I would just like to echo the sentiments of our Director of
Education. In the NEYH Region we pride ourselves on giving a
comprehensive education service, in line with the policy of
Unite.
Many years ago, Ernest Bevin, said education should:
”bring in active and enthusiastic workers, especially among the
younger generation, enabling them to go forward strengthened by the
confidence and courage that education brings, deeply conscious of
their responsibilities and duties in the age-long struggle of
working people to earn a decent living”.
Today, as we march forward together as Unite, the new union, we
remain locked in a struggle for fairer pay and conditions for
workers everywhere, and we face ever-expanding challenges.
Millions of workers suffer job insecurity, poverty wages and
exploitation. Many are vulnerable and unorganised – migrants,
young people, temporary workers, agency workers – they all need our
support.
Education must play a central role in Branch regeneration and
the training of lay organisers. Now, in the 21st century, we
have re-focused further to meet the requirements of the Organising
Strategy, which we fully embrace. Whether at local, regional,
national or international level, Unite education has changed to
meet the needs of union policy, and to adjust to new developments
in the world of work and beyond the factory gates.
From national courses for full-time organisers to core provision
for grassroots activists, we have organising and the 100% strategy
at the epicentre of our programme. Unite education can give
activists the skills, knowledge and confidence to become better
organisers. As a union, we also need to promote ownership and
empowerment amongst the rank-and-file, and to revitalise our shop
steward organisation.
Crucially, we must meet the needs of an increasingly diverse
workforce. Women, minority ethnic groups, migrant workers, young
and aged people alike, all need the backing of Britain’s biggest
and best union. Again, education has a role to play. In
the North East, Yorkshire and Humber Region, for example, we run
courses on globalisation, vulnerable workers, organising
citizenship and corporate campaigning, each with a strong emphasis
on organising. Moreover, we are working on innovative
strategies within our learning projects to engage with new
partners, such as the Polish Federation and key education
providers.
As we contemplate this link between education and organising,
and the challenges ahead, I’d just like to leave you with one
thought: as comrades, we’ve stood side by side, fought battles
together, fought greed and exploitation together and spoken in one
voice. That’s what a union is – one single entity working
together, working for all.
Mick Bond
Education & Development Organiser NEYH
Please follow the link below to the
educations homepage.
Education
Homepage
