Learning Agreements

What is a Learning Agreement?

A Learning Agreement is an agreement between the employer and the union(s) that the employer recognises.  It will layout how the union learning agenda in that company will proceed, and normally includes such items as:

• The number of Rail Union Learning Reps (RULRs)
• Arrangements for RULRs to get paid release to undertake their role
• Confidentiality for members who may be afraid that gaps in their knowledge may jeopardize their employability
• Paid release for Skills for Life (numeracy and literacy) learners
• Shift rearrangement so that learners can attend courses regularly
• The setting up and running of a Steering Committee

Is there a Learning Agreement at my place of work?

Learning Agreements are relatively new and therefore not every work place will have one yet.  To find out if there is a Learning Agreement at your work place ask a Company Council (Central Negotiating Committee or Port Authority) member. 

The Process of getting a Learning Agreement

All learning agreements have to be negotiated through the normal machinery.  Usually, this will be done by the Negotiating Officers, Company Council (Port Authority or Central Negotiating Committee), and senior HR management.

Where there are already RULRs/ULRs in place, their knowledge is invaluable for creating a successful Learning Agreement.  However, RULRs/ULRs are not trained in negotiations and do not negotiate company wide Learning Agreements.

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