Your Rights to Training As A Union Rep
Don’t forget that as a trade unionist you have long established rights to paid time off for TUC training:
- Section 168 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation)Act 1992 says that an employer must “permit” a reasonable amount of paid time off during working hours to an employee who is an official of a recognised trade union, for training in aspects of industrial relations concerned with negotiations or the performance of any functions agreed with your employer – provided that the training is approved by the TUC or your trade union.
- Regulation 4 (2) of the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 says that an employer has to “permit” a trade union appointed Safety Representative to take such time off with pay “as shall be necessary” to undergo such training “as would be reasonable”. The Code of Practice says that the training facilities should be approved by the TUC or trade union, and that further training should be undertaken where there are special responsibilities, or to meet changes in circumstances or relevant legislation.
- Section 43 of the Employment Act 2002 gives certified Union Learning Representatives the right to paid time off for training which has been approved by the TUC or your union, to develop your skills and competencies.
The ACAS Code of Practice on Time Off For Trade Union Duties and Activities (2003) gives further guidance.
Courses For Stewards, Health & Safety Representatives and Union Learning Representatives
It is a requirement under the ERA Regulations that all newly appointed stewards and those officers whose role includes the representation of members must undertake the Union Representatives Stage 1 Training Course (see below). This must be completed within 2 years of appointment.
All courses are held at the Trade Union Education Centre, 40 Trinity Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5LJ. Telephone 01782 227663.
The branch must approve all application forms for training via the branch office. Expenses can be claimed for car parking, bus travel and meals (receipts needed) and excess mileage above that travelled to and from work. An expense form can be downloaded from the “Executive” section of this site under “Forms and Expenses”. Please submit your form once you have completed the course, clearly stating the name of the course and dates attended.
Union Representatives Course: Introductory Stage One
This course will helpy ou develop the skills and knowledge you need to represent your union’s members. You will learn about:
- building a stronger organisation
- handling grievances
- participation in meetings and making reports
- collective bargaining and agreements
This course will be informal and related to what is happening in your workplace. You will be involved throughout ini active discussions with other Union Reps.
Union Representatives Course - Stepping Up Stage Two
Stage Two builds on the Stage One course by examining issues in more detail:
- employment and labour law
- management techniques
- negotiation skills
- the way unions work
You will have an opportunity to carry out a project on an industrial relations issue.
Trade Unions – The Global Economy and Change At Work (formerly Union Representatives Course: Stage Three).
This course is designed to further develop Union Rep skills, helping to gain knowledge and understanding of the wider implications of Industrial Relations, both locally and globally. The course will cover:
- changes at work – human resource management
- trade union democracy
- european works councils/trade union structures
- globalisation and multi-national corporations
- economic models
Health & Safety – Stage One
This course is for trade unionists who are, or expect to become Safety Reps. It will provide the knowledge and skills needed to improve health and safety at work including:
- identifying the main hazards and risks in your workplace
- finding and using information on safety standards
- building safety organisation and taking up problems with management
The course is practical and relevant to the workplace with the emphasis on Safey Reps legal rights and making positive and tangible improvements in health and safety.
Health & Safety – Next Steps For Safety Reps Stage 2
This course is for Safety Reps who have completed the Stage One course and have had further practical experience since then. It covers:
- recent developments in health and safety legislation and other sources of standards
- a review of workplace health and safety organisation and risk management techniques
- an in depth health and safety improvement plan
Union Learning Reps Courses Stages 1 and 2
The training and education of working people is vital to job security and the regeneration of the economy. Find out about the essential new role of trade unions on this issue. The Trade Union Learning Rep has new statutory rights for time off to put learning back on the bargaining agenda. This course will give you the skills needed to help your members with educational issues and opportunities, which includes:
- providing accurate information on training and learning
- provide initial advice on training and learning
- signposting to other sources of advice and guidance
- giving support to members
- advocating or speaking up on behalf of members on training issues
Working With Employers – Developing A Project (formerly Stage 2 Learning Reps)
This 5 day course will help you work with your employers to further develop workplace learning agreements and strnegthen your bargaining position.
Short Courses
The TUC Studies Unit provides a range of short 2 and 3 day courses covering a variety of topics, including updates on the more recent employment legislation, equal opportunities, trade union organisation, negotiating, bargaining and communication skills and environmental issues.
Details avilable on request from the unit.
TUC Certificate In Employment Law
A 12 month programme of study for trade union reps or interested members.l Ran over 3, 12 week modules we look at:
- the changing nature of law – its origins and operation.
- individual employment law – including contracts of employment and dismissal
- trade union and collective rights – recognition, administration, organisation and industrial action.
The programme aims to develop key legal skills looking at legal language, reasoning and tribunal procedures. Access to further HE study is an option on completion.
TUC Occupational Health & Safety: Certificate Course
An access course aimed at all trade unioni Safety Representatives who have completed stages 1 and 2 and who want to learn more about Health and Safety and develop their own skills. Some of the areas we will cover are:
- Health & Safety Organisation
- Health & Safety and the Environment
- Health & Safety Law and Study Skills
The course runs for three 12 week terms. YOu do not need any formal qualifications. Like all our courses this course is accredited by the National Open College Network and successful completion can allow for membership of IOSH (The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). Progress to year 2 of NEBOSH is available.
West Midlands Regional Courses For Stewards/Officers
You will find more details on the West Midlands Unison site .
The 2008 brochure is available at http://www.unison.org.uk/westmidlands/pages_view.asp?did=2868
