked no later than 6 November 2026.
- All unreserved rooms will be released for re-sale after the 6 November 2026 deadline. OPSEU/SEFPO Policy states that members are responsible for their own room booking and payment. It is also stated that members are fully responsible should the need arise to cancel their room. Failing to cancel your room could result in the member being responsible for all room charges.
- An online direct booking link, and telephone instructions for reserving a hotel room will be issued to successful Educational applicants prior to the hotel-booking deadline of 6 November 2026.
Cancellations
- Notification by a member to cancel course attendance should be received by both the Local President and the Regional Office ([email protected]) no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the Weekend Educational (e.g. no later than 9:00 A.M. on Thursday 26 November 2026).
- When a member does not attend and the Regional Office has not been notified forty-eight (48) hours in advance, the member will be assessed a fifty-dollar ($50.00) penalty fee. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration.
- All hotel reservations must also be cancelled 48 hours prior to the scheduled day of arrival. Late cancellations will result in a charge of a 1-night stay plus taxes. A valid credit card is required at time of booking.
Child/Elder/Dependant Care:
- Use of OPSEU/SEFPO’s on-site childcare is encouraged – please complete the childcare registration forms to participate.
- Members who arrange their own childcare will be reimbursed at $15.00 an hour to a maximum of $220.00 per 24-hour period, as per OPSEU/SEFPO Policy 4.2.2.
- Childcare claims will be honoured for children up to and including age 16, for whom the member is the parent/guardian.
- Friends, family, or professional or Commercial Services, or any other satisfactory arrangement, may provide care to the member making the claim. Claims must be verified and must be signed by the service provider.
- Members seeking childcare through OPSEU/SEFPO for this Educational must include the completed Childcare Registration paperwork with their Application.
- If childcare is requested, the child/dependant must be in attendance with the program.
- Off-site Family/Attendant care will be reimbursed at the rate of $15.00 per hour to a maximum of $220.00 per 24-hour period and must be signed by the care provider(s). Please complete this Family/Attendant Care form and specify hours claimed for each day. This policy covers the expenses for persons over the age of 16, permanently residing with, and under the care of a member, who are differently abled and/or aged.
Transportation
- If you are participating, you will be reimbursed for the actual cost incurred for travel by public transportation. As per the policy of the Union, the most economical means of transportation should be used.
- Where a member is required to use their private vehicle, they may claim for such travel at the current rate, as well as the total distance travelled. Destination points are to be indicated on the expense form.
- Members must arrange their own travel and are encouraged to do so.
- Transportation/ Kilometric Rate will be as follows:
- One (1) OPSEU/SEFPO member travelling alone $0.60/km
- Two (2) OPSEU/SEFPO members, $0.65/km
- Three (3) OPSEU/SEFPO members $0.70/km
- Any transportation/kilometric expense claim form involving OPSEU/SEFPO members as passengers must have the members’ name and address on the expense form.
- All expenses must be submitted on proper Expense Claim Forms or via the Member Portal.
Local Time-Off
- Local Time-Off Funds can now be used for members who work on the weekends to attend Educationals.
- Local TARS must be Up to Date in order to use the Local Time-Off Fund.
Meals
- Breakfast: Members who stay at the hotel or had to be present for an OPSEU/SEFPO event before 0800 hours (8:00 a.m.) are eligible to claim twenty- three dollars ($23.00).
- Lunch: Members attending this educational may claim thirty-two dollars ($32.00) lunch on both Saturday and Sunday.
- Dinner: Members who stay at the hotel or had to be present for an OPSEU/SEFPO event past 1700 hours (5:00 p.m.) are eligible to claim forty-one dollars ($41.00).
Advances
- Advances are available via the Member Portal. Please note that you can only apply for an advance via the portal after you have received your official acceptance email.
Application forms
To apply for this event, please do so online or download and complete the appropriate fillable forms. Kindly submit your application by Friday, October 23, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
- In-person Human Rights Accommodation Form
- On-site child care registration form
- Family/Attendant Care Claim Form
- In-person-only application form (Please note that if you complete the online application form, there is no need to submit the PDF application form.)