Union-Led Work-Related Learning: Profiles of Effective Practices

Union-Led Work-Related Learning: Profiles of Effective Practices examines how union-led programs are implemented in practice. The report is based on 20 profiles of specific union led learning practices which provide examples of effective practices in union-led work-related learning. 

The report presents clear, real-life examples of the practices and approaches that can help unions and employers enhance their social and organizational capacity through employee development.

The 20 profiles illustrate the breadth and depth of labour's expertise and innovation in workplace education and training. Decades of focused dedication to training, education and lifelong learning have resulted in a wealth of experience to which others can turn for inspiration and advice. Effective union-led programs are centered on the needs of workers and strive to ensure that programs are sensitive to workers' aspirations and value their experience and prior learning. Programs that fully involve the union are central to creating a safe, supportive learning community.

Unions support workplace education programs that:

• enable workers to have more control over their lives and jobs;
• build on what workers already know;
• address the needs of the whole person, enriching learners' lives as individuals, workers, union members, family members and citizens;
• open the door to further education and training;
• reflect the diverse learning styles and needs of adult workers, sensitive to participants' gender, race, ethnicity and culture;
• involve workers in setting their own educational goals and in making decisions that affect program design, content and planning;
• are voluntary;
• are open to all;
• are accessible, scheduled at convenient times and places, with no fees;
• include paid time to learn during working hours;
• include additional staff so that co-workers are not unduly burdened when other workers are attending programs;
• assure confidentiality for participants.

Experience has shown that workplace education training is successful when:
• the union is an equal partner with management in decision-making;
• union involvement is highly visible to learners;
• there is a joint management and union committee with co-chairs and when the union co-chair is active and involved.
• the joint committee oversees all aspects of the planning, program delivery and evaluation process; and
• the terms of reference for the joint committee are agreed to jointly and reflect worker-centered adult education principles.

Download report

The profiles can be found in the report and the Centre's searchable Best Practices Database.