Core curriculum for Union Reps
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 1, 11 February 2022, page no.26
QTU Union Representatives are the most important people in our Union, supporting members in workplaces across the state. One of the ways that the QTU supports workplace Reps in this vital, voluntary role is via our exceptional training opportunities.
In 2022, QTEC is excited to be building on the QTU’s reputation for quality training by implementing a core curriculum for Union Reps. This has been developed in collaboration with Organisers based on feedback from Union Reps and has been designed to strategically support our Reps in developing skills, knowledge and confidence over time.
This core Union Rep content will complement existing industrial training courses, such as Advanced LCC, Occupational Violence, Promotion Panel and Navigating the Industrial Landscape for School Leaders, while other topics of high-interest will continue to be developed.
Setting the Foundations - Level 1 | Face-to-face: one full day Live-online: two half-day sessions |
This course addresses the fundamental knowledge and skills needed by beginning Union Representatives. It cultivates the values necessary to develop union culture and grow the QTU - professional, courageous, united, democratic and member focused. Participants review the roles of Union Reps and build industrial knowledge around local consultative committees – particularly their purpose, structure, scope and operation. | Themes:
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Compliance, Communication and Consultation - Level 2 | Face-to-face: one full day Live-online: two half-day sessions |
This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed by union representatives to extend their experience beyond Level 1. It enhances participants’ knowledge of how to use and interpret key industrial instruments to ensure working conditions. Key components of communication within the Union Rep role are expanded upon, including being an effective support person and managing challenging conversations. Participants develop skills in leading members through consultation and resolution of workplace issues. This course is grounded in the values of the QTU. | Themes:
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Growing Union Power - Level 3 (Proposed for Semester Two) |
Face-to-face: one1 full day Live-online: two half-day sessions |
This one-day course addresses the knowledge and skills needed by Union Representatives as leaders in their workplaces. This advanced training asks Reps to consider the use of Union mapping techniques and organising frameworks to analyse the dynamics in workplaces and plan for activating members around issues and campaigns. The course is rounded out with an introduction to basic negotiation skills, with participants drawing upon previous training to apply knowledge of working conditions and consultation to negotiation scenarios. | Themes: Relationships, recruitment and power - Union mapping in the workplace Strength through activating and organising Negotiation skills |
‘Get set to Rep’! - Introductory videos
Short introductory video modules, designed to provide background information and tips for new Union Reps, will be released soon. They include a summary of the QTU’s democratic structures, a tour of the QTU website, an overview of the role of the Union Rep and a welcome from the General Secretary, Kate Ruttiman, as well as messages of support and solidarity from Union Reps across Queensland. A link to these resources will be sent to each new Rep after their election. Also keep an eye out for these resources in the Union Rep section of the website, where all Reps will be able to access the videos on-demand.
Rights and responsibilities
The Teaching in State Education Award (2016) affords Union Reps the right to apply for up to five days of paid industrial relations education (IRE) leave per year for the purposes of Union training. IRE leave is a privilege that is not shared by all our colleagues interstate or within other industries, so it is something that we must utilise and protect.
Accessing training is also a responsibility for Union Reps as it is inherent to the role. Every Rep should be attending training to stay up-to-date and brush up on competencies and connections with their Organiser and other Reps in their region. Having highly skilled and confident QTU Representatives in our workplaces is key to excellent support and outcomes for members everywhere across the state and is part of our proud QTU history.
Find out more at www.qtu.asn.au/qtec