This unit applies to individuals who have knowledge of unionism and industrial relations, and a commitment to advancing social justice principles. They provide leadership and guidance to workers and union members.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Build relationship with workers

1.1. Use effective communication techniques to initiate contact with workers

1.2. Ascertain information about workers and the workplace

1.3. Encourage workers to communicate between themselves

1.4. Identify barriers to union membership and activism

1.5. Undertake analyses of issues

2. Motivate workers

2.1. Make responses to workers' objections

2.2. Explain the benefits of acting collectively

2.3. Use motivational techniques

3. Make presentations

3.1. Plan venue and equipment for the presentation

3.2. Publicise presentation to target groups of workers

3.3. Present relevant information clearly, accurately and appropriately to the needs of the workers

3.4. Utilise appropriate visual aids to enhance the presentation

3.5. Handle workers' questions and comments appropriately during the presentation

Required skills

work within organising frameworks

culturally appropriate communication skills to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities

group presentation skills

interpersonal skills to listen effectively and to ask questions.

Required knowledge

awards and agreements

contemporary issues for workers

occupational health and safety

union campaigns

union enrolment procedures and costs

union rules, policies, practices and protocols

union services.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

demonstration of a range of techniques that have led to increases in union membership or collective action which advances the members' causes

knowledge of union rules, policies, practices and protocols.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to equipment for making presentations

examples of one-to-one and group communication with workers

support from union officials.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios

demonstration of techniques

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

observation of demonstrated techniques in communicating with workers and making presentations

observation of presentations

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of awards and agreements

review of information ascertainedabout workers and the workplace

evaluation of explanations of the benefits of acting collectively

review of how presentations were publicised to target groups of workers.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

other workplace relations units.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Effective communication techniques may include:

active listening

building rapport

establishing own role and purpose of visit in a way that interests the worker

initiating contact

Information may include:

attitudes to the union

job roles and responsibilities

number of workers

past work experience

period of employment/average length of employment

Barriers may include:

acceptance of status quo

cost

current attitudes to unions

disempowerment

fear

lack of critical awareness

lack of understanding of unions

past experiences

time

Analyses of issues may include:

how it affects other workers

whether it is a real issue

whether it is deeply or widely felt

whether it will motivate the worker

whether it is winnable

Responses may include:

answering the objections

equalising the barriers or objections

exploring the barriers or objections

recognising and acknowledging that the objection is real for that person

Motivational techniques may include:

assisting workers to reflect on their issues

coaching and mentoring

exploring options for change

questioning workers about how they feel

responding empathically

Visual aids may include:

computer-based presentations

flip charts and whiteboards

handouts

overhead transparencies

posters

videos

Unit sector

Workforce Development - Workplace Relations

This unit contains employability skills.