Future of trade union education in Blackpool secured

The provision of trade union education in North West Lancashire has been secured after a deal was reached between the North West TUC and The Manchester College. Following the decision by Blackpool and Fylde College that trade union education was no longer a priority, unions, tutors and local trade union reps had been fearful that they would have to send those wishing to learn as far as Manchester or Liverpool to access courses. However the deal, which has been supported by Blackpool Council who have assisted in finding suitable premises, means that provision will be provided for the foreseeable future.

Local trade union representatives will now be able to attend courses at the New Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road, with The Manchester College delivering the courses. Current Trade Union Education tutor, Dave Barnes, is pleased with the decision:

“We're all very grateful that The Manchester College have stepped in to fill the void and also to Blackpool Council for their support. Reps have an increasingly difficult job in the workplace but provide a valuable resource to members and to the employer. I'm very pleased that we will be able to go on delivering these courses to our trade union reps and making sure the voice of workers in the workplace is well trained and supported, as well as strong.”

Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, who formally launched the new provision at the North West TUC annual conference in Blackpool, said:

“As a former Open University tutor and Shadow Skills/Lifelong Learning Minister, I know how vital it is for this provision to continue here in Blackpool where it will be a focus of hope at a time when the Coalition Government has been cutting the adult skills budget by over 20%. “

Tony Saunders, North West TUC Trade Union Education Co-Ordinator, said:

“Trade union education is aimed at making our reps more effective and better capable to deliver for members and become an even more valuable resource in the workplace. It isn't just about pay and conditions but representing members, health and safety reps, union learning reps and equality reps. The diversity of our work means we need to provide good support and training and this deal with The Manchester College makes that possible.

Last year in the North West we trained 6,000 reps and we are looking forward to continuing this with the new centre in Blackpool.”

Martyn Moss, North West regional official for UCU, said:

“UCU is very pleased that The Manchester College is able to provide opportunities for trade unionists in North West Lancashire, delivered by UCU members who are committed to supporting and educating local union reps.”

New courses run from the week beginning 20th April. Further details on courses is available from Mike Dearing, mdearing@themanchestercollege.ac.uk or 0161 920 2835

ENDS

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