1.
The Government has recently announced details of the first series of projects that will be supported by its Union Modernisation Fund that, in total, will amount to Government financial support of around £3m.
2. These projects were selected by the Union Modernisation Fund’s Supervisory Board following bids from a number of trade unions that were assessed on the following criteria:-
a) Modernisation strategies based on building relationships with employers
b) Enabling unions to broaden their dialogue with members by making greater use of the internet and other new technologies
c) A diverse selection of themes, ranging from improving communications with members to preparing lay representatives for their new role under the Information and Consultation Regulations
and
d) Reviewing internal union structures and organisation and supporting more efficient management systems within unions.
3. Some examples of projects by unions with membership in EEF member companies that have been given financial assistance under the Union Modernisation Fund are:-
a) T&GWU – A proposal to establish a Migrant Workers Support Unit offering services such as translation, advice on employment rights and signposting to community support services. This will be a pilot project focusing on sectors and locations most effected by the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004.
b) AMICUS – A pilot project seeking to improve the communication efficiency of Branch Secretaries and enhance engagement and participation of lay members.
c) GMB – A project to implement the findings of the recent race equality audit which will develop a membership strategy to encourage greater participation of black and minority members and provide diversity training for all GMB staff.
d) T&GWU – A project to develop guidance and support for workplace union equality representatives to be piloted in partnership with employers in workplaces across a range of sectors.
e) Community – A programme for training for the senior staff of Community on globalisation and labour market trends, culture change, organisational strategy and managing finances and human resources,
and
f) T&GWU – a series of training seminars for members on information and consultation including the production of new guidance materials.