Trainings and workshops

What rights do we have at work? How do you get started organising in your workplace? And how can we build powerful campaigns that can take on the bosses and win?

Trade unions are organisations of workers that exist to improve their members' pay and conditions. To be an effective trade unionist, it's helpful to learn key skills from organisers and other members. Together, we can teach each other how to build power in our workplaces and take effective action to win our demands.

Most workshops and trainings are run at the branch level so that they can focus on sector-specific issues and strategies, but there are also centralised courses available like the ones listed below. Trainings are run in both Spanish and English wherever possible.

Members' Handbook

The Members' Handbook is a resourced for members and officials to use to offer training and advice around organising your workplace, seeking support for workplace issues, structuring a campaign, and more! Download a copy of the Members' Handbook below.

Download the Members' Handbook (English)

Descargar el Manual de Membresía (Español)

Videos

In this recording from September 2021, Henry (IWGB General Secretary) explains the basics of trade unions, workers' rights and what it means to organise for collective power. Find more videos like this in this YouTube playlist.

For reps and officials

When you become a workplace rep or a branch official, you can get training, resources or advice from the staff team to support you in your role.

Here are the contact details for different areas:

• Organising and campaigns: Charlie Macnamara, Head of Organising - charliemacnamara@iwgb.co.uk
• Digital skills (e.g. GMail, Action Network, Airtable): Isabella Cammarota, Systems and Operations Coordinator - isabellacammarota@iwgb.co.uk
• Comms and social media: Jake Thomas - jakethomas@iwgb.co.uk or Ellie Butcher - elliebutcher@iwgb.co.uk

Please note that it won't always be possible to provide one-to-one trainings. In that case, the staff team will try to provide useful resources (videos, guides, templates etc.) or suggest a group training.