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Negotiators needed


Caroline Holmes, head of the NUJ’s reps’ training programme, shows how reps’ skills are great for the union…and for you


R


eps are the bedrock of the NUJ. Tat’s particularly true at present with the Covid-19 crisis leading


to many redundancies. Having well-trained reps is vital for a trade union. Te NUJ’s four-stage reps’ programme is a mix of theory and practical ideas, which helps reps to feel confident when supporting and negotiating for members. Almost every issue has a health, safety, welfare and equality aspect, so these are embedded in the programme. Reps’ courses are held on the Zoom


platform. Tey are available to reps in unrecognised as well as recognised workplaces. We expect the programme to remain online for the foreseeable future, with a review in Spring, 2021. Dates until the end of 2020 can be found at htps://www. nuj.org.uk/news/nuj-trade-union- training/. Our training is a great way for reps to come together, share their experiences and develop support networks. We are also running a new, three-stage programme to address health, safety and welfare issues related to Covid-19.


All the courses are free. If you are


in a recognised workplace, you are entitled to paid time off to atend the training. Contact tutraining@nuj. org.uk for more details. Courses are due to be launched in the Republic of Ireland in the near future. Further training sessions look at


well-being, dealing with bullying, stress and harassment, how to present yourself with confidence online, equality, and dealing with redundancy. Bespoke training courses have been held for reps at the BBC, in the publishing industry and in unrecognised workplaces. I recently ran two workshops


for reps in an unrecognised chapel who are trying to get recognition from a hostile employer. We can be flexible to meet members’ needs. Having a branch or chapel union learning rep (ULR) is a way to respond practically to the learning and training needs of members; training is available for


ULRs. It can be tough supporting members who are in distress, particularly when so many people are dealing with anxiety and stress related to the pandemic. Knowing what support is available from the NUJ, and where to find information, is embedded into the reps’ programme. Being a rep is very rewarding. Many of the skills and knowledge you develop are transferable into your own personal and professional lives. Knowing how to get the best deal when negotiating is a skill everyone should learn!


Info Reps’ handy guide:


www.nuj.org.uk/documents/your-handy- guide-to-nuj-reps-training/ Reps’ webinars:


htps://www.nuj.org.uk/news/reps- sessions-during-covid-19/ All training:


www.nuj.org.uk/work/training/


Te bi-monthly NUJActive lists training news


TRAINING


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