DEVELOPING UNION LEARNING

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2012 :: RMTnews 32 O ver 60 RMT Learning Reps gathered in Birmingham for a National Development Day recently to share ideas and information and to gain new skills to enable them to develop in this important role. The reps role is central in creating opportunities for some of the most disadvantaged groups within the union and the workplace, many of whom have been let down by the education system and have had no real opportunity for learning at work. RMT Learning project manager Teresa Williams led a very lively regional networking session. Reps shared information and resources and discussed their recent activities in setting up learning opportunities for members including improving their skills in computing, literacy and numeracy. Delegates discussed how new social media communication tools can be used effectively by trade union activists. Reps were introduced to ways of using social media networking in their role and to be aware of the positive effects while avoiding the pitfalls. The focus was mainly on Facebook and Twitter and there were a significant number of delegates who do not currently use these networking sites, but most left the workshop keen to have a go. RMT general secretary Bob Crow spoke about the value of education and welcomed the AGM decision that there will be an annual education advisory conference. He also spoke about the expansion of the national education centre in Doncaster, doubling capacity, and the new centre in Aberdeen meaning that RMT education facilities are expanding in line with the growth in membership. After a question and answer session, the final workshop was designed to give the delegates a better understanding of grades and advisory conferences. Reps with experience were asked to help run the workshop and several stepped up and made valuable contributions. RMT education officer Andy Gilchrist thanked the Reps for their hard work, saying that RMT Learning is a unique opportunity to meet workers. He encouraged Reps to go back to their branches and regional councils and get nominated for the committee and as delegates for the education advisory conference taking place on March 26 2013 in Doncaster. Nominations for delegates and motions must be received at Unity House by March 1 2013. RMT council of executives member Mike Sargent said it was a great pleasure to see how things had developed over the years. “Since I first attended ULR conferences over ten years ago they have become an integral part of what we do as a union for our members. “As well as personal development there was emphasis on learning as an organising strategy and I was pleased to see so many new faces where old faces have gone on to take up other roles within RMT while still supporting this important agenda. “Next year will see the first RMT education conference take place which will be open to all members and I look forward to a vibrant event and interesting debates,” he said. A video of the day’s events is on RMTv: www.rmt- television.org.uk/video/video168 For more information on RMT Learning, please contact your local ULR or the Learning Team: on 020 7529 8820/l.rutland@rmt.org.uk DEVELOPING UNION LEARNING