TUC courses for trade union representatives fall into three main Categories.
INTRODUCTORY COURSESThe essential foundation course for all union workplace representatives. It covers all the key issues in union organisation and bargaining.
For Safety Representatives and other Union Reps interested in workplace safety issues.
FOLLOW ON COURSES
These are designed to produce more detailed awareness of key issues and develop the skills of experienced reps or those with special responsibilities.
For in depth study of all key issues and for further development of esential skills for union negotiators.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Choose a Course from the list below.
2. Fill in the Application Form and get it approved by your Branch Official or Full-time Officer.
3. Arrange paid release from your employer to attend the course.
4. Return your application form to:
Unison Branch Office,
Room A38,
County Hall,
Preston.
PR1 OLD
Applications for training/seminars/conferences MUST be sent to the Branch - not directly to the provider - for verification by the Branch Education Co-ordinator or Assistant Education Co-ordinator; expenses will NOT be paid for attendance on courses which have not been approved by the Branch. Training courses should be selected closest geographically to a steward's workplace or home.
12 Mondays starting 11th January
(Code A2748-1002)
10 Fridays starting 22nd January
(Code A2921-1001)
12 Thursdays starting 14th January
(Code A2751-1002)
36 Wednesdays starting 13th January
(Code A2754-1002)
ABOUT THE COURSES
We use trade union education methods based on helping you to tackle problems in the workplace and working collectively.
ACCREDITATION
TUC Courses are now accredited through the Open College Network. Reps who wish to will have the option to gain nationally-recognised credits for their achievements which can often provide access to vocational awards or other further and higher education training opportunities.
The main way to get paid release is through agreements with employers. The role of the union learning representative is to be boosted by new legal rights to time off for training contained in the Employment Bill 2001. The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 Section 168 and the Safety Representatives & Safety Committee Regulations 1977 give accredited union and safety representatives a legal right to reasonable time off with pay to attend courses approved by the TUC or their union. Guidance towards establishing what constitutes time off can be found in the ACAS Code of Practice. Representatives who find difficulty in obtaining paid time off to attend should seek help from their senior union representative or full time union officer.
For further information on the above contact:
Burnley Trade Union Education Unit
Telephone: 01282 733035/733049
For more information on the NW TUC programme contact the Regional Education Officer:
Peter Holland
The Cotton Exchange
Suite 506-510
Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9 LQ
Telephone: 0151 236 7678
Fax: 0151 236 2331
Email: tucednorthwest@tuc.org.uk