Shop Steward Training Programme

Shop Steward Training Programme

Purpose

The purpose of this programme is to equip participants with broader knowledge and skills on Shop Steward Practice. Starting off with a review on basic shop steward practice concepts and then moving to more detailed aspects, as set out in the following modules:

Module 1: The role and function of Shop Stewards

• The role and authority of a shop steward
• The functions of a shop steward
• Recognition and procedural agreements
• Management Shop Steward Meetings
• Other workplace forums – workplace training committees, health and safety committees and employment equity committees

Module 2: Dispute Resolution

• Causes of conflict
• Identifying and resolving trade union member concerns
• Dispute resolution structures
• Consultation & negotiation structures
• The dispute resolution process
• Disputes of right and disputes of interest
• Resolving a rights dispute
• Strikes, Lockouts and Protest Action

Module 3: Discipline & Grievance Management

• Dealing with grievances at the workplace
• Dealing with discipline at the workplace
• The roles of parties in a disciplinary process
• Investigation and preparation of a formal enquiry
• The formal disciplinary enquiry
• Representing an employee n a formal enquiry

Module 4: Negotiation and Consultation Skills

• Preparing for negotiations or consultations
• Deadlocks and identifying common ground

Module 5: Case law on Shop Stewards

Module 6:  Understanding Trade Unions

• Dealing with Trade Unions in the Workplace
• Requirements for registered Trade Unions
• The status of a trade union
• The relevance of the scope of the Union’s constitution