Union Learning Representation
Dr Eddy Donnelly, Dr Paul Freedman, Dr Julia Kiely & Elizabeth Warren-Corney
Overview
The recent introduction of new forms of union representation around workplace learning has provided members of CRiM with the opportunity to explore its contribution to union organising within the South West region. The study specifically assesses whether workplace learning representation provides unions with partnership routes back into favour with workers and employers alike.
Further Details
New Activism in the Workplace: The Role of the Union Learning Representative (ULR) in the South West Region
Since 2002, the contribution that unions make towards workplace learning has been officially acknowledged through the legal establishment of a union learning representative system. In contrast, the last three decades have been marked by significant decline in the presence, role and status of union representation generally. This trend is highly suggestive of a wider malaise undermining union capacity overall. The near collapse of this representational system has opened up a gap that arguably needs addressing as a matter of some priority.
In line with broader debates over ‘union renewal’,the study aims to assess the potential for recently introduced union learning representatives (ULRs) to provide new outlets for activism in the workplace and to help unions raise their profile with members and non-members alike. This qualitative research is specifically designed to address a number of debates over what constitutes a proper role for ULRs within union structures, what difficulties might lie in their way and what characteristics might dispose them towards their identification with workplace activism beyond simply learning.
The focus of this work is on those representatives servicing the learning needs of those working in the retail, distribution and manufacturing sectors of the South West regional economy.
