WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

SECTION 1.1
The course ends with GMB Workplace Organisers being assisted to draw up their own first organising
plan for where they work,which will be copied to their GMB Organiser for further support advice and
assistance.
GMB BASIC TRAINING
Shortly after completing the GMB@Work course and after you have had an opportunity to put your
first plan into practice with your GMB Officer,you will be invited to attend the first of the basic training
courses again in work time and again at a location as near to where you work as possible.
Having put in place a good organising plan where you work,based on a detailed workplace map that you
will continually update,the next key role of a GMB Workplace Organiser in the workplace is to ensure all
members get the best and most immediate advice,information and representation you can give.
As someone who works with your members,facing the same problems alongside them,for most issues
that come up you will be the best person to help and advise them.Your GMB Officer will offer any back up
and support you need–but you and your fellow GMB Workplace Organisers will be the first point of
contact for GMB members where you work.
This training will provide you with all the knowledge,skills and confidence you need to start to take on
the job of representing your members individually with managers on personal grievances and
disciplinary hearings and collectively on pay talks and other discussions with your employer.
GMB ADVANCED TRAINING
GMB Regional Offices also offer advanced training for GMB Workplace Organisers as they develop their
skills further in the role.The first of these is training to become a fully accredited Safety
Representative.We encourage all our Workplace Organisers to take this course.
Further to this other courses run by your Region may include:
• Workplace industrial relations.
• Advanced organisation skills.
• Bargaining and communication skills.
• Equal rights.
• Pensions.
Contact your GMB Organiser for more details of how you can find out what courses are on offer locally
and how you can get onto these courses.
Note:
All of our courses are of course free to GMB representatives and carried out in normal working time.
Your employer will give you time off to attend and will normally pay your wages during the course.You
will need,of course,to notify your employer of any courses you have been invited to attend during
work-time.
Where GMB is recognised there should be no difficulty in getting paid time off to attend the regional
training,but you may need to negotiate mutually acceptable times.If you meet with any difficulties,
contact your GMB Officer,Senior GMB Representative where you work or Branch Secretary for
assistance.Your Regional Education Officer will also be able to advise you of your options.