TSSA Reps Seminar 2010

TSSA National Reps Training Seminar: Dublin Castle, Ireland, 26-28 May 2010

7 December 2009: You are invited to attend the 2010 TSSA National Reps Training Seminar. It is being held from 26 to 28 May 2010 at Dublin Castle, Ireland. This is the union's flagship, not to be missed, training event of 2010!

As a TSSA staff representative, you play a key role as part of a team that is working to defend and advance the interests of TSSA members. Building on your skills and experience, the Seminar will be looking at how you can more effectively use the resources of the union to tackle the many workplace and other issues faced by reps and members. It will also look at ways you and the members you represent can harness the help and influence of wider labour movement and community organisations to assist in your campaigning efforts.

The current economic crisis is posing many challenges to TSSA members and reps. Tackling these challenges requires a collective union response that draws on our ability to effectively organise and run campaigns. NRTS 2010 is an excellent opportunity to share problems and experiences with other TSSA reps, and to hear from them and from invited speakers how successes have been achieved success on behalf of the people they represent. The Seminar will also examine ways in which you can have a bigger say and influence in your union.

NRTS 2010 immediately follows on from the TSSA Annual Conference, the body that decides on the union's policies. This makes it easy for reps attending Annual Conference as delegates to go on to attend the Seminar. Have you thought about taking part in Annual Conference? Branches will shortly be electing their delegates to go to this important event - key reps like you have an important part to play in setting the agenda by determining the union's industrial, political and campaigning policies.

The National Reps Training Seminar will start on Wednesday 26 May at 1pm, and finish on Friday 28 May at 12.30pm. For more information, see below.

Please submit your application as soon as possible as places are limited! Preference will be given to reps who did not attend NRTS 2009, but applications from those who attended this event are nevertheless welcome.

TSSA National Reps Training Seminar 2010 - information

How do I apply to attend the TSSA National Reps Training Seminar 2010?

Please complete the application form and send it to TSSA Head Office. It can be sent by fax to 00442073830656.

When and where is the Seminar taking place?

The TSSA National Reps Training Seminar 2010 will be held at Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland. Registration will commence at 1pm on Wednesday 26 May, and the Seminar will end at 12.30pm on Friday 28 May.

What about hotel accommodation?

TSSA will provide you with free hotel accommodation for the nights of Wednesday 26 May and Thursday 27 May in a single room. Additional free hotel accommodation will also be provided if required as set out in the next paragraph, providing that your completed registration form is received at TSSA Head Office by noon on Friday 19 March 2010.

If your journey would require you to leave your home before 7am on Wednesday 26 May 2010 in order to get to Dublin for 1pm, you have the option of additional hotel accommodation on the night of Tuesday 25 May 2010. The Seminar will end at 12.30pm on Friday 28 May 2010. If your return journey would result in arriving back home after 9:30pm on Friday 28 May 2010, then you will have the option of additional hotel accommodation on the night of Friday 28 May 2010.

Please note that TSSA will NOT reimburse you for accommodation arranged by yourself.

What about travel costs?
Residents of Scotland, Wales and England:

A suitable flight to Dublin will be booked for you by TSSA. Costs of travel by train or bus to and from the relevant airports will be reimbursed. Taxis may be used to or from the airports in circumstances where it would avoid the need for additional nights hotel accommodation to be provided as set out above. You are expected to obtain the cheapest possible fares, booking in advance where possible.

Those who have any difficulties with flying for any reason and would therefore prefer alternative surface transport should contact Steve Coe, TSSA National Organiser, to discuss the matter.

Residents of Ireland:

Costs of travel by train or bus to and from Dublin will be reimbursed. You are expected to obtain the cheapest possible fares, booking in advance where possible.

Use of private cars for all or part of the journey must be authorised by Steve Coe in advance, and authorisation will only be given in exceptional circumstances.

Can I get time off from work?

Your employer should release you with pay to allow you to attend this training event. Any problems in obtaining release should be discussed with your TSSA regional team.

Will arrangements be made for special needs?

If you have special needs, please indicate these on the application form. Provision of care for pre-school aged children to enable reps to fully participate in NRTS 2010 will be made according to individual needs. This will not extend to hours outside of those when the Seminar is taking place. If you require special needs or childcare, you may be contacted to discuss appropriate arrangements. It may be necessary to pass on information to a third party with regard to the provision of special needs such as facilities for those with disabilities. Any such transfer of information that identifies an individual will be made only where necessary. Information provided on disabilities will be processed and retained by TSSA only in connection with this event.

Will there be any social events?

Yes, social events will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Manuel Cortes: Assistant General Secretary

Registered Office: Nerney's Court, Off Temple Street, Dublin 1