$500 training grant for jobless members now an ongoing program

A popular program that provides a grant of up to $500 in skills training or education to laid-off members of CWA Canada has been extended indefinitely.

In early 2009, as the media industry reeled from the effects of the recession, the union introduced the grants program to minimize the impact of job cuts. More than $25,000 was paid out from CWA Canada’s Defence Fund that year.

The program was extended through 2010 and then 2011. The union executive has now voted to continue it on an ongoing basis.

Any member of CWA Canada who becomes jobless due to layoff, buyout or early retirement is eligible for reimbursement of up to $500 upon proof of payment for an education course or any type of training.

Members can also choose from among hundreds of online courses in the fields of either digital media, telecommunications or software offered by the CWA/NETT Academy through an arrangement with Lynda.com.

Digital media courses include video production and editing, web design, Flash and basic HTML. Telecom courses include DC/AC circuits analysis, fibre optics, basic networking, VOIP and data communications.

Claims for the grant must be submitted within one year of the actual layoff. Proof of payment for a course or training is to be sent to Marj Botsford at the national office.

 

Joe Beirne Scholarship Application Reminder

This is a reminder that applications are now being accepted through April 30, 2014, for the CWA Joe Beirne Foundation’s annual scholarship offerings for the 2014-2015 school year.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved the awarding of fifteen (15) partial college scholarships of up to $3,000 each, and the winners also will receive second-year scholarships for the same amount, contingent upon satisfactory academic achievement.

Eligible for the scholarships are CWA members, their spouses, children and grandchildren, including the dependents of retired, laid-off, or deceased members.  Applicants must be high school graduates or high school students who will graduate during the year in which they apply.  Undergraduate and graduate students returning to school may also apply.

Applications will be available solely online for completion and submission to the Foundation’s website: http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne_scholarship_application

Below is a downloadable poster that you can distribute to members and post on local websites to encourage participation.  The winners will be chosen by lottery drawing.  Further information about the program can be found at the website.

This valuable scholarship program is made possible by the funding of CWA locals.  For those locals not yet participating in funding the Beirne scholarships, I urge you to do so.  Financial arrangements can be made to accommodate your local’s needs.  For more information and assistance, please call 202.434.1187.

In Unity,

Larry Cohen
President