Learning Reps Come in Different Guises

Reflecting the diversity of union structures, different sectors and a huge difference in the needs of members in today's workplaces, unions are currently trying out different models of the Learning Rep role. Three basic models are currently emerging:

• Encouraging those who are not union representatives but who have themselves recently benefited from returning to learning. Unions such as UNISON can foresee benefits of particularly non-traditional learners taking on this role. They are ideally placed to motivate and empathise with their fellow workers, as well as drawing a new layer of members into union activity.
  
  
• Utilising existing union reps, building this role into their 'job descriptions'. For some unions this would also ensure that learning reps fit into existing union and workplace negotiating structures.
  
  
• Emphasising that this is a job best suited to someone with a real interest in learning who can encourage and support members through learning programmes, this may or may not be existing reps, but may involve new people in an active role in their union.

There are clear advantages and potential disadvantages attached to each model, but it is positive that different approaches are tested and that unions are encouraged to feedback and share their experiences with other unions and the TUC. This process can be assisted by utilising the Learning Rep Network properly.

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