Union Rep and training

[TheBrightSide]

Hi,

Random question,

My union rep who has been representing me on and off for years has just told me he has never been on any training courses and has just picked it up as he has gone along. I thought that there was initial training which they should go on before they should represent a member.

Anybody any experience with this?

Cheers

Dex

[donarebun]

Have you been paying for the service?

 

I don't mean your usual union dues.

 

If it is a free service then he doesn't have to have had any training.

 

The Courts recognises that so they don't punish you for errors made by unskilled advisers.

[TheBrightSide]

Hi yes I only pay my union dues but nothing extra.

It's good that the courts don't penalise for unskilled advisers

Thanks for clearing it up for me

Cheers Dex

[obiter dictum]

That is a harsh criticism

 

If the local rep does not know the answer to a question or is unsure he will contact his Branch Office. That way an Area Rep will attend and advise who is Qualified

 

If a Certificated Trade Union rep gives bad advice, he might not get sued but the Trade Union can

Edited June 23, 2016 by obiter dictum

[donarebun]

That is a harsh criticism

 

 

I didn't criticise him, I just answered his question to the best of my ability.

 

I don't think he takes my comment as criticism.

 

Except you were not referring to me then I apologise.

[ericsbrother]

there is no duty of care from a lay rep to a member so not training is required.

In my time as a union rep and safety rep I went on a number of courses aimed at new reps, those negotiating, those involved in change procedures, communications and obviously safety reps courses. Most of what you learn is common sense as far as procedures to follow, some union branches are quicker to call in the full time officers than others, a lot depends on whether it is an open branch covering a large geographical area or a closed branch with one employer such as a hospital. Generally in the latter case it is easy to raise the matter at the next level fairly quicky if the rep is out of their depth. All you would need to know is who is the branch secretary and take it to them.

[TheBrightSide]

Hi again

Hope it wasn't perceived I was criticising my union rep, he has been a real rock.

He even came with me to a meeting to discuss an issue where I felt I was being discriminated against at by management and he intervened. It was only after when I asked what training he had to cope with awkward situations like the one we had just been in that he said he had not had any training just picked it up as he went along.

I really believe I would have been hounded out of work a long time ago if it hadn't been for the union.

I'm unfortunately at the point of deciding whether to lodge at ET1 and he is still helping me along with assistance from a area rep.

Cheers

Dex