Workshops - Unionreps Connect 2023
Workshop 1: Tackling bullying and harassment in the workplace
Bullying is an ever growing problem in the workplace, but it can be tackled and prevented.
Join this workshop to understand how to spot early signs of bullying at work, learn methods to challenge unacceptable behaviour, and encourage management to tackle bullying by complying with employment legislation.
Hosted by:
- Jane Perry - Professional coach - previously BBC and BECTU President
Workshop 2: Domestic violence - a workplace issue
Meet the team from The National Centre for Domestic Violence and learn how workplace reps can effectively support workers experiencing domestic abuse.
Identify the dos and don'ts when offering support, and discover the tools and resources, including injunction services, available to help protect those at risk.
Hosted by:
- Sharon Bryan - Head of Partnerships and Development - National Centre for Domestic Violence
- Charlotte Woodward - National Training Manager - National Centre for Domestic Violence
Workshop 3: Winning a pay rise
Do you want to banish negotiation anxiety and breeze through securing a successful inflation-busting pay increase?
Join the Unite reps team from Gatwick Airport who did exactly that. Learn how they achieved it, learn tips and gain tools to use in your own workplace pay campaigns and negotiations.
Hosted by:
- Dominic Rothwell - South East Regional Officer - Unite
- Maria Armstrong - Unite
Workshop 4: Understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on your workplace
Tools and platforms which rely on Artificial Intelligence are spreading rapidly through our workplaces. This workshop goes behind the hype to investigate the implications of involving 'AI-powered' systems in decision-making at work, where they often fuel discrimination and undermine workers' rights.
This session will help anyone understand the fundamentals of how and why AI systems work and how they’re being used.
Hosted by:
- Dr Anne Alexander - Learning Director - Cambridge Humanities and UCU rep
- Mary Towers - Employment Rights Policy Officer - TUC
Workshop 5: Disability rights and reasonable adjustments
What should union reps expect from employers as best practice when discussing reasonable adjustments? What should reps do if an employer pushes back?
Join this workshop to find out who is covered by the reasonable adjustments duty, what 'reasonable' is and tips to get the best agreements for your members.
Hosted by:
- Mikey Erhardt - Campaigns and Policy Officer - Disability Rights UK
- Bethany Bale - Campaigns and Policy Officer - Disability Rights UK
Workshop 6: Using stress risk assessments to protect workers
Stress is now the biggest health and safety issue in the workplace, and risk assessments can be put in place to tackle the causes at source.
In this workshop, you’ll look at how stress risk assessments recognise the work causes of stress, and how a preventative plan can mitigate harm. You'll work through a case study on stress from the civil service.
Hosted by:
- Joan McNulty - Chair of National and the North West Health and Safety Committees - UNISON
- Shelly Asquith - Health and Safety Policy Officer - TUC
Workshop 7: Negotiating better sick pay
Join our friends at the Labour Research Department for this informative and practical workshop on securing better sick pay. Learn useful negotiating tips and strategies to target improved sick pay at work.
Hosted by:
- Lewis Emery - Bargaining Expert and Researcher - Labour Research Department
Workshop 8: Digital tools and tactics for union organising and campaigning
Union reps have always led innovations in organising that have kept the movement strong. While the pandemic increased and improved unions use of new technology, more must be done to capture the opportunities digital offers. Join this interactive workshop to reflect on your campaigning, and discuss the different tools and tactics unions are using to support their campaigns to win.
Hosted by:
- Lois McCallum - Digital Organiser and Campaigner - TUC
- Daniel Shannon-Hughes - Policy and Campaigns Support Officer - TUC
Workshop 9: Creating a positive workplace health and safety culture
We need to push back on the idea of 'elf an' safety gone mad'. Health, safety and welfare is important for everyone.
Join this workshop to find out how workplace reps can work with employers to improve health and safety, and encourage employers to carry out their responsibilities.
Hosted by:
- John Handley - Health and Safety Specialist - Stockport College and BECTU
Workshop 10: Membership retention - strategies that work
In the face of declining membership, it's vital that we not only prioritise member recruitment but also recognise the importance of retaining our current members. In this workshop we will work together to develop techniques and best practices to encourage member engagement and strengthen the union movement. Learn how to address challenges, enhance communication, and create a supportive environment that ensures lasting membership.
Hosted by:
- Rebecca Sixsmith-Hughes - TUC