Going Global: Trade Unions and International Development

This course is an engaging introduction to the central role working people play in development. From export processing zones to ship breaking, it covers practical examples of the problems and opportunities facing workers across the globe.

The course explains key issues such as development, poverty, free trade and labour migration. From the United Nation's 'Millennium Development Goals' to the international trade union movement's promotion of 'Decent Work', this course explores the global agenda that addresses these issues.

Importantly, this eight week course demonstrates how, through trade union action in the workplace, in communities and internationally, workers in the global economy can secure fairness and justice at work instead of being forced to choose between exploitation and starvation.

• Who is the course for?
• When does the course start?
• How long is the course?
• What will the course help me to do?
• Can I get time off to learn?
• Can I get time off for an online course?
• How much is the course?
• Further information
• How do I apply?

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for trade union reps interested in understanding the issues of global poverty and how the trade union movement can improve people's working lives and play a crucial role in ensuring a decent life for all. It is especially suited for reps keen to engage their own members and workplaces to promote international trade union development

When does the course start?

September 2010

How long is the course?

The course will take approximately 30 hours over eight weeks.

What will the course help me to do?

The course will help you to:

• to explore the experience of working people in a global context
• to understand the role of trade unions in development
• to recognise different kinds of solidarity actions
• to help you work out what you can do to build interest and activism in your union

Can I get time off to learn?

Union representatives who wish to attend TUC courses in working time should first ask their employer for time off with pay. The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977 give accredited union and safety representatives a legal right to reasonable time off with pay to attend courses approved by the TUC or their union. Guidance towards establishing what constitutes reasonable time off can be found in the ACAS Code of Practice (http://www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/l/q/CP03_1.pdf).

Representatives who find difficulty in obtaining paid time off to attend TUC courses should seek assistance from their senior union representative or full time union officer.

Can I get time off for an online course?

Online learning* should not be seen as an alternative to paid release from work. The law still applies, whether learning takes place away from work or in work, at a workstation or in a company learning centre.

How much is the course?

This course is free for all recognised union reps from TUC member unions.

Further information

If you require any further information about this course, please contact:

Craig Hawkins
Online Learning Officer
unionlearn*
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LS

t: 020 7079 6947
f: 020 7079 6921
m: 0781 037 5087
e: chawkins@tuc.org.uk

How do I apply?

If you are interested in this course, please complete the online form using the link below.

Proceed to online form

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11 January 2010

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unionlearn
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3LS

Telephone 020 7079 6920
Fax 020 7079 6921
Email ulweb@tuc.org.uk

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