Unite Union Learning Reps at Diageo Kilmarnock lead by Site Convenor & Union Learning Rep Janette Dunbar are moving forward in helping members facing redundancy. The Diageo Kilmarnock plant which is the home of the world famous Johnny Walker Whisky is due to close in May 2012.
This has not stopped the Union Learning Reps at Diageo walking forward with the task of giving members opportunities in learning and training. In February 2011 Janette Dunbar, Jim McGhee, Margaret Logue, Karen Sinclair, Christine Bell, Gina McCurry, Georgina Cunningham and Karen Duffy were trained as Union Learning Reps. They then set about the task of analysing the learning and training needs of members on site.
Diageo Kilmarnock Convenor and ULR Janette Dunbar
Lead by Convenor Janette Dunbar the ULRs collectively bargain around the learning and training needs of members on site. The ULRs were successful in setting up a Steering group made up of Diageo’s senior HR, HR change team Unite Regional Learning Organiser and all ULRs. The group meets on a fortnightly basis and invites PACE (Positive Action for Continuous Employment) partners to the meeting to discuss and agree what support can be delivered for members on site. The Steering group negotiates and agrees what learning, training and support will be given, how it will be delivered, who will delivery it and when and where it will be delivered.
In the short period since completing their ULR training in February the ULRs have been recognised as delivering best practice within Diageo, with ULRs given a presentation to Diageo’s senior management team on Tuesday the 31st May. Karen Duffy and Janette Dunbar gave a presentation to the Tapestry Steering Group (Senior Diageo Management Team) on the role of the Unite Learning Reps. The meeting was attended by Bryan Donaghey (Supply Director Europe Supply) John Paterson (Site Director Leven) Pauline Rooney (Site Director Kilmarnock) Richard Bedford (Grain Distilling Director) as well Senior HR Business Partners.
Karen and Janette started by giving the group a short introduction of who they were, what training they had and why they took on the role of the ULR. Explaining the importance of Lifelong Learning was not only to those leaving the business but how up-skilling and retraining can benefit the Employer and the Individual.
Karen and Janette explained some of the roles of the ULRs, not only encouraging others but how they as a team participate, i.e. by being present at the Job Shop on open days and making sure everyone attending sees the right people. They encourage others to participate in the SIVQs (Spirit Industry Vocational Qualifications) and to become Assessors themselves. They analysed our skills survey which had a total of 730 learning and training requests from people on site. The results we are hoping for, working together with the HR Change team and with the Training Department on site, is to ensure that we are all aware of the timelines as people are due to leave the business and need assistance provided to them prior to leaving.
Since the completion of the workplace survey in June 2011 on site the ULRs and the Steering Group have arranged ICT training, a Start your own Business Course, a Customer Service Course, SIVQ L2 & SIVQ Assessor training, CV writing & Interview & tips sessions
The ULRs at Diageo continue to be an inspiration to all in their committment to give opportunities and help to Unite members who are faced with redundancy.
Unite Learning Scotland 