MEDIA RELEASE: R00103 – 13 May 2016

The Centre for Labour Studies at Brock University has signed a partnership with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada union that will help members and their families turn courses from webCampus, UFCW Canada’s online training program, into Brock course credits.

UFCW Canada members who have completed four relevant webCampus courses may earn one, half-credit elective toward a certificate or degree in Labour Studies, to a maximum of one credit in a certificate program and 2.5 credits in a degree program.

“The agreement will help facilitate the transition from union education to a university education for UFCW members looking to obtain a degree from Brock,” says Larry Savage, Director of the Centre for Labour Studies. “The agreement also demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to working with the labour movement to provide greater opportunities for union members to obtain a Labour Studies degree.”

UFCW Canada has offered webCampus training to members since the early 2000s, including many courses devoted to key aspects of Labour Studies, such as Advanced Stewarding and Understanding Collective Bargaining. However, this is the first time members will have an opportunity to gain university credits by completing them.

As webCampus courses are free to UFCW Canada members and their families, the partnership will help defray costs for those looking to further their education in the Centre for Labour Studies.

“UFCW Canada members believe in education, and we believe in them”, says Paul Meinema, the national president of UFCW Canada. “The partnership with Brock University is a tremendous opportunity to provide members with the empowering labour studies resources of webCampus and Brock University combined.”

“The idea of democracy at work needs to be strengthened,” says Marv Funk, Director of Education for UFCW Canada. “The partnership with Brock University is an ideal way to recognize workers in their efforts.”

Brock students will also benefit from sharing their classrooms with union members. “Having more UFCW Canada members in our courses will enrich the classroom experience for all Labour Studies students at Brock by diversifying our existing pool of students in terms of lived experience and union background,” Savage says.

“Having different perspectives in the classroom always helps to liven debate, encourage dialogue and challenge preconceived notions.”

For more information on the agreement between Brock University and UFCW Canada, visit the UFCW web site at www.ufcw.ca.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
* Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970
 

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