Rep training is now mandated by law

The advent of new laws guaranteeing the right of union Reps to five days of initial union training and a further day each year they are in the role must be leveraged to ensure that we grow the next generation of union leaders.

Reps get the lowdown at the recent training day at union headquarters.

The introduction of Delegate Rights (1 July 2024) into modern Awards has enabled many Reps to attend training for the first time. Previously, many schools blocked attempts by Reps to attend training. Now, they are compelled by law to set grant up to five days for a Rep’s initial training and one day in each subsequent year. It is a crucial entitlement that all unions must promote.

Next year presents the IEU with an excellent opportunity to have our Reps utilise the training entitlements. We will revamp training offerings for Reps and redouble efforts to get them into training that can make a huge difference for them and fellow members in schools.

The value of Rep training

Rep training offers specific expertise and knowledge to Reps, but it also affords a priceless opportunity for them to compare notes and assess strategies with colleagues. Such networking not only reduces feelings of isolation, but it also empowers camaraderie and builds collective strength. Arguably, as much is learnt in supposedly casual conversation as in listening to an instructor on such days – each Rep is a priceless resource for the other.

2024 Rep training

In 2024, IEU Level 1 trainees learnt about their wider role in the IEU and how to be an effective sub-branch Rep for members at the school level.

Level 2 Reps learnt more about leveraging their workplace rights and gained more granular knowledge of Agreements and Awards covering their workplaces.

Regional training was held in Mildura, Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool and Bendigo, where Reps learnt how to build connections between peers in their area.

Consultative Committee training

Since the “Workload Agreement” was signed last year in Victorian Catholic schools, Consultative Committees have become even more important decision-making bodies, and right across IEU sectors they offer knowledgeable members the opportunity to stand up for worker-friendly policymaking and a culture of genuine collaboration with school leadership.

The IEU held extensive CC training, online and in-person, across both Victoria and Tasmania, with some sessions held in the IEU office and some run by Organisers in schools. The union also educated many members with presentations explaining Consultative Committees and their importance.

A major focus of all sessions was getting as many members as possible up to speed on how genuine consultation should occur and how to engage IEU sub-branches in the consultative process.

OHS

The IEU’s Health and Safety training is one of the most important elements of the union’s commitment to member wellbeing.

Elected Health and Safety Reps are one of the most underrated sources of worker power in the workplace, and the IEU continued its education of members taking on these roles in 2024.

Reps agree who attended a five-day Occupational Health and Safety course at union headquarters role-played what seemed extreme workplace scenarios. But the roleplaying case studies were all drawn from real life: Reps were all too familiar with bosses who are ‘dismissive, aggressive or belligerent’ when faced with their legal responsibilities to reduce risks to the health and safety of staff.

Knowledgeable, empowered, prepared HSRs are crucial to identifying health and safety issues in workplaces.

Participant Janine Southern told The Point the training was especially relevant because it was “tailored to the school setting” and “industry specific”, unlike course provided by other providers which often have a focus on construction

“To see what other schools are dealing with and bounce around ideas about what our schools are doing about these situations… it’s just been a really good eye opener…”

That’s the aim of IEU training – to offer insights and tactics not available in any other forum.