Training courses for reps

[MinisterofCucumber]

Can we simplify the process of going on a course?

The current process is overly bureacratic as reps are required to get their branch secretary's permission to go on a course. This system is wrong as it gives the impression that a unit rep is an underling of their Branch Secretary.

In general, Branch Secretaries are a pompous lot and we shouldn't be giving them opportunities to puff themselves up. Unit reps are the frontline fighters of the Union and they should feel that Branch Secretaries are there to support them, not 'lord over' them.

The Branch does not have to pay for courses from its own budget so why does a rep have to get the permission of the Branch to go on a course?

Reps should be allowed to apply for courses without having to demean themselves by asking for their Branch Secretary's signature. The Education Department should inform the Branch Secretary that a rep in their Branch is going on a course and recommend expenses.

[celerycelery]

All reps should have the chance to attend as many courses as possible. Management love the fact that when a rep leaves (usually into management) the new rep is rather naive and they can walk all over them. New reps struggle to get hold of branch rep during the day due to them being busy and this is how management get alot of daily things (like cut-offs) stopped.

[MinisterofCucumber]

Our IR Frameworks are heavily biased in management's favour.

They encourage Area reps to behave as though they are the local reps' line managers.

RM are laughing their heads off. When workers identify someone that they accept as a leader, the IR Framework is used as a conversion tool to change these leaders in to managers.

The PEC agreed these Frameworks and the same people have been nominated to stand for election year after year. Let's open up nominations so we don't have to see their ugly faces again.

[Gazza90000]

Too be fair the I.R. Framework if used correctly by both parties is a powerful tool. Things go wrong when both side don't adhere to it. As for Training Courses there are some good courses and some terrible Reps holding the courses...

[Thehair]

"the I.R. Framework if used correctly by both parties is a powerful tool" Exactly the point of the post.
How many reps are trained to use the I.R. framework correctly?
Over three years as a rep., What training did I have on the I.R. Framework???

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Quite apart from reps courses I have always thought that perhaps there should a guide for active ordinary members that could help and advise in cases where the rep is not present. Of course for all formal procedures the rep is always the best option but are we failing to use a valuable resource just so that information can be centralised.

[celerycelery]

We need to modernise ourselves as a union. Management can if wanted communicate via email/text/phone at a drop of a hat. We struggle to get hold of anyone when rep is off including the rep himself. Regular emails to members/reps with latest info and whats happening in the future cant be that hard to do thesedays. May make members feel the support is there even without a rep in the office.

[Stormproof]

We need to modernise ourselves as a union. Management can if wanted communicate via email/text/phone at a drop of a hat. We struggle to get hold of anyone when rep is off including the rep himself. Regular emails to members/reps with latest info and whats happening in the future cant be that hard to do thesedays. May make members feel the support is there even without a rep in the office.

The managers now have a chat facility on their computers, a bit like Windows Messenger. I agree the branch/HQ need to be communicating with members on a regular basis not just when they want something from us.
I know there are some 4 day training courses coming up in September, October and one at the end of November. I'm meant to be going on one but won't hold my breath as it has to be authorised

[celerycelery]

Do feel sorry for some reps (not the ones who are only after the easiest duty, guaranteed holiday dates etc) as without the proper training they are easily misled by management and dont feel they have the authority to do things.

[enzio]

[quote="MinisterofCucumber"]Can we simplify the process of going on a course?

i would go along with that am trying to get on a course and its like they dont want you to do it.sometimes you wonder if they dont want new blood in?
allso i love to know how many of the people involved in the last agreement actually did a delivery because most seem to be fat b#### but then may be i am being a bit harsh

[MinisterofCucumber]

Enzio,

If your Branch are dragging their heels, just send in the form anyway. Keep pestering the Education Department until you get an answer.

Requiring your Branch Secretary to authorise your request to go on a course is unreasonable. I can't see how the Education Department could justify a refusal to process your application because it is not signed by your Branch Secretary.

If your Branch refuses to give you expenses for travel and beer, you will have to pay for these items from your own pocket. All the food is free.

[MinisterofCucumber]

Too be fair the I.R. Framework if used correctly by both parties is a powerful tool. Things go wrong when both side don't adhere to it. As for Training Courses there are some good courses and some terrible Reps holding the courses...

Gazza 90000,

Management are welcome to express their views on this site and I hope you feel at home.

Would you like to explain how you formed your opinion that "there are some good courses and some terrible Reps holding the courses..." as you are not a CWU member and it is not possible for you to have received training on any recent CWU courses.

[enzio]

do managers have a union ?

[Stormproof]

do managers have a union ?

The CMA which is part of Unite apparently.

[Talell]

BS signature is to show that the branch recognises that the branch is willing to pay for your subsistence, and to show that the training is actually required, e.g. a unit IR rep attending the mandatory ULR course would not generally be acceptable. It's a safe guard to preserve the general fund.

A BS should not refuse a reasonable request. However, it could be deemed unreasonable to send every unit rep to alvescot for every course that takes their fancy, because then branch funds would deplete rapidly.

The current application process for NATIONALLY (i.e. alvescot) held courses is as it needs to be, disincentivises abuse, while still making training accessable (assuming you have a good BS).

As much as I love Alvescot, and think the best things about it, more training should be done regionally (and locally in the case of larger branches). it would be more cost effective, and more fir for purpose as it could be tailor made to meet the local needs. Only problem with this is that the courses would no longer be accreditted, due to the fact that Solihull College (the learning contractor for CWU) would not be providing the training (probably). This means whatever knowledge you gained in that course means nothing outside that classroom.

However in relation to your problem, since you're not happy with your BS's actions, contact one of the other reps on your branch commitiee and explain the situation, and ask that they bring it up at the next comitiee meeting on your behalf, it carries more 'clout' if it comes from the comittiee itsself If you are still not happy email Trish Lavelle (tlavelle@cwu.org) and explain the situation again to her, and it should resolve the issue. If it doesn't i'd transfer to another branch because yours doesn't deserve your contributions.