WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

SECTION 5.43
43. Do workplace organisers and safety representatives get time off for training?
Yes,you should get time off with pay,but there are conditions:
• You are an accredited steward or safety rep;
• your employer recognises GMB for collective bargaining;
• you ask your employer for time off(first giving reasonable notice);
• the training course is approved by GMB or by the TUC;
• the training is relevant to your GMB duties;
• the amount of time off you request must be reasonable.
Since the training must be relevant to your union duties,you may face difficulties if the course is on a
subject your employer refuses to discuss with the union.All GMB courses are carefully designed to
increase the chance of paid time off,so always consult your Regional Education Officer.
What is‘reasonable’time off will depend on the particular circumstances.Guidance on training of
Safety Reps comes in the 1977 Code of Practice issued by the Health and Safety Commission; and on
training of staff reps and shop stewards in the 2003 Code of Practice from the Advisory,Conciliation
and Arbitration Service.
The amount of pay should be your normal pay.However where the course falls on days you would
normally not work,there is no statutory right to time off in lieu–another good reason to negotiate
time off agreements.
Where you work part-time and the course lasts longer than your normal working hours,you should be
paid for those extra hours.
There is no need for a minimum period of continuous service–if all other conditions are met,you are
entitled to time off from your first day of employment.(Although the HSC Code recommends two years’
experience for safety reps.)
If you are refused paid time off for training,contact your GMB Regional Organiser.
The government has now brought into force the parts of the Employment Act 2002 that give time off
rights to‘Union Learning Representatives’.These union officials advise union members about their
training needs e.g.technical and vocational courses.ULRs will get reasonable paid time off for their
duties and for their own learning needs.
GMB prefers to negotiate a time off agreement with employers so that the statutory rules can be
adapted to what best suits our reps in each workplace.See the Shop Stewards’Handbook for
further advice.
REMEMBER: there may be more than one person affected by this issue.
Consider calling a meeting to advise,recruit and organise.