C18 - Union representation for shop stewards

Module 1 : Introduction

• The Constitution and freedom of association
• The protection in terms of labour law

Module 2 : Defining a Trade Union

• Purpose of a Trade Union
• Role players in a Trade Union

Module 3 : Representativeness

• The rights of Trade Unions
• Can I prevent employees to join?
• Defining representativeness
• Principle of majoritarianism v plurality

Module 4 : Organisational Rights

• Access to the workplace
• Deduction of levies
• Time off for office bearers
• Shop stewards
• Disclosure of information

Module 5 : The majority Trade Union

• Shop stewards - How many may the Union have?
• Full time shop stewards
• Time off for shop stewards and office bearers
• Misconduct of shop stewards
• The role and function of shop stewards

Module 6 : Role of the Chairperson

• Right to establish a threshold
• Collective bargaining and collective agreements
• Consultation and negotiation
• Destructive collective behaviour
• Collective agreements and recognition agreements
• The duty to bargain - does it exist?
• Disputes

Module 7 : How to prepare for Union meetings

• The process of entering the workplace from recruitment to majority Union
• Preparation and strategy for meetings
• The negotiation process

Module 8 : Conflict resolution

• Main sources of conflict
• Assumptions and perceptions
• Positive and negative characteristics of conflict
• The impact of negative conflict on the relationship with the Union
• Techniques on identifying and managing conflict
• Do’s and don’ts of conflict management

Module 9 : Discipline

• Collecting evidence – sources of evidence
• Consulting witnesses and drafting statements for witnesses
• Unwilling witnesses, hostile witnesses and intimidation of witnesses.
• Different types of evidence and how to collect this evidence: affidavits, statements, documentary evidence, real evidence, voice recordings, video recordings, photographs etc.
• Admissibility, relevance and weight of evidence.
• Bundles of evidence – preparation and exchange.
• Preparation for the hearing – do’s and don’ts
• Opening and closing statements and the burden of proof.
• Leading evidence and cross examination.

Module 10 : Grievances and grievance procedures

• How to deal with grievances and grievance procedures

Module 11 : Overview of the CCMA