n By Keith Hatch


‘‘


The activities got you thinking about what you can do and how to make a difference when you get back. The value of it is when you return to your workplaces and the difference you can make to your members


Paul Russell, Unite rep, Princes Foods


that and make what we do look more effective and professional.


“The value of these courses is that we have so many different issues, and we can find out about those issues and learn how to overcome them from other people. If it ever occurs in our workplaces, we have the ability to be at the forefront, not the back foot.”


Monique Mosley, who works at food manufacturer Greencore said she really enjoyed “this fantastic course”, and that one of the best things about training from Unite Education was “meeting reps and convenors from all over the country and learning from their experiences”.


Monique added that one of the most useful aspects had been “learning about new technologies and new ways of doing things when it comes to disputes and strike actions.


“The course has been great and has given me the tools to take back for other reps to learn from.”


Paul Russell from Princes Foods agreed with fellow delegates that one of the most useful aspects of the four days was all the information and new skills he could bring back to his branch.


Paul said, “I’ve learnt an awful lot that I’ll be able to take back to my workplace - and I’m looking forward to getting back and using some of the newfound skills.


“The activities have been very good and got you thinking about what you can do and how to make a difference when you get back. I find the Unite Education programme very good and I think that every rep should be getting themselves on as many courses as they can, and get that training.


“The value of it is when you return to your workplaces and the difference you can make to your members.”


Paul Travers national officer for the FDA sector and explained that all sectors have an annual training course run by Unite Education, and each year it covers areas that will be important to the sector.


The courses always look at topical issues that reps will find important, and while this year looked at AI and organising, a few years ago, to tie


29 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2024


in the CoP26 talks in Glasgow, the Change at Work course for FDA reps focused on the climate crisis and precarious work in the food, drink and agriculture sectors, and what trade unions can do to tackle these issues.


Many of the delegates are from the sector’s NISC, but Paul explained, “It isn’t just for NISC members, we encourage senior reps from large workplaces to apply to join the course as well. It is an important way for senior reps to meet and share experiences while learning new skills.”


Though this year’s training has only just finished, work will soon start planning the next one.


Paul added, “At the moment we haven’t discussed what we would like to see covered next year however, with a new Labour government and employment law changes coming thick and fast, we will certainly look at this area I’m sure.


“The change at work course is a great means of giving senior reps new tools, allowing those who attend to network with others and thereby increasing their employment knowledge.”


FIND OUT MORE


If you’d like to attend any of the Unite Education courses contact your branch reps for more details.


‘‘


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40