Unifor 5555 has a number of Standing Committees active within our Local. Any member is welcome to join whichever committee aligns with their interests. For more information about the various committees themselves, visit their pages. If you are interested in joining one of the committees, either contact the Chair of the committee, or info@unifor5555.ca.
The Education Committee facilitates the numerous education opportunities available for our members.
Committee Members
Sarah-kai Antanaitis
Miriam DeLeon
Emly Heikoop
Judy Leullier
Kim Sardella
2020 Family Education Program-Port Elgin Family Education Centre
The Unifor Family Education Program allows you to combine a fully paid family vacation with meeting people from across Canada, and learning about our Union and the issues we are facing. Click here for more information and an application.
January to August Paid Education Leave Course Schedule/Conference Schedule
Here is your chance to apply for an educational opportunity at the Unifor Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario. These courses are free of charge to you and run from Sunday to Friday, with the exception of a few as noted in the schedule. All course related costs including tuition, course materials, accommodation, meals and paid release time away from your job are paid by the employer under the terms of the Paid Education Leave Program negotiated by Unifor Local 5555 on your behalf.
The Education Committee encourages you to take advantage of this unique education program. The course schedule can be found here.
More detailed descriptions of the courses offered this term can be found on the Unifor National website.
If you are interested in applying for a course, please complete the two attached application forms:
(1) 5555 Internal PEL application
(2) National PEL application form
Submit via email attachment to registration@unifor5555.ca or fax to 905-385-5553 or in hard copy to either union office location (on campus, Gilmour Hall B111 or off campus 86 Hester St.).
Please address to : Unifor Local 5555 Paid Education Leave Selection Committee, Attention: Kim Sardella, Financial Secretary-Treasurer.
Please do not fax your application directly to the Port Elgin Family Education Centre as it will not be accepted or returned to us.
Applications must be received before the internal course application deadline indicated in the attached course schedule.
Please note the internal application deadlines are earlier than those listed on the Unifor National webpage to allow time for our Local’s internal applicant evaluation and approval process.
Also note, before you apply for any Paid Education Leave courses, you must speak to your supervisor to ensure you can be away (released) from your job for the particular week of the course. Your department will be reimbursed for the costs associated (wages & benefits) with your time away while attending the course.