Trade unions learning representatives: progressing partnership?

an article by Catherine Cassell (Manchester Business School)and Bill Lee (Management School, University of Sheffield) published in Work, Employment & Society Volume 23 Number 2 (2009)
Abstract

The statutory rights given to trade union learning representatives (ULRs) to facilitate and organise learning in the workplace has led to the creation of a new specialised union lay official role. This article investigates how the ULR initiative is facilitating the development of learning partnerships in the workplace. Empirical data is provided from a qualitative study that draws on interviews with full-time trade union officials from a range of unions. It is argued that although the ULR initiative provides opportunities for unions to promote the ideal of learning partnerships within the workplace, rights to learning remain a contested terrain between many employers and unions.

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