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CAW Canada is taking on the challenge of rebuilding BEST,the basic skills program that saw its Ontario government funding collapse in 1997.
Since its formation in 1988, The Ontario Federation of Labour's BEST program had provided resources, trained peer instructors, co-ordinated program delivery and helped to negotiate BESTin the workplace. The program proved that unions could develop their own vision and model of literacy training.
No union felt the loss of BESTmore acutely than the Canadian Auto Workers. The CAW accounted for more than 60% of BEST's active workplace sites.
With funding from the National Literacy Secretariat, the union has put in place a new BEST Transformations project that covers the Big Three auto assembly plants, where commitment to BEST is entrenched in the collective agreement. The project will help local unions keep the "best" elements of BEST in their workplaces. It will also transform BEST in some key areas.
Already, a two-week Train-the- Trainer workshop has been offered with help from former BEST Training Officer, Jean Connon-Unda. The pilot included instruction in adult learning principles, and the use of new curriculum units and learning materials.
Future work will focus on making changes to the training program, developing curriculum and planning for the ongoing support of peer instructors. As well, new needs wi.ll be considered, such as helping members who want to finish their high school education.
The CAW will keep four elements that set the earlier BEST program apart from other basic skills training: