On course to make a difference

The following feature about skills first appeared in the most recent edition of Landworker – you can read the full issue online here.

Reps from across Unite’s Food, Drink and Agriculture (FDA) sector gathered in Eastbourne last October to take part in a four-day training course aimed to build skills and increase understanding of some of the issues facing workers at the moment.

The Change at Work course was organised by Unite Education and the FDA sector and tailored to workers in the industry.

The four days covered a wide range of subjects, along with group activities and discussions. These started with a session which aimed to identify issues facing reps so they could share their experiences and hear from others and inform some of the discussions over the course.

There was a lot of talk during the course about ways to break down the barriers between members and the union. These included workshops on social media and how effective communication can help members feel an active part of any branch.

Organising in workplaces and building membership was next, with delegates sharing examples of what had, and hadn’t, worked and the lessons learned. 

Campaigning followed. This is an area that is increasingly important to members across the food sector with current disputes happening at a number of food manufacturers including Bakkavor, Oscar Mayer and Princes Foods.

For just a four-day course, it managed to cover a lot of ground – and there was a look at some health and safety case studies from across the sector.

The delegates also had sessions from guest speakers, including Jo Galazka, Unite Wales women’s and equalities officer. Jo led a discussion on single enforcement bodies, which was followed by an activity on the subject.

One of the final sessions was on artificial intelligence (AI), something delegates found particularly interesting. This not only looked at the potential problems with AI at work, but how branch reps could make use of the technology to support them in their roles.

Matthew Holmes works for GXO found the course useful, saying that he had gained some “decent information”.

Matthew said this was, “mainly around AI, and how we can create policies, grievances and things like that and make what we do look more effective and professional.

“The value of these courses is that we have so many different issues, and we can find out about those issues and learn how to overcome them from other people. If it ever occurs in our workplaces, we have the ability to be at the forefront, not the back foot.”

Monique Mosley, who works at food manufacturer Greencore said she really enjoyed “this fantastic course”, and that one of the best things about training from Unite Education was “meeting reps and convenors from all over the country and learning from their experiences”.

Monique added that one of the most useful aspects had been “learning about new technologies and new ways of doing things when it comes to disputes and strike actions.

“The course has been great and has given me the tools to take back for other reps to learn from.”

Paul Russell from Princes Foods agreed with fellow delegates that one of the most useful aspects of the four days was all the information and new skills he could bring back to his branch.

Paul said, “I’ve learnt an awful lot that I’ll be able to take back to my workplace – and I’m looking forward to getting back and using some of the newfound skills.

“The activities have been very good and got you thinking about what you can do and how to make a difference when you get back. I find the Unite Education programme very good and I think that every rep should be getting themselves on as many courses as they can, and get that training.

“The value of it is when you return to your workplaces and the difference you can make to your members.”

Paul Travers, national officer for the FDA sector, explained that all sectors have an annual training course run by Unite Education, and each year it covers areas that will be important to the sector. 

The courses always look at topical issues that reps will find important, and while this year looked at AI and organising, a few years ago, to tie in the CoP26 talks in Glasgow, the Change at Work course for FDA reps focused on the climate crisis and precarious work in the food, drink and agriculture sectors, and what trade unions can do to tackle these issues.

Many of the delegates are from the sector’s NISC, but Paul explained, “It isn’t just for NISC members, we encourage senior reps from large workplaces to apply to join the course as well. It is an important way for senior reps to meet and share experiences while learning new skills.”

Though this year’s training has only just finished, work will soon start planning the next one.

Paul added, “At the moment we haven’t discussed what we would like to see covered next year however, with a new Labour government and employment law changes coming thick and fast, we will certainly look at this area I’m sure.

“The change at work course is a great means of giving senior reps new tools, allowing those who attend to network with others and thereby increasing their employment knowledge.”

If you’d like to attend any of the Unite Education courses contact your branch reps for more details, or click on this link. 

By Keith Hatch