CFMEU :: Forestry Division

CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION NATIONAL DIVISIONAL POLICY ON UNION TRAINING ENDORSED BY NATIONAL DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE 13TH May 1993 REVISED 24TH April 1994 UNION TRAINING POLICY This document sets out the Policy of the CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION on Union Training for the information of Members, Representatives and Officials. Included with the Policy is an introduction, which provides a background for the reading and application of the Policy. This Policy is binding on all CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION Members, Representatives and Officials. Any queries about the Policy should be directed to either the Branch or Divisional Office. 1. INTRODUCTION The CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION is committed to providing Union training for its members and representatives. The Division believes that the provision of Union training is essential to the development of members and representatives who are able to be involved actively in the operations of the Union at all levels. The Forestry and Furnishing Products Division has a history of using Union training to equip representatives to fill their current roles and assist them to prepare for and participate in changes determined by National Divisional Executive and National Divisional Conference. The Division believes that having knowledgeable and skilled Union representatives is critical to the effectiveness of the Union and leads directly to improved working conditions for members. It can also lead to improved industrial relations and contribute to the effectiveness of enterprises. 2. AIMS OF THE POLICY The aims of the Policy are: That quality Union training be provided for members and representatives; That Awards include conditions for leave for Union training; That all members and representatives should have equal opportunity to participate in Union training; To ensure that any joint training of Union representatives and managers occurs with the endorsement of Branch Secretaries. 3. POLICY DETAILS 3.1 Purpose and Priorities for Union Training The purpose of Union training is to provide members and representatives with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to: Carry out their Union role effectively; Participate in the broader Union movement; Participate in the broader economic, political and social environment of Australia. Priority matters for Union training will be: Training in the role, structure and activities of the Division, the CFMEU and the broader Union movement in Australian; Training in the role and responsibilities and skills of Union representatives; Training in political and economic issues; Training in Health and Safety and industrial matters. 3.2 GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR TRAINING Participation in Union training must be paid at the normal rate. Sufficient leave must be available to members and representatives to allow them to participate in Union training to allow them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate effectively in Union activities. Union training must be available to members and representatives during normal working hours. This will facilitate equal access and recognises that Union activities are a legitimate part of members' working lives. The right to Union training must be included in members' Award conditions and model agreements. 3.3 AMOUNT OF LEAVE FOR UNION TRAINING The minimum standard for the amount of Union Training leave is included in the Award. Employers should be encouraged to provide leave in excess of the Award minimum. It is the Union's position that when Union training is conducted in order to assist the enterprise, leave must be in addition to the amount specified in the Award. Training which would be included in this category would include but not restricted to: Enterprise Consultative Committee skills; Productivity seminars; Enterprise bargaining; Vocational skill development; 3.4 PROVIDERS OF UNION TRAINING Union training must be provided by recognised Union training organisations. This May include the Trade Union Training Authority, Trades and Labor/Trades Hall Councils and the FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION itself. People who conduct Union training must be Union members who have training skills as well as knowledge of and skills in Union issues. Trainers must design and conduct training so as to be consistent with FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION Policies and any specific direction given by the National Divisional or Branch Divisional Secretaries. 3.5 PRINCIPLES FOR UNION TRAINING The following principles will be applied to Union training provided for members and representatives of the CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION: All training courses will be accredited Union training; Training will be conducted by Union members who have recognised training skills; Training will be available to all members; Training will be participative in design and conduct in order to empower members and representatives; All training will observe principles of Equal Opportunity in availability, design and conduct; All trainers and participants will behave in a non-sexist and non-racist manner. 3.5 JOINT TRAINING OF UNION REPRESENTATIVES AND MANAGEMENT The Union recognises that there are benefits in the promotion of joint training of Union representatives and management. In the CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION Divisional Branch Secretaries must consider all proposals for joint training before commencement. Joint training will be endorsed by Divisional Branch Secretaries after consideration of the following: Members participating in joint training must understand clearly and have the confidence to maintain Union structures, policies and roles, this May mean members participating in solely Union training programs first or joint programs that include Union only training at the beginning. The aim of joint training is to provide the Union the opportunity of imparting information and skills training to both industrial parties largely from a Union perspective; The Union recognises the importance of informing management on the Unions position through joint training, particularly where benefits to members depend on a high degree of interaction and consultation with management, ie: implementing effective consultative processes, and implementing the new grade structure. 4. IMPLEMENTATION 4.1 National Divisional Office The National Divisional Office is responsible for: Ensuring conditions relating to Union training are in the FTI Award and any other Awards for which the National Divisional Office has responsibility; Liaising with the Trade Union Training Authority for the provision of national Union training programs; Obtaining information, including statistics, on Union training in which members of the Division participate; Reporting to the National Divisional Executive on Union training matter. 4.2 Branches Branches have responsibility for: Arranging Union training courses with TUTA or other providers in accordance with the purpose and priorities set out in this Policy, and Branch needs; Arranging the participation of members and representatives in Union training; Providing National Divisional Office with statistics on members participation in training programs; Informing members about Union training courses available; Ensuring Union training and Union trainers meet the requirements set out in this Policy; Securing above-Award conditions for Union training where possible. 4.3 Members and Representatives Members and representatives are responsible for: Ensuring they are provided with information about available Union training; Advising the Branch Office of courses they wish to attend: Participating in courses and applying the knowledge and skills gained; Providing information to the Branch Office about the quality and effectiveness of Union courses.