Union Learning Representatives and Workplace Learning
Although union learning representatives have not played a prominent role in Canadian workplaces, they may hold potential for improving workers' access to skill development opportunities.
Union learning representatives are worker representatives trained in a broad range of workplace training issues and concerns. Advocates of skill development, they are familiar with employer skills requirements, the aspirations of workers to improve their skills, and facilitate the attainment of both. They help promote and organize learning opportunities to meet the needs of both worker and employers.
The Union Learning Representatives and Workplace Learning report examines the concept and function of union learning representatives as catalysts for, and facilitators of, work-related learning. It forms part of the ongoing work of the Centre for Workplace Skills to explore effective practices in work-related learning and skills development.
This report:
• outlines some of Canada's challenges, including the impact on the country's productivity and competitiveness of low levels of workplace education and training; • explores the role and function of union learning representatives;
• suggests union learning representatives are catalysts to drive the development of continuous workplace training;
• profiles of the use of union learning representatives in England, Scotland, and New Zealand;
• examines a profile of union education in Quebec; and
• suggests that the development of effective union learning representatives requires the support of government, workers and employers.
Case Studies
The case studies examined in the report showcase real-life examples of international union learning representatives. The case studies can be found in the searchable Best Practices Database.
For more information, please contact: info@workplaceskills.ca
