EDUCATING MEMBERS

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: november/december 2010 :: RMTnews 17 RMT is right to be proud of its long commitment to trade union education. Over the years the union has worked hard and committed resources to educating members. Having taken up the post of national education officer in March this year, it was important to assess quickly what was in place and what needed to be developed. RMT members are, alongside other workers, facing unprecedented and vicious attacks on trade union rights, living standards and jobs. So through RMT’s education programme needs to support and equip officials and activists whilst continuing to develop the union into the future. The acquisition of our own national education centre in Doncaster and education facilities in Clapham, London, the work of lay tutors and the regional commitment to play an integral role in future education programmes all augur well for the union. As part of RMT’s commitment to education, the Council of Executives commissioned Professor Mary Davis to review independently all things educational in the union, and as I write, this report is being finalised and will be discussed by the executive. The priority has been to put in place core skills programmes for the key levels of Workplace Reps and Branch Officials. This is now largely done and agreed by the union. For existing and future workplace reps a 13-day programme is available, beginning with a three day introductory course in your region with regional input, followed as circumstances allow for 2x5 day courses, Level 1 and 2, at Doncaster. Branch officials should look to attend the new level 1 course for branch officers with a Level 2 course under construction. All these courses are set out on the RMT education calendar overleaf, on the website and in circulars. Choose the appropriate course, get the signature of the branch secretary on the application form and it’s done. For the Regional Introductory courses contact your region. These core skills programmes provide the essential knowledge to perform that are of key importance to members on the frontline of the current attacks. Additionally, branch officials and activists across many industries need specialist courses to help them, some of these are already in place. On health and safety, any health and safety rep can take the TUC Stage 1, 2 & 3 courses, as well as the five one-day RMT health and safety courses available across the country. RMT also offer courses dealing with its vital organising strategy, issues of the ‘globalisation of work’ and many others. There will be many occasions when members and officials alike need specific bespoke courses or one-off events to assist them and these can be quickly developed and delivered by lay tutors. RMT lay tutors will have completed a fully accredited tutor training course to ensure the union can deliver all courses to the highest standards. For example, a raft of educational events took place this year for RMT young members aged under age 30. These include educational events at the RMT AGM, Tolpuddle festival, Durham Miners Gala, and the Burston School Strike Rally. If you are under age 30 and want to get involved look out for the adverts, promotions and circulars about these events. RMT’s education programme will continue to deliver and developments for officials and members alike. The programme is designed with RMT members in mind, delivered by trained RMT tutors and a lot of attention is given to ensuring a comfortable learning environment. So if you are a branch officer think about how the programme might help you, if you are thinking about becoming a new official at any level take advantage of the help available. If you think there is something you and your workplace needs that the union doesn’t currently provide get involved at your branch and tell us – we don’t always get it right but if you tell us we just might more often! UNION LEARNING The fantastic RMT Union Learning teams are also operating currently. If you want to know more about any aspect of learning then contact your local RMT Union Learning Rep and find out what’s available, or contact Andrew Brattle on 020 7529 8820 or e-mail a.brattle@rmt.org.uk. EDUCATING MEMBERS RMT education officer Andy Gilchrist outlines the education programme for 2011 and encourages members to take up educational opportunities EDUCATION: Andy Gilchrist with young RMT members on a recent course