Union arguments

For the union, basic skills are part of a much wider program of worker- centred education and union building.

Why union members want basic skills programs.

• I need better communications skills to deal with my co-workers. I want to be better able to express my ideas to supervisors, customers, and the public. Better skills will help me understand what is happening in the workplace. I can participate fully in working life.
• Improving my skills will help build my confidence.
• Now I can help my children with their homework and read them stories. I can do my own income taxes too. I went to "meet the teacher" night for the first time.
• Improving my skills helps me to know what's going on in my union. Now I can read the union newsletter, understand the collective agreement and participate in union activities. In the classes, I am learning more about the union and how it works.
• This program means I can think about taking some future training and education. I feel I am in better shape now to keep my job or look for a new one.
• Better skills help me to participate more fully in my community. I can participate in community activities because now I better understand what is happening.
• Participating in workplace education was the first step for me to take a course in steward's training with my union.

Why some union members have to be convinced to support union basic skills programs.

• Why should the union be pushing for a program which only helps a minority of our members? What do I get out of it? I know how to read and write pretty well.
• These programs are okay, but why isn't the employer providing them?
• Sure I have some difficulties reading, but I'm getting old. It's been too long since I left school and it wasn't so great in the first place. Besides, I will be retiring soon.
• We have a public education system and members should get their classes there.

Why unions should support basic skills.

• We need to reach out to those union members who are not yet active in the union. Lack of basic skills is a major barrier to participation. Having a positive union-based learning experience can encourage members to get involved.
• The union is seen to be providing a much needed and valuable service to our members.
• Participating in a workplace literacy program can help us better understand what is happening in the workplace. For example, it can help our members gain a thorough understanding of health and safety Issues.
• Through these programs, members can also learn some of the basics about our union and how it works. If they know what is happening, then they are more likely to get involved. Everyone benefits when our local becomes more democratic and active.
• Higher levels of literacy and basic skills lead to better membership understanding of written union material. Members also feel more confident participating in writing union material.
• The whole union gains when a group of people who have had difficulty participating get the tools to play a role in union activities.
• The union gains by having a chance to shape the program and use it to introduce many new members to the union, its role, its history and its values.
• If we don't help shape this program, the employer will, and the programs will be used to push the employer's ideas and values.