Education
REPORT 2003
Wide and varied training in 2003
Another busy year on the Education front.
Even though we have less stewards, the branch has provided
a wide and varied range of training for your reps. Stewards
have attended courses on issues ranging from handling disciplines
and grievances to Manual Lifting and Hazardous Substances.
The importance of this training cannot be overstated. Not only
does it ensure members get representation from informed stewards,
it also means we can meet our legal responsibility to ensure
stewards are trained before they take on casework.
This new legislation strengthens our right to paid leave to
attend appropriate training courses and seminars. Whilst it
is welcomed it does bring an additional workload with it but
we have managed to handle it primarily thanks to the efforts
of Nicky in the Branch Office.
Lifelong Learning
Last year's report advised of the new legislation on Lifelong
Learning and the need to create Lifelong Learning Advisor posts.
Regrettably our discussions with the council have been long
and drawn out. At the time of writing we have still not got
an agreement.
The council have sent us a draft document which provides for
unpaid leave for anyone taking on this important role and any
leave required must be planned and agreed well in advance.
This is a ridiculous situation. Lifelong Learning is a government
initiative which the council has to put in place and that includes
the post of Lifelong Learning Advisors!
Sometimes it is hard to decide whether this type of approach
(which is becoming all too common in the council) is determined
by politicians with little time for unions or by over-officious
officials.
Whichever it is, it is not acceptable and we will take whatever
measures needed to allow these important further education opportunities
to be afforded to our members.
The branch has a proud record of ensuring stewards are properly
trained. If you have ever considered becoming a steward but
decided not to because you thought you did not have the skills
or knowledge then we would ask you to reconsider.
A targeted programme of training is provided for every new
steward. Contact us at the Branch Office and we can discuss
this in greater detail.
Our thanks go to all the individual stewards who have made
the effort to attend the courses and seminars throughout the
year. Whilst we do get paid leave for some courses, many stewards
give of their own time to attend courses at night and at weekends.
This commitment bodes well for the future of this union.
Amanda Kerr/John Ross
Education Officer
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