Suitable for: Union organisers.

Entry Requirement: Currently or prospectively have organising responsibilities as part of their duties and have completed Organiser Pathway Level 1 - Organising Foundations or an equivalent course.

Aims:

• To advance the skills and knowledge of organisers and lead organisers to have the recruitment or sign up conversation with potential members.
• To improve attitudes and behaviours of organisers and lead organisers about the recruitment or sign up conversation.
• To deliver capacity to union branches in order to implement growth initiatives based around recruitment activity.

Learning Outcomes: On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective listening skills in the context of approaching an unknown member of the public to gauge their views on a current union campaign.
• Summarise and confidently articulate the purpose of their union.
• Recognise different communication preferences amongst potential members and adapt their approach accordingly.
• Demonstrate a conversation in which potential members identify the importance of union power within five steps.
• Confidently close a conversation using a number of strategies.
• Use services provided by the union in the recruitment conversation whilst ensuring that the potential members understands that have joined a union.
• Effectively use all the steps in handling objections.
• Positively approach conversations with potential members.

Method: This course has a very practical focus and participants in this course will be expected to participate in a number of conversations held in public areas and workplaces during the four days. It is vital that unions sending participants to this course provide an opportunity immediately following the course for organisers to hold recruitment conversations and that these conversations are debriefed as part of the ongoing development of the persons skills.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Industrial officers and officials who will present matters in the FWC or other industrial tribunals

This course is for officials who will present matters in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) or other industrial tribunals. The course is designed as a step by step approach to researching and presenting a submission to FWC or other jurisdictions.

Aims: The course identifies the areas in which FWC can arbitrate, and those matters that an advocate can take to the Magistrates Court, both State and Federal. The course will spend a significant amount of time covering techniques and practices for researching and presenting a case including:

• Elements of a contested case;
• Research;
• Structuring a case;
• Using exhibits;
• Precedent;
• Mounting an argument;
• Dealing with witnesses; and
• Presenting a case.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the areas in which FWC can arbitrate.
• Identify matters that can be taken to the Magistrates Courts, both State and Federal.
• Identify the elements and structure of a contested case.
• Identify the steps of a research process.
• Apply a framework to identify information requirements.
• Apply a structured approach to presenting material.
• Apply a structured approach to questioning of witnesses both in examination in chief and cross examination.
• Identify the elements in mounting an argument.
• Present a submission to a member of Fair Work Commission (or other industrial tribunals).

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Fees: $1,315.00 (GST inclusive) per person.

Aims:

• To give participants an understanding of a proactive and preventative approach to work health and safety.
• To build health and safety knowledge and experience of employees, health and safety representatives, health and safety officers, other health and safety practitioners and health and safety trainers.

Learning Outcomes: On completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the union approach to work health and safety
• Explore the link between organising and health and safety structures and issues in the workplace
• Familiarise themselves with health and safety laws and the rights they contain
• Understand what is involved in hazard identification and the effective control of the hazards
• Critically examine the concept of risk assessment and management systems
• Explore the role unions can play in a health and safety consultative process.

Study Mode: This course is structured as 3 + 4 days of face to face delivery (2 workshops with approximately 1 month in-between). Learner Guide reading - participants need to allocate time for this at work/home.

Contact WHS Educators:

• Anna Pupillo, P: 03 9664 7334, E: apupillo@actu.org.au
  
• Chris Hughes, P: 03 9664 7389, E: chughes@actu.org.au
  

<sub>As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 4141) ACTU Organising Centre offers accredited qualifications. We provide quality training and assessment in compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2015. Certificates are issued in accordance with Australian Qualifications Framework requirements.

Read our 2015 Quality Indicator Report, showing satisfaction ratings and feedback from previous participants.</sub>

Total Fees:
Course - $2,350.00* (GST free) per participant ($235.00 per unit)
Assessment fee (RPL) -  $235.00 (GST free) per unit per participant

* Recent Organising Works Graduates can receive Credit for 2 units, reducing the cost to $1,855.00 (GST free) per participant.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Aims:

• To give participants an understanding of a proactive and preventative approach to work health and safety.
• To build health and safety knowledge and experience of employees, health and safety representatives, health and safety officers, other health and safety practitioners and health and safety trainers.

Learning Outcomes: On completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the union approach to work health and safety
• Explore the link between organising and health and safety structures and issues in the workplace
• Familiarise themselves with health and safety laws and the rights they contain
• Understand what is involved in hazard identification and the effective control of the hazards
• Critically examine the concept of risk assessment and management systems
• Explore the role unions can play in a health and safety consultative process.

Study Mode: This course is structured as 3 + 4 days of face to face delivery (2 workshops with approximately 1 month in-between). Learner Guide reading - participants need to allocate time for this at work/home.

Contact WHS Educators:

• Anna Pupillo, P: 03 9664 7334, E: apupillo@actu.org.au
  
• Chris Hughes, P: 03 9664 7389, E: chughes@actu.org.au
  

<sub>As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 4141) ACTU Organising Centre offers accredited qualifications. We provide quality training and assessment in compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2015. Certificates are issued in accordance with Australian Qualifications Framework requirements.

Read our 2015 Quality Indicator Report, showing satisfaction ratings and feedback from previous participants.</sub>

Total Fees:
Course - $2,350.00* (GST free) per participant ($235.00 per unit)
Assessment fee (RPL) -  $235.00 (GST free) per unit per participant

* Recent Organising Works Graduates can receive Credit for 2 units, reducing the cost to $1,855.00 (GST free) per participant.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable For: Union officials, organisers, delegates & HSRs or trainers wishing to increase their knowledge of economics for workplace representation. 

It seems that so many trade union campaigns inevitably confront the same challenge: namely, we are told that our proposals (for improving pay and conditions, for better public services and stronger communities, for environmental protection) are “just not economically viable”. Trade unionists need to be able to argue confidently and convincingly that our proposals have economic merit, and can in fact strengthen economic performance and well-being. That’s why trade unionists must learn about economics – from a unionist’s perspective.

This 2-day intensive version of the Economics for Unionists course provides a basic overview of economic theory and policy, to assist participants to analyse and respond to standard economic debates regarding competitiveness, the costs and benefits of private and public sector activity, the economic effects of unions and collective bargaining, productivity and more. 

A course textbook will be provided. The course also features supplementary readings, videos and online resources, hands-on student exercises, and guest speakers.

Aims:

• To give participants understanding of fundamental economic concepts
• To explore the link between economic debates and theories, and the workplace

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, participants will have been introduced to, and be more confident in discussing:

• Major economics concepts and arguments
• Theories of the role of labour in the economy
• Alternative approaches to economic policy

About the Trainer: The trainer for the course is Dr Jim Stanford, Economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work, at the Australia Institute. Dr Stanford worked for over 20 years as Economist and Director of Policy with Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union (formerly Canadian Auto Workers). He has designed and taught numerous courses on economics for trade union members in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

More information about the Federal Right of Entry Online course.

Suitable for: Lead organisers.

This course is designed for people who are leaders of organising. It is aimed at people who lead a team of organisers at a local or national level, and who are responsible for developing and implementing organising plans.

This development program aims to equip leaders of organising to drive structured, systematic and effective organising teams. Past participants valued the practical ideas and focus on skills development. 

Learning Outcomes:
Know

• The focus and key components of the lead role.
• Detailed steps to develop and implement successful plans.
• The importance of developing and supporting organisers to help them meet their plans.
• Importance of tools and systems to support the work of the lead and identify those useful to their role.

Feel

• Crucial part that their role plays in shifting their union.
• Confidence to be a driver of change within their union and within the broader movement.

Do

• Identify barriers to their role and make plans to overcome them.
• Create a plan for a more systematic and structured way of leading organisers.
• Teach key frameworks and model the behaviour and practice you expect from organisers.

Fees: Includes tuition, accommodation and meals.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Effective campaigning is essential to the growth, visibility and power of the union movement. A major priority of the ACTU Organising Centre is to develop the materials, networks, skills and resources required to assist lead campaigners to be effective in their roles.

This course builds is aimed at lead campaigners and lead organisers who have direct responsibility for campaigning.

Aims: The Leading Campaigns course aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to establish and deliver large, well-resourced, strategic organising campaigns.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

• lead with purpose, values and principles;
• lead change, be creative innovators and motivate their staff and members to improve the quality of work and life in Australia;
• ensure internal management that is robust with the skills and knowledge to apply the governance standards in thriving democratic unions;
• apply ethical leadership and management to working with teams and creating collaborative culture;
• develop a learning culture and manage performance;
• developing workplace leaders, networks and structures to strengthen democratic structures;
• think strategically and critically;
• understand the challenges of organising to the scale necessary to improve industrial outcomes for the next generations of workers;
• develop comprehensive campaigns, understanding the need for research and analysis, make smart political choices and strengthen a member led union.

• Residential costs for accommodation
• All meals: breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Pre-course one-on-one conversation to clarify individual aims for the course
• Follow up debrief meeting with trainer
• Course Notes
• Template Tools

Entry Requirement: General negotiation experience and regular involvement in representative negotiations on behalf of the organisation's members.

This course is for experienced organisers, industrial staff or other officials who regularly negotiate grievances, disputes or are involved in bargaining.

Aims:
To introduce participants to the negotiating theories, apply those theories and to identify methods of planning and evaluating negotiations.

Learning Outcomes:
The course builds participants' listening and negotiating skills, using a collaborative approach to improve outcomes. 

On completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify different theories of negotiation and use them to assist with and assess their preparation and performance.
• Apply different negotiation theories, strategies and tactics to various scenarios.
• Recognise and apply a range of communications skills and strategies.
• Identify the elements of a persuasive argument and understand the motivators involved in decision making.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Newly-appointed organisers and organisers in their first 3–12 months.

Purpose: Organising Foundations is designed to provide new organisers with grounding in our values, purpose and power and an understanding of the role of the organiser in achieving power and purpose. We aim to develop their confidence in holding engaging union conversations and the capacity to work with union workplace leaders and activists.

Learning Outcomes: At the completion of Organising Foundations participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and values of unionism;
• Critically assess interests and power at workplace, industry, national and international levels;
• Describe the processes and steps in organising a workplace;
• Conduct research (mapping) and analysis (SWOT and Issues);
• Discuss the purpose of planning and develop an organising plan;
• Describe the industrial environment and the impact this has on organising strategies;
• Describe and demonstrate the steps in a Structured Organising Conversation;
• Demonstrate effectively handling objections;
• Describe the role of an organiser in developing leadership and building organisation;
• Apply problem solving to determine options and assess the collective potential of issues;
• Identify the purpose of meetings and strategies to ensure they are effective;
• Develop reflective practice and strategies to manage time in the role of organiser.

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to work on the mapping and to work with activists in a designated workplace. The participants will need to hold regular organising conversations and a coach should work with them on reviewing conversations they have held to address any concerns and to build confidence.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Newly-appointed organisers and organisers in their first 3–12 months.

Purpose: Organising Foundations is designed to provide new organisers with grounding in our values, purpose and power and an understanding of the role of the organiser in achieving power and purpose. We aim to develop their confidence in holding engaging union conversations and the capacity to work with union workplace leaders and activists.

Learning Outcomes: At the completion of Organising Foundations participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and values of unionism;
• Critically assess interests and power at workplace, industry, national and international levels;
• Describe the processes and steps in organising a workplace;
• Conduct research (mapping) and analysis (SWOT and Issues);
• Discuss the purpose of planning and develop an organising plan;
• Describe the industrial environment and the impact this has on organising strategies;
• Describe and demonstrate the steps in a Structured Organising Conversation;
• Demonstrate effectively handling objections;
• Describe the role of an organiser in developing leadership and building organisation;
• Apply problem solving to determine options and assess the collective potential of issues;
• Identify the purpose of meetings and strategies to ensure they are effective;
• Develop reflective practice and strategies to manage time in the role of organiser.

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to work on the mapping and to work with activists in a designated workplace. The participants will need to hold regular organising conversations and a coach should work with them on reviewing conversations they have held to address any concerns and to build confidence.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Newly-appointed organisers and organisers in their first 3–12 months.

Purpose: Organising Foundations is designed to provide new organisers with grounding in our values, purpose and power and an understanding of the role of the organiser in achieving power and purpose. We aim to develop their confidence in holding engaging union conversations and the capacity to work with union workplace leaders and activists.

Learning Outcomes: At the completion of Organising Foundations participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and values of unionism;
• Critically assess interests and power at workplace, industry, national and international levels;
• Describe the processes and steps in organising a workplace;
• Conduct research (mapping) and analysis (SWOT and Issues);
• Discuss the purpose of planning and develop an organising plan;
• Describe the industrial environment and the impact this has on organising strategies;
• Describe and demonstrate the steps in a Structured Organising Conversation;
• Demonstrate effectively handling objections;
• Describe the role of an organiser in developing leadership and building organisation;
• Apply problem solving to determine options and assess the collective potential of issues;
• Identify the purpose of meetings and strategies to ensure they are effective;
• Develop reflective practice and strategies to manage time in the role of organiser.

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to work on the mapping and to work with activists in a designated workplace. The participants will need to hold regular organising conversations and a coach should work with them on reviewing conversations they have held to address any concerns and to build confidence.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Newly-appointed organisers and organisers in their first 3–12 months.

Purpose: Organising Foundations is designed to provide new organisers with grounding in our values, purpose and power and an understanding of the role of the organiser in achieving power and purpose. We aim to develop their confidence in holding engaging union conversations and the capacity to work with union workplace leaders and activists.

Learning Outcomes: At the completion of Organising Foundations participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and values of unionism;
• Critically assess interests and power at workplace, industry, national and international levels;
• Describe the processes and steps in organising a workplace;
• Conduct research (mapping) and analysis (SWOT and Issues);
• Discuss the purpose of planning and develop an organising plan;
• Describe the industrial environment and the impact this has on organising strategies;
• Describe and demonstrate the steps in a Structured Organising Conversation;
• Demonstrate effectively handling objections;
• Describe the role of an organiser in developing leadership and building organisation;
• Apply problem solving to determine options and assess the collective potential of issues;
• Identify the purpose of meetings and strategies to ensure they are effective;
• Develop reflective practice and strategies to manage time in the role of organiser.

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to work on the mapping and to work with activists in a designated workplace. The participants will need to hold regular organising conversations and a coach should work with them on reviewing conversations they have held to address any concerns and to build confidence.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Newly-appointed organisers and organisers in their first 3–12 months.

Purpose: Organising Foundations is designed to provide new organisers with grounding in our values, purpose and power and an understanding of the role of the organiser in achieving power and purpose. We aim to develop their confidence in holding engaging union conversations and the capacity to work with union workplace leaders and activists.

Learning Outcomes: At the completion of Organising Foundations participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and values of unionism;
• Critically assess interests and power at workplace, industry, national and international levels;
• Describe the processes and steps in organising a workplace;
• Conduct research (mapping) and analysis (SWOT and Issues);
• Discuss the purpose of planning and develop an organising plan;
• Describe the industrial environment and the impact this has on organising strategies;
• Describe and demonstrate the steps in a Structured Organising Conversation;
• Demonstrate effectively handling objections;
• Describe the role of an organiser in developing leadership and building organisation;
• Apply problem solving to determine options and assess the collective potential of issues;
• Identify the purpose of meetings and strategies to ensure they are effective;
• Develop reflective practice and strategies to manage time in the role of organiser.

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to work on the mapping and to work with activists in a designated workplace. The participants will need to hold regular organising conversations and a coach should work with them on reviewing conversations they have held to address any concerns and to build confidence.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Newly-appointed organisers and organisers in their first 3–12 months.

Purpose: Organising Foundations is designed to provide new organisers with grounding in our values, purpose and power and an understanding of the role of the organiser in achieving power and purpose. We aim to develop their confidence in holding engaging union conversations and the capacity to work with union workplace leaders and activists.

Learning Outcomes: At the completion of Organising Foundations participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and values of unionism;
• Critically assess interests and power at workplace, industry, national and international levels;
• Describe the processes and steps in organising a workplace;
• Conduct research (mapping) and analysis (SWOT and Issues);
• Discuss the purpose of planning and develop an organising plan;
• Describe the industrial environment and the impact this has on organising strategies;
• Describe and demonstrate the steps in a Structured Organising Conversation;
• Demonstrate effectively handling objections;
• Describe the role of an organiser in developing leadership and building organisation;
• Apply problem solving to determine options and assess the collective potential of issues;
• Identify the purpose of meetings and strategies to ensure they are effective;
• Develop reflective practice and strategies to manage time in the role of organiser.

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to work on the mapping and to work with activists in a designated workplace. The participants will need to hold regular organising conversations and a coach should work with them on reviewing conversations they have held to address any concerns and to build confidence.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Entry Requirement: Completion of of Organiser Pathway Level 1 - Organising Foundations or equivalent.

Purpose: Building Union aims to increase the capacity of organisers to work with workplace leaders to engage workers to act collectively to resolve issues, reflective of our values and purpose and to build union organisation. We deepen understanding of the industrial system to increase organisers' capacity to effectively problem solve, negotiate and build the confidence of workers to join the union to improve their working lives.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Building Union participants will be able to:

• Describe the importance of vision, values and issues in organising;
• Review the role of an organiser in building union;
• Demonstrate deeper listening and questioning skills for effective problem solving;
• Identify the steps to resolve disputes with reference to the industrial system;
• Demonstrate effective negotiation processes in single issue and multiple demand contexts that reflect the power of union organisation;
• Conduct power analysis to determine the level at which issues can be addressed and the power required to do so;
• Analyse the wages system historically to determine the impact that different systems have on inequality;
• Demonstrate recruiting people in the context of issues resolution and for the long term;
• Develop the capacity of workplace leaders to participate in dispute resolution and collective negotiations;
• List the steps required to engage workers in collective action to resolve issues at a range of levels;
• Develop an effective union communication network, meeting and planning processes;
• Present an effective session on workers’ rights to inspire and engage;

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to participate in dispute resolution with the support of a more experienced organiser and to participate in bargaining processes with explicit coaching during this process. These organisers should be encouraged and supported in their work with activists/leaders during these processes. They should be supported in recruiting people in the context of collective issue resolution.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Entry Requirement: Completion of of Organiser Pathway Level 1 - Organising Foundations or equivalent.

Purpose: Building Union aims to increase the capacity of organisers to work with workplace leaders to engage workers to act collectively to resolve issues, reflective of our values and purpose and to build union organisation. We deepen understanding of the industrial system to increase organisers' capacity to effectively problem solve, negotiate and build the confidence of workers to join the union to improve their working lives.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Building Union participants will be able to:

• Describe the importance of vision, values and issues in organising;
• Review the role of an organiser in building union;
• Demonstrate deeper listening and questioning skills for effective problem solving;
• Identify the steps to resolve disputes with reference to the industrial system;
• Demonstrate effective negotiation processes in single issue and multiple demand contexts that reflect the power of union organisation;
• Conduct power analysis to determine the level at which issues can be addressed and the power required to do so;
• Analyse the wages system historically to determine the impact that different systems have on inequality;
• Demonstrate recruiting people in the context of issues resolution and for the long term;
• Develop the capacity of workplace leaders to participate in dispute resolution and collective negotiations;
• List the steps required to engage workers in collective action to resolve issues at a range of levels;
• Develop an effective union communication network, meeting and planning processes;
• Present an effective session on workers’ rights to inspire and engage;

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to participate in dispute resolution with the support of a more experienced organiser and to participate in bargaining processes with explicit coaching during this process. These organisers should be encouraged and supported in their work with activists/leaders during these processes. They should be supported in recruiting people in the context of collective issue resolution.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Entry Requirement: Completion of of Organiser Pathway Level 1 - Organising Foundations or equivalent.

Purpose: Building Union aims to increase the capacity of organisers to work with workplace leaders to engage workers to act collectively to resolve issues, reflective of our values and purpose and to build union organisation. We deepen understanding of the industrial system to increase organisers' capacity to effectively problem solve, negotiate and build the confidence of workers to join the union to improve their working lives.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Building Union participants will be able to:

• Describe the importance of vision, values and issues in organising;
• Review the role of an organiser in building union;
• Demonstrate deeper listening and questioning skills for effective problem solving;
• Identify the steps to resolve disputes with reference to the industrial system;
• Demonstrate effective negotiation processes in single issue and multiple demand contexts that reflect the power of union organisation;
• Conduct power analysis to determine the level at which issues can be addressed and the power required to do so;
• Analyse the wages system historically to determine the impact that different systems have on inequality;
• Demonstrate recruiting people in the context of issues resolution and for the long term;
• Develop the capacity of workplace leaders to participate in dispute resolution and collective negotiations;
• List the steps required to engage workers in collective action to resolve issues at a range of levels;
• Develop an effective union communication network, meeting and planning processes;
• Present an effective session on workers’ rights to inspire and engage;

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to participate in dispute resolution with the support of a more experienced organiser and to participate in bargaining processes with explicit coaching during this process. These organisers should be encouraged and supported in their work with activists/leaders during these processes. They should be supported in recruiting people in the context of collective issue resolution.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Entry Requirement: Completion of of Organiser Pathway Level 1 - Organising Foundations or equivalent.

Purpose: Building Union aims to increase the capacity of organisers to work with workplace leaders to engage workers to act collectively to resolve issues, reflective of our values and purpose and to build union organisation. We deepen understanding of the industrial system to increase organisers' capacity to effectively problem solve, negotiate and build the confidence of workers to join the union to improve their working lives.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Building Union participants will be able to:

• Describe the importance of vision, values and issues in organising;
• Review the role of an organiser in building union;
• Demonstrate deeper listening and questioning skills for effective problem solving;
• Identify the steps to resolve disputes with reference to the industrial system;
• Demonstrate effective negotiation processes in single issue and multiple demand contexts that reflect the power of union organisation;
• Conduct power analysis to determine the level at which issues can be addressed and the power required to do so;
• Analyse the wages system historically to determine the impact that different systems have on inequality;
• Demonstrate recruiting people in the context of issues resolution and for the long term;
• Develop the capacity of workplace leaders to participate in dispute resolution and collective negotiations;
• List the steps required to engage workers in collective action to resolve issues at a range of levels;
• Develop an effective union communication network, meeting and planning processes;
• Present an effective session on workers’ rights to inspire and engage;

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing their projects and provided with opportunities to participate in dispute resolution with the support of a more experienced organiser and to participate in bargaining processes with explicit coaching during this process. These organisers should be encouraged and supported in their work with activists/leaders during these processes. They should be supported in recruiting people in the context of collective issue resolution.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: This course is for organisers with some experience (2–3 years) who have completed levels one and two (or equivalent) of the Pathway.

Purpose: The Organising for Change course is to ensure that organisers apply critical thinking on complex issues and confidently develop leadership and organisation in difficult situations. It requires organisers to think at system level and to identify the impact of ideas and assumptions in maintaining inequity. This course explores Work Health and Safety and Equity legislation and introduces the elements in effective campaign planning.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Organising for Change participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate storytelling as a means to educate, engage and activate;
• Analyse power, discrimination and inequality in terms of behaviour, systems and ideas with different tools of analysis;
• Identify underlying, systems based problems in reference to WHS;
• Discuss the purpose and power of WHS representatives;
• Research and assess a workplace in terms of WHS structures and in terms of diversity;
• Assess WHS issues in terms of risks, hazards and control mechanisms;
• Establish union WHS structures;
• Identify processes to engage members and potential members in resolving WHS issues;
• Identify strategies to work effectively with groups in organising committees;
• Reframe the economy and unions and conduct an induction based on this understanding;
• Use a renaming process as an educational tool to challenge the existing status quo;
• Identify the elements in effective campaigns and the importance of strategy or a plan to win;
• Conduct an attitudinal analysis and demonstrate effective skills in shifting attitudes;
• Identify the role of social media in communication, networking and mobilising;
• Develop leader’s capacity to build unity in the face of division;
• Plan for diversity.

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing a workplace based campaigning plan ensuring they are using the most appropriate methods in these campaign plans, the implementation of this plan will provide an important opportunity for ongoing supported development. Participants should be challenged to incorporate WHS as a key component of their organising plans and to develop WHS representatives. These organisers should be asked to consider questions of diversity in their workplaces and supported in developing inclusive strategies.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: This course is for organisers with some experience (2–3 years) who have completed levels one and two (or equivalent) of the Pathway.

Purpose: The Organising for Change course is to ensure that organisers apply critical thinking on complex issues and confidently develop leadership and organisation in difficult situations. It requires organisers to think at system level and to identify the impact of ideas and assumptions in maintaining inequity. This course explores Work Health and Safety and Equity legislation and introduces the elements in effective campaign planning.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Organising for Change participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate storytelling as a means to educate, engage and activate;
• Analyse power, discrimination and inequality in terms of behaviour, systems and ideas with different tools of analysis;
• Identify underlying, systems based problems in reference to WHS;
• Discuss the purpose and power of WHS representatives;
• Research and assess a workplace in terms of WHS structures and in terms of diversity;
• Assess WHS issues in terms of risks, hazards and control mechanisms;
• Establish union WHS structures;
• Identify processes to engage members and potential members in resolving WHS issues;
• Identify strategies to work effectively with groups in organising committees;
• Reframe the economy and unions and conduct an induction based on this understanding;
• Use a renaming process as an educational tool to challenge the existing status quo;
• Identify the elements in effective campaigns and the importance of strategy or a plan to win;
• Conduct an attitudinal analysis and demonstrate effective skills in shifting attitudes;
• Identify the role of social media in communication, networking and mobilising;
• Develop leader’s capacity to build unity in the face of division;
• Plan for diversity.

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing a workplace based campaigning plan ensuring they are using the most appropriate methods in these campaign plans, the implementation of this plan will provide an important opportunity for ongoing supported development. Participants should be challenged to incorporate WHS as a key component of their organising plans and to develop WHS representatives. These organisers should be asked to consider questions of diversity in their workplaces and supported in developing inclusive strategies.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: This course is for organisers with some experience (2–3 years) who have completed levels one and two (or equivalent) of the Pathway.

Purpose: The Organising for Change course is to ensure that organisers apply critical thinking on complex issues and confidently develop leadership and organisation in difficult situations. It requires organisers to think at system level and to identify the impact of ideas and assumptions in maintaining inequity. This course explores Work Health and Safety and Equity legislation and introduces the elements in effective campaign planning.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Organising for Change participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate storytelling as a means to educate, engage and activate;
• Analyse power, discrimination and inequality in terms of behaviour, systems and ideas with different tools of analysis;
• Identify underlying, systems based problems in reference to WHS;
• Discuss the purpose and power of WHS representatives;
• Research and assess a workplace in terms of WHS structures and in terms of diversity;
• Assess WHS issues in terms of risks, hazards and control mechanisms;
• Establish union WHS structures;
• Identify processes to engage members and potential members in resolving WHS issues;
• Identify strategies to work effectively with groups in organising committees;
• Reframe the economy and unions and conduct an induction based on this understanding;
• Use a renaming process as an educational tool to challenge the existing status quo;
• Identify the elements in effective campaigns and the importance of strategy or a plan to win;
• Conduct an attitudinal analysis and demonstrate effective skills in shifting attitudes;
• Identify the role of social media in communication, networking and mobilising;
• Develop leader’s capacity to build unity in the face of division;
• Plan for diversity.

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing a workplace based campaigning plan ensuring they are using the most appropriate methods in these campaign plans, the implementation of this plan will provide an important opportunity for ongoing supported development. Participants should be challenged to incorporate WHS as a key component of their organising plans and to develop WHS representatives. These organisers should be asked to consider questions of diversity in their workplaces and supported in developing inclusive strategies.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: This course is for organisers with some experience (2–3 years) who have completed levels one and two (or equivalent) of the Pathway.

Purpose: The Organising for Change course is to ensure that organisers apply critical thinking on complex issues and confidently develop leadership and organisation in difficult situations. It requires organisers to think at system level and to identify the impact of ideas and assumptions in maintaining inequity. This course explores Work Health and Safety and Equity legislation and introduces the elements in effective campaign planning.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Organising for Change participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate storytelling as a means to educate, engage and activate;
• Analyse power, discrimination and inequality in terms of behaviour, systems and ideas with different tools of analysis;
• Identify underlying, systems based problems in reference to WHS;
• Discuss the purpose and power of WHS representatives;
• Research and assess a workplace in terms of WHS structures and in terms of diversity;
• Assess WHS issues in terms of risks, hazards and control mechanisms;
• Establish union WHS structures;
• Identify processes to engage members and potential members in resolving WHS issues;
• Identify strategies to work effectively with groups in organising committees;
• Reframe the economy and unions and conduct an induction based on this understanding;
• Use a renaming process as an educational tool to challenge the existing status quo;
• Identify the elements in effective campaigns and the importance of strategy or a plan to win;
• Conduct an attitudinal analysis and demonstrate effective skills in shifting attitudes;
• Identify the role of social media in communication, networking and mobilising;
• Develop leader’s capacity to build unity in the face of division;
• Plan for diversity.

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing a workplace based campaigning plan ensuring they are using the most appropriate methods in these campaign plans, the implementation of this plan will provide an important opportunity for ongoing supported development. Participants should be challenged to incorporate WHS as a key component of their organising plans and to develop WHS representatives. These organisers should be asked to consider questions of diversity in their workplaces and supported in developing inclusive strategies.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: This course is for organisers with some experience (2–3 years) who have completed levels one and two (or equivalent) of the Pathway.

Purpose: The Organising for Change course is to ensure that organisers apply critical thinking on complex issues and confidently develop leadership and organisation in difficult situations. It requires organisers to think at system level and to identify the impact of ideas and assumptions in maintaining inequity. This course explores Work Health and Safety and Equity legislation and introduces the elements in effective campaign planning.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Organising for Change participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate storytelling as a means to educate, engage and activate;
• Analyse power, discrimination and inequality in terms of behaviour, systems and ideas with different tools of analysis;
• Identify underlying, systems based problems in reference to WHS;
• Discuss the purpose and power of WHS representatives;
• Research and assess a workplace in terms of WHS structures and in terms of diversity;
• Assess WHS issues in terms of risks, hazards and control mechanisms;
• Establish union WHS structures;
• Identify processes to engage members and potential members in resolving WHS issues;
• Identify strategies to work effectively with groups in organising committees;
• Reframe the economy and unions and conduct an induction based on this understanding;
• Use a renaming process as an educational tool to challenge the existing status quo;
• Identify the elements in effective campaigns and the importance of strategy or a plan to win;
• Conduct an attitudinal analysis and demonstrate effective skills in shifting attitudes;
• Identify the role of social media in communication, networking and mobilising;
• Develop leader’s capacity to build unity in the face of division;
• Plan for diversity.

Structure: This course is structured as 3 + 3 days with a two-staged organising project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in completing a workplace based campaigning plan ensuring they are using the most appropriate methods in these campaign plans, the implementation of this plan will provide an important opportunity for ongoing supported development. Participants should be challenged to incorporate WHS as a key component of their organising plans and to develop WHS representatives. These organisers should be asked to consider questions of diversity in their workplaces and supported in developing inclusive strategies.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Proficient organisers to assist them to take greater responsibility for their work as an experienced organiser

Purpose: This course is designed for proficient organisers to develop their knowledge and skills to enable them to take responsibility for planning and implementing campaigns that develop leadership and structure for the long term. It deepens their understanding of educational principles applied in the work of organising. Participants gain an understanding of and the elements in analysing and planning at an industry level, and more detailed understanding of communication principles (such as framing) and method in a campaigning context.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of Craft of Organising participants will be able to:

• Share experiences and reflect on their work as an organiser;
• Conduct an analysis of power at an industry level;
• Identify the relationship between workplace and industry plans;
• Deepen research, analysis and planning skills;
• Underpin the work they do with activists and leaders with adult education principles and practice;
• Demonstrate working with a WOC at various stages, complexity and intensity;
• Underpin their SOC with strategic questioning;
• Deepen the power element of SOC through the application of the Industrial Areas Foundation framework;
• Demonstrate structured and inspiring presentations;
• Recognise the role of organisers in educating, leaders and members to analyse issues that impact on all working people;
• Assess employer strategies and tactics and the develop effective strategies for different contexts;
• Discuss the purpose and demonstrate a story of hope;
• Describe and apply elements of strategic campaigning;
• Discuss the importance of framing in communication strategies and demonstrate reframing;
• Develop escalating actions to both develop leadership and mobilise.
• Develop a plan to apply in a target site

Structure: This course is structured as 4 + 4 days with a two staged project. There are components of Online learning to reinforce the elements taught face to face.

Coaching & Mentoring: The transfer of skills and knowledge from this course requires that participants are supported in participating in the development of industry campaign plans ensuring they are using the most appropriate methods in these campaign plans. Participating in the implementation of this plan will provide an important opportunity for ongoing supported development.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

More information about the Organising Works program.

Total Fees: $4,995.00 (GST free) includes training, tuition and residential.

Organising Works participants must be employed by a union for the duration of the program. Total fees are paid by the union. This application form should be submitted by the PARTICIPANT, once approval has been obtained from their Union.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

More information about the Organising Works Assessment.

Fees: $895.00 (GST free)

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Union staff, officials, officers and organisers.

HALF OF ALL AUSTRALIANS EXPERIENCE WORKPLACE BULLYING¹

All workers are entitled to a safe workplace, but bullying and harassment occur daily and affect the psychological health of workers.

I would like to know more about how to handle workplace bullying as at the moment I feel like I am being bullied by my co-worker and our supervisor. I want to face this issue the wise and smart way not just me getting sick of it then just explode

Female, 19, Waitress²

Bullying and Harassment are workplace hazards affecting psychological health and safety.

As an organiser, you can help prevent workplace bullying. This course will assist you in ensuring the appropriate controls are in place to minimise the risks  

Evidence-based research from scientific and legal studies identifies workplace factors that can contribute to psychological health and safety.

There are things we can do to prevent workplace bullying, and ways to organise so that workers have the appropriate controls to minimize the risks.

The Preventing Workplace Bullying and Harassment course will inform you of the magnitude of these hazards present in Australian workplaces across all industries.  It will assist you to develop an Organising Plan to build our workplace leaders’ capacity to prevent workplace psychosocial hazards.

Further it will increase your knowledge and skill in relation to how to use both the WHS and Industrial law as a tool to resolve complaints from individual members whilst also addressing any organisational or systemic influence.

1. Powell, Robyn, 2016, Half of all Australians experience workplace bullying, survey finds, ABC News, Sydney [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-09/half-all-australians-experience-workplace-bullying-survey-finds/7916230]

2. Young Workers Health & Safety Snapshot, 2016, Young Workers’ Centre, Victorian Trades Hall Council, Melbourne

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Organisers and officials.

This 1-day public speaking and communications workshop builds understanding of different methods of communication and skills in using them effectively.

The training experience is designed to help people:

• Communicate with confidence and clarity;
• Be composed under pressure;
• Respond in the moment.

This will improve communication between officials and workers and allow for more considered and inclusive decision making and representation in workplaces.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Union trainers, educators and union staff who deliver training to delegates and members.

Aims: To give educators and organisers the knowledge and skills to prepare and deliver short training sessions for members, activists and delegates.

Learning Outcomes: On completion, participants will be able to:

• Describe the values and key principles that underpin union education;
• Prepare session plans, including  aims and objectives;
• Identify learning styles and strategies to meet different learner needs;
• Develop activities, visual aids and other supporting resources;
• Identify strategies to manage group dynamics;
• Demonstrate basic training techniques and presentation skills.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Elected officials, finance staff, management committee members

Registered Organisations Commission (ROC) approved

The Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 requires union officers with financial decision-making responsibilities (including elected officials, finance staff and members of management committee) to undertake ROC-Approved training within 6 months of their appointment. 

Our Union Governance course has 4 main topics as required by legislation:

• The financial governance requirements of the legislation;
• Conflict of interest and disclosure of financial interests;
• Financial management issues; and
• Reading and understanding financial reports.

All of the sessions refer to the relevant legislation, and use case studies and practical examples.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Union educators and trainers

Registered Organisations Commission (ROC) approved

The ACTU is offering a one day Train the Trainer Course to Union Educators and Trainers who have responsibility for delivering the new (post-1st August 2017) Union Governance training.

On completion of the course, Educators and Trainers will be qualified to use the new ACTU Registered Organisatiosn Commissions Union Governance training material.

Only people who have completed this course will be eligible to conduct the ROC-approved ACTU Union Governance training.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

Suitable for: Union educators and trainers

Registered Organisations Commission (ROC) approved

The ACTU is offering a one day Train the Trainer Course to Union Educators and Trainers who have responsibility for delivering the post-1st August 2017 Union Governance training.

On completion of the course, Educators and Trainers will be qualified to use the new ACTU Registered Organisatiosn Commissions Union Governance training material.

Only people who have completed this course will be eligible to conduct the ROC-approved ACTU Union Governance training.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

This is a foundation course for new union staff, officials, officers and administrators. 

Aims: The course covers essential topics that inform and guide staff working within the contemporary union movement, including:

• Why unions are important to workers;
• The critical role unions play in today's society;
• How our vision and values support our actions;
• Union history, achieving better communities;
• Contemporary union culture, understanding our work environment; and
• Effective communications skills.

Learning Outcomes: On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain why unions are important to workers.
• Describe the role of unions in building power for working people.
• Describe the power of collective action to create change.
• Outline how communities are stronger because of union achievements.
• Identify some of our key values, understand where they come from and how they help shape our lives and impact on the work we do within the union movement.
• Describe the range rights workers have and where these have come from.
• Understand the role of the union movement in establishing, upholding and building on these rights.
• Describe union structures and roles, and detail various aspects and influences connected to a global perspective of union work.
• Recognise the importance of effective communication in all union work and demonstrate foundation communication skills such as listening and questioning skills.
• Apply strategies to deal with difficult behaviour.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

This course is suitable for staff working across all areas of the not for profit superannuation and finance sector, including operations and administration, member services, account management, IT, marketing, HR and training.

Overview: This one day foundational course is run by the ACTU exclusively for staff from the not for profit superannuation and finance sector. The course aims to enhance participant's understanding of how industry funds and Australian unions and their members are working together.

Aims: Unions and not for profit superannuation funds have a unique place in Australian society. This course aims to equip participants with knowledge and understanding of the:

• Role of unions in improving the lives of working Australian.
• Shared history and values of unions and the not for profit superannuation and finance sector.
• An overview of the current campaigns to improve superannuation

Total Fees:
$495.00 (GST inclusive) per participant
$395.00 (GST inclusive) per participant for ACTU Super Program Partners. If you are an ACTU Superannuation Program Partner, you may be entitled to a complimentary registration. Please contact Mary Doyle on 03 9664 7333 to determine if you are eligible.

Fees: Includes morning tea, light lunch and afternoon tea.

Note: This course is not delivered under the TUEF Productivity Education and Training Fund Project.

Activism and commitment are the lifeblood of unions. Educating delegates and developing activists is the key to strong and effective unions in the workplace. It is the basis for union growth. (unions@work 1999)

• We know that delegates are central to unions’ capacity to organise and achieve outcomes for working people in workplaces, industry and the community.
• We know that education is key to providing the confidence for people to act.
• We know that unions are most effective when delegate development is connected to their work.
• We know that to successfully transfer learning there needs to be follow-up in the workplace.

This holistic program will bring together experienced delegates from different unions to develop their capacity to be leaders in their workplaces and across the union movement.

The program includes:

• One four-day workshop addressing organising, communication, negotiation and campaign skills, current economic and industrial debates and their implications for workers.
• Workplace organising project.
• Supported online learning.

The program also includes mentoring and coaching for organisers whose delegates are participating in the program, to develop the confidence and ability to effectively follow up delegates. There will be an Organiser Briefing prior to the course commencing.

Aims: To develop the leadership of union delegates to address the challenges they face in their workplaces and industries.

Objectives: At the end of this program delegates will be able to:

• Connect and learn with union delegates from a range of unions;
• Demonstrate values-based leadership in their workplaces and industries;
• Critically analyse the role of the economy and different players in work related issues;
• Research and analyse the issues working people experience in their workplaces;
• Develop effective strategies to enable workers to come together to resolve issues in their workplace and industries;
• Develop realistic and achievable plans to address issues;
• Confidently communicate with working people about the role of unions in improving their lives and to engage them in this;
• Confidently negotiate on issues at a workplace level.

Note: We are asking affiliates to:

• Enrol at least 2 delegates (working in a priority site in which there is or will be an organising campaign), and ensure their release from work;
• Ensure that their organisers attend the Organiser Briefing (which should be scheduled during the week prior to the course commencing) and that they can support the delegates to successfully complete the organising projects.

Fees: Includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Read our Participant Information and Cancellation Policies for our courses.

• Discuss the key objectives of the Workplace Union Leaders Delegates Intensive course;
• Understand the key role they play ensuring the transfer of learning from the training room to the workplace;
• Identify the skills and knowledge that the delegates will be using to complete the organising projects;
• Plan their follow-up of delegates;
• Demonstrate a conversation to brief and debrief delegates in relation to the project.