Union Representatives' Training

Stage 1

This course will help you to develop both the skills and knowledge you need to effectively represent your members. The course will cover:

• The role & rights of the union rep
• Handling grievances & disciplinaries
• Rights at work
• Participating in meetings
• Negotiations
• Building a stronger union

This course will be closely related to what is happening in your workplace. The course will be informal and you will be involved in active discussion with other Union reps.

The course is fully accredited by the OCN (Open College Network).

Previous reps have said about this course:

“This course is really good and put over very well making it easy to take in – I’ve put in for more courses to learn even more”

“The support I’ve had from tutors and other students has been very helpful”

“The course was put across very clearly”

Stage 2 - Stepping Up – the advanced course for union reps

This course is the next step after completing your initial steward’s training. It builds on the work you have undertaken on stage 1 to help you to develop your expertise and your confidence as a union workplace rep.

Subjects covered include:

• Rights at work
• Collective bargaining
• Leading in the workplace
• Understanding how organisations work
• Planning and organising campaigns

The course is accredited at OCN level 2/3. Many reps follow this course by taking our Employment Law course.

Previous reps have said about this course:

“I have improved my skills for representing members and I know where to obtain information that I need”

“I have a much better understanding of the union and its role”

“The tutor was excellent. I really enjoyed finding out how other companies and unions operate”

Employment Law

This is a course for more experienced reps who have completed their initial trade union training. It will help you to develop the knowledge and confidence to represent and advise your members. It will also enable you to discuss issues with your employer with a sure understanding of your legal rights at work.

Subjects covered include:

• Contracts of employment
• Dismissal law and redundancy rights
• The law on equality and on equal pay
• Union rights and industrial action law
• TUPE

The course is accredited at OCN level 2/3 and it prepares reps for the advanced Diploma in Employment Law course.

Previous reps have said about this course:

“I have much better knowledge of the law and I’m much better equipped to research areas where necessary”

“The course linked up well with my union work and now I’m lots more confident in talking to management”.

“I would encourage all reps to go on this course as soon as they can”