Objectives
The Tayside Union Learning Forum is an informal gathering of like-minded people. Our objective is to create a focal point for Lifelong Learning within the dozens of local Trade Unions who serve thousands of members employed by hundreds of businesses in and around the Tayside area. We aim to achieve this by pooling the knowledge and experience already gained by the numerous Union Learning Reps who are already active in the region; whilst using our collective bargaining strength to source all kinds of education opportunities for the benefits of trade union members.
The Forum
The Forum meets regularly, at least once a quarter, so that local Union Learning Reps can gather together and relate their experiences. When successes are reported, we hope to be inspired into repeating them elsewhere; or where frustrations and barriers are encountered, we hope to provide solutions to overcome them. To achieve those objectives, we are very much dependent upon local ULRs coming along and supporting the efforts of the Forum. Participation can be on any level at which you feel comfortable; even if you are only coming along to ‘steal’ good ideas, then it will help spread the message. Why not give us a try? It's your Forum too!
Thomas Walker
3rd September 1953 – 30th January 2011
With great sadness we report the passing of our friend and comrade, Thomas Walker, who chaired the meetings of Tayside Union Learning Forum.
Thomas Walker started work as a Development Officer with the STUC in 2005. He brought commitment, enthusiasm, and real experience of supporting union members with their learning. This came from his work with the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (known to many as ISTC) and then with its successor union, Community, where he was the SULF Project Manager at the Jimmy Brandon Learning Centre in Motherwell. It also came from his time in industry, and his experience of the shop floor.
Thomas made a huge contribution to the trade union movement during his time with Scottish Union Learning. He gave invaluable support to many unions, such as ASLEF, the Communication Workers Union, CSEU, EIS, GMB, RMT, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, UCATT and Usdaw. Thomas also put time and effort into the development of the STUC Local Learning Forums, especially in Tayside and Fife, and forged many strong friendships with Union Learning Reps across the country. He understood and advocated the difference that learning can make to the individual and the organisation they work for, but also to the wider economy and society.
Thomas had an active interest in supporting disabled workers and was a participant in “Friends of Remploy” at the Scottish Parliament. He also engaged in the activities of his local Labour Party branch and supported Stuart Clark’s campaign for MSP for Renfrewshire North and West. Recently, Thomas also put his name forward to be a staff Union Rep at the STUC. Previous to working at the STUC, Thomas was an accomplished manager with over 25 years of experience. During that time, he held a variety of posts within the textile and plastics industry, and his work brought him to different locations throughout the UK.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 33 years, Christine Walker, and will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and friends. Donations in Thomas’ memory can be made to Capability Scotland.
