Association of Staff in Tertiary Education

The aim of this two day course is: to enable participants to describe features of a well organised work site and how it works with the national ASTE structure and systems; define their role as volunteer organisers; understand key aspects of the ERA 2000; describe key provisions of collective agreements appropriate to the tertiary education sector; use the knowledge gained to work with workplace problems or concerns.

This two day course is intended for ASTE members, particularly branch chairs and executives, National Executive and members of Te Roopu Whakau. By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Describe the key changes in the industrial landscape that may impact on bargaining over the next three years to their branch membership;
• Facilitate a process that enables the broader membership to participate in the development of the national bargaining strategy;
• Maximise opportunities for their own input into the national bargaining strategy.

This 3 hour course is intended for union delegates and active members, particularly young workers and those from minority groups. By the end of the course participants should:

• Understand the nature of workplace bullying;
• Understand and relate to members how workplace bullying impacts on their Health and Safety;
• Be able to identify the challenges and barriers to overcome this behaviour in the workplace;
• Have developed additional skills and knowledge in dealing with difficult people and situations;
• Have developed additional communication skills and increased their confidence.
  

The Course aims to assist new executive members and other union members in understanding their role within the branch structure, and how they can most effectively contribute to ensuring positive employment relationships are the norm in their workplace.

The focus of the course is:

• The role of a union official in the branch within an “organising model” of union activity;
• Methods of union organisation that ensure members are able to maximise their opportunities for participation and influence;
• The processes involved in resolving workplace issues in a good faith environment, particularly in relation to addressing the needs of a diverse membership;
• The context in which the union operates within the tertiary sector

The course is an introductory level programme, for union members who are new to their roles, or who would like to develop skills in these areas.

This course is an intermediate level programme, for union delegates who have understanding of their specific role within the branch but are seeking to expand this understanding to a specific area of union organising. It builds on the course “Implementing organising strategies in the workplace”

The focus for this course is to further develop:

1. Understanding the value of a highly unionised workplace as a means of assisting with positive employment relations;
2. Recruitment strategies that ensure potential members are able to make an informed choice about union membership;
3. Increasing knowledge of key industrial issues that may arise in the workplace so that participants are able to confidently discuss these with potential members;
4. The industrial and professional context in which the union operates within the tertiary sector, particularly highlighting mutual obligations of good faith between employers and unions.

The aim of this course is to increase ASTE branch members' knowledge of the employment environment, their rights and responsibilities, and how to participate effectively as employees and as union members in their workplaces.

The aim of this course is to further upskill ASTE branch officers and activists in performing their role in building productive relationships with staff and management.

The target group for this course are branch officers or potential branch officers who have the potential and ability to pass on information and skills through their branch networks to other ASTE members at their site.

By the end of this two-day course or group of modules the course participants should:

• Demonstrate an understanding of their role as branch officials.
• Describe and use problem solving process.
• Demonstrate an understanding of change processes in a professional education environment.