Unite transport members from Strathclyde have won this year’s
Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning given to union reps who
promote learning in an innovative way.
It is the third time that members from Unite, the largest union
in the country, have won the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC)
award
This year’s winners are a group of reps at Strathclyde
Partnership for Transport (SPT), a public transport partnership
that incorporates the subway, trains, buses and ferries in the
Strathclyde region (Greater Glasgow).
It was won last year for Unite by Jim Lilles of First Glasgow,
for activities including arranging classes in the Glaswegian
dialect for migrant bus drivers. In 2006, it was won by Helen
Douglas of Remploy Clydebank.
The Strathclyde reps are:
· Brian Stewart: Lead Union Learning Rep (ULR)
· Ian Findlay: Convener and ULR
· Harry Copland: Convener, ULR, Health & Safety Rep
· Sonny Singh: Workplace rep, ULR, Equality rep
· Brian Conner: Workplace rep, ULR, Health & Safety Rep
· John Lennon: Workplace rep, ULR
· Gerry Hastings: Unison ULR
In September 2008, Unite negotiated and signed a learning
agreement with SPT. Unison are also signatories - they represent
head office admin staff.
Over the past year, more than 100 members have taken part in a
total of 2,138 hours of accredited learning, in communications,
languages, IT and vocational qualifications such as the City &
Guilds 17th Edition Wiring Regulations.
All of this was organised by the union reps, and delivered free
of charge at the workplace, with the employer giving 50% time
off.
The award will be presented by the First Minister of the
Scottish Government, Alex Salmond at the STUC in Dundee today
(Wednesday).
Lead ULR Brian Stewart said: ‘The pleasure in seeing other
people fulfil their potential through union-led learning, and in
seeing them become more confident and more involved in the
workplace is rewarding.’
‘To be part of the team who are the recipients of this award
demonstrates that we are making a difference, and becoming a Union
Learning Rep is the first step to making that happen.’
Unite Regional Secretary John Quigley said: ‘I am pleased to
congratulate the reps at SPT who have won this important award.
They have brought opportunities to our members to improve their
skills and gain vocational qualifications.’
‘What makes their achievement particularly impressive is the way
they have incorporated learning into core union business, and
secured robust agreements that guarantee our members time off for
learning.’
‘I believe that putting learning on the collective bargaining
agenda is crucial to transforming our workplaces into highly
skilled, well paid environments. Investing in skills is important
if we want to grow our economy out of recession.’
SPT Chair Jonathan Findlay said: ‘We are delighted that our
learning group was chosen to receive this year’s Helen Dowie Award.
SPT’s learning agreement, which was reached with trades unions in
2008, enables staff to access new opportunities for lifelong
learning and training both within SPT and with outside training
providers.’
‘This excellent partnership working has so far resulted in more
than 2,000 hours of union-funded learning for SPT staff, and
demonstrates our commitment to nurturing a culture of learning
within the workplace.’
