National News

TSSA - Opportunity to lead the way

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Congress) is spearheading a new initiative to develop a number of workplace Union Learning Representatives (or ULRs) across Ireland. Up to now it was only possible to become a ULR in the North of Ireland. This initiative will ensure colleagues throughout the whole of TSSA will be able to build the union through the learning and skills agenda. This circular is looking for volunteers to become one of these first ULRs and make a difference to colleagues' lives through union learning.

Union Skills Network

The Union Skills Network is a partnership between the trade unions and employer sides in companies in the South of Ireland who will identify work based and individual learning needs and seek to develop flexible ways of meeting any needs identified. The network will be based around volunteer Union Learning Representatives who will be trained by Congress to become advocates for lifelong learning amongst their peers.

Why is TSSA Supporting the Network?

All employees can benefit from upgrading or updating their existing skills. The training will be delivered in a flexible manner and certified so that people can start to progress and develop new qualifications while in employment - often at no cost to themselves.
Employers can benefit from having a better trained, motivated and committed workforce who are flexible, responsive and adaptive to change.
And TSSA will benefit, as we have seen elsewhere in the union, from building our profile through leading on learning, recruiting through encouraging people to join who had never previously thought that the union had much to say for their needs, electing new activists by building a new team of workplace reps from members who might never have got involved as an industrial rep etc.

Become a Union Learning Rep

TSSA is working alongside Congress to identify possible ULRs. All such ULRs will receive extensive FETAC certified training to enable then to successfully fulfill this role. In addition to their initial training, ULRs will be supported by a network of Regional Training and Development Coordinators from Congress and our own TSSA Learning Organisers. They will also have access to a wide range of online based support materials and tools.

What will the Union Learning Representatives do?

ULRs will be an integral part of their local branch structure and will also work closely with their Industrial/Local Reps and Organisers to broker learning agreements with their employer on how and when they will fulfill their role. The ULR will work with the employer and / or HR and training personnel to identify the training needs of the organisation and/or individuals and through the Regional Coordinator secure funding from FAS to secure a suitable qualified course provider. The ULR will be trained to give advice and guidance on vocational/further education opportunities to individuals who want to embark on a course or programme of study.

Want to find out more?
Is this something you think -

Your branch should be supporting?
The reps in your company should be organising around?
You, or a colleague, would like to volunteer for?

Then contact TSSA today to discuss the next steps:

getting speakers on the Union Skills Network along to a branch meeting, staff side or other union reps meeting
talking to someone from the TSSA's learning team to find out more about the practicalities of becoming a ULR.
or simply volunteering to become the first of our ULRs

Don't miss this exciting opportunity - contact Jim Kavanagh at the Irish Office to take this forward.

James Kavanagh: Irish Regional Organiser

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