Mark your calendars! Please be advised that what was traditionally known as the D3 Summer School has been scheduled this year for Sunday, Sept. 14 – Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook, B.C.
St. Eugene is proudly reclaimed and owned by the Ktunaxa Nation.
The following courses will be offered this year (descriptions are provided on the next page):
The cost for each delegate this year will be $2,100. More details are to come including agenda, registration links and information on each course.
In solidarity,
Dayna Sykes
Education Co-ordinator
Discrimination and Harassment: Trade Union Values and Legal Obligations *NEW*
This course will broaden members’ understanding of the union’s obligations around harassment and discrimination. Topics covered will include impacts, root causes and the union’s responsibilities in the workplace and union.
Because we will be covering more advanced concepts such as legal frameworks, case law and strategies for locals, we recommend that participants have some knowledge of the grievance process and are active in their local.
Building Power Through Collective Action *NEW*
This course will focus on how to build support among members around the union’s bargaining issues. As a union, we know our biggest strength is our members, so it’s important to get our members involved in contract negotiations.
This training will cover topics like building solidarity, communication, member engagement, research, leverage, and tactics. It’s recommended for local union members who already understand bargaining and their local union setup, and who will work with their local to prepare members for bargaining.
This training does not cover bargaining tactics; instead, it focuses on actions the union can take outside the bargaining table to strengthen the bargaining committee’s leverage.
Unionism on Turtle Island
This course will deepen your understanding of our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. We will look at the connections between Indigenous struggles and labour struggles, including USW’s experience with bargaining and representing Indigenous members.
In an open, respectful forum, participants will be encouraged to ask questions about current issues, cultural practices, or other matters so that they will feel more knowledgeable about Canada’s peoples, history, and present-day reality. By the end of the course, you will be better equipped to be a good ally on Indigenous issues and to practice reconciliation inside our union and in your community.
*The district has scholarships for members to attend this course, please reach out to dsykes@usw.ca to get more information.
Occupational Health and Safety
This course is designed to introduce members to their role as a worker representative and their role on the joint occupational health and safety committee. This course will look at how to identify and address hazards, and how to assess the controls required to address hazards.
Participants will learn to access their provincial health and safety laws, Part II of the Canada Labour Code, regulations, and related laws. They will practice workplace inspections, investigate accidents and incidents, and discuss the duties of workplace committee members and safety representatives.
Facing Management
This course offers an opportunity to learn new skills and strategies for Steelworker activists to use in joint labour-management committees and as shop stewards. Designed for both new and seasoned activists, it covers union-management relations, traditional and modern management theories, and the history of work organization.
Emphasis will be on communication, group dynamics, and conflict resolution. Through hands-on practice, you’ll gain confidence in both the boardroom and union meetings.
Leadership for Action
Steelworkers are leaders inside and outside of our workplaces, protecting workers’ rights, speaking out for change, and motivating and encouraging the participation of members at work, in our communities, and through political action.
Leadership for Action will help you develop leadership and communications skills to build solidarity.
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