RAIL UNION LEARNING CONFERENCE

Is there a future of Rail Union Learning? This was one of the issues under discussion at the RUL Conference held last month when Rail Union Learning Representatives from RMT and other rail unions gathered in London. The present funding for RUL expires in March 2008. Rail union leaders will have to make bids for funding after this date. If central funding is not continued, can union learning be taken under the main RMT umbrella so that past successes can be maintained and more members can benefit from workplace learning initiatives? This well-attended Conference, subtitled ‘Making Learning Work’, brought together learning reps from across the country to celebrate successes and to share best practice and advice in order to continue their achievements. The Conference was chaired by Pauline Murphy, National Development Worker of Unionlearn (formerly TUC Education) who welcomed the delegates and introduced TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O’Grady as the guest speaker. Frances spoke in praise of the work done by learning reps which gave many workers the opportunities for education to fulfil their potential by updating skills or learning new ones. She pointed out that union learning was important not only to members who want promotion but also to employers who can only gain from a more educated workforce. WORKSHOPS Delegates took part in a choice of several workshops where their shared experiences were included in training sessions to develop the skills and knowledge of all. The morning workshop was divided along individual union lines. RMT RULRs were able to explore ways of overcoming the difficulties of bringing learning into the workplace. Afternoon workshops were arranged in subjects with a mix of delegates from all the rail unions. One workshop worth an individual mention was on ‘Money Matters’. This is an example of RUL working with an external provider, the Financial Services Authority, to include money management skills in existing courses. RECRUITMENT A delegate asked how many new members had joined RMT through union learning. No-one knows, but it is a fact that contact by a RULR opens the door to contact with non- members and provides a valuable recruitment tool. RULRs are a new breed of union representative and are different from the functional, local or health and safety representatives. They are trained to give confidential advice and are instrumental in developing interest in continuing education. Many RULRs have never been union activists and would probably never have considered themselves as any other sort of representative. A feeling of optimism for the future of Rail Union Learning was obvious throughout the day. The enthusiasm of the delegates for the educational opportunities that they can bring to members was overwhelming. Now, we depend on our leaders to make a bid for funding to carry past successes into the future. Last year Bob Crow said: “We support any initiative that validates the work our members do and assists their continuing personal development”. So, the question remains. Will Rail Union Learning continue? For further information about continuing education or about becoming a Rail Union Learning Representative, go to www.rul.org.uk or contact your branch secretary. RMTnews :: may 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 28 Nottingham Rail Union Learning Representative Ruth Strong reports on the RUL conference and asks will this be the last one? RAIL UNION LEARNING CONFERENCE 2007