Learning reps go international

A new TUC report finds that the union learning representative (ULR) idea is spreading beyond the UK. Union learning representatives: an international movement describes initiatives in Ireland, Denmark, Finland and New Zealand and outlines how it is being considered in the USA.

The report finds that the success of these initiatives has been variable and while ULRs in most of the countries have similar core functions to ULRs in the UK, their sustainability has been dependent on state support which has varied with changes in government. Another variable is that the development and scope of non-UK ULRs is limited by the absence of statutory recognition and the right to paid time off to train and for carry out their duties.

The robustness of ULRs in the UK, the TUC concludes, is due to the fact that they have these statutory rights. It is also because they are bolstered by considerable union support and capacity including government support through the Union Learning Fund and the establishment of the TUC’s learning and skills organisation unionlearn, which provides a robust framework for union-backed learning.

Union learning representatives: an international movement is available at www.unionlearn.org.uk/policy/learn-3402-f0.pdf