The annual NIC ICTU Union Learn Conference took place in the MAC in Belfast this morning, with over 80 present from trade unions, education funders and providers. Most there were Union Learning Representatives, whose dedication to delivering workplace learning to their co-workers was acknowledged by the Department for the Economy (DfE) who fund the service through NIC ICTU.
Tributes to the efficiency and track record of Union Learning were made by Louise Watson, Director of Further Education at DfE. Other guest speakers from organisations delivering the suite of skills and support for neurodivergent learners and workers included, Michael Patterson, Curriculum Area Manager, Belfast Met, Centre for Supported Learning, Conor Hogan, Lecturer at the Centre for Supported Learning, Belfast Met and Michelle Scott, Employment Engagement Officer, Ulster Supported Employment Ltd. Brian McDaid, Assistant General Secretary, Aegis looked at why Neurodiversity is a trade union issue and Collete O’Hagan, Unite the Union shared her personal story of her life and work, before and after her ADHD diagnosis.
The conference was opened by ICTU Assistant General Secretary, Gerry Murphy, who paid tribute to the UL reps and project managers, as well as the ICTU’s Union Learn Project Officer, Julie Gorman.
Union Learn is an example of unions, employers and the state working together toward a shared objective leading to happier and more harmonious workplaces, where workers are well paid and respected, and satisfied at the end of each shift. This is where we in this room are uniquely qualified to contribute to the wider debate on what defines a happy workplace. We have the access and experience and understanding of almost every sector of the economy as it impacts the wages of workers, the quality of its products and services.
Gerry then introduced NIC ICTU Chair Jacquie White who launched the new ICTU guide to Neurodiversity and related training and lessons for the trade union movement. The demand for such debate and services stems from motions passed at our Biennial Delegate Conference in Derry, last October.
Jacquie drew upon her experience as a teacher before becoming leader the Ulster Teachers’ Union to explain the necessity of this guide and its practical use in every workplace.
Over the years I have worked in a number of teams and I have always found that each individual brought a unique skill set to the table, and those who were neurodivergent were my go to people for so many of the aspects – detail, information and thinking outside of the box – which did not come naturally to me.
The new guide explores the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and the benefits it brings including creativity, problem solving skills and diverse perspectives. It is also an important acknowledgment that whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, all workers belong in a trade union.
The Conference presentation is available here.
