General staff ITP sector report 2009
I have found the National Council this year a stimulating experience. Some considerable time was taken up with developing the detail out of the broad brush strokes of the amalgamation document. I am in awe of Tom, the President’s, ability, along with the paid staff, to capture so much attention of the national media. This strong, forthright approach has given the whole union a prominent place on the political landscape. This bodes well for the future of the TEU, even under a short term National government.
As this was our first year of the amalgamation of our two great unions, most of this VP’s time was taken up coming to grips with this new role. (It also coincided with some significant time in Europe).
The university sector has a grand tradition of general staff membership. However for the ITP sector this is largely a new area of responsibility. It is important to the TEU that we grow membership now that TIASA as opted to go it alone. There is a degree of delicacy required in this: we do not want to tread on another union’s toes, but at the same time we are conscious that one voice representing the sector is a stronger one. The emphasis has therefore been on a drive to recruit non unionists across the ITP sector first and forge closer relationships with general staff in other unions at a local level.
2010 will see strong campaigns to highlight the pivotal role and added value general staff give to our organisations. ‘A general staff appreciation day‘ will be part of our strategy for bringing general staff skills into focus. We would like to make this an annual event. It is also the intention of the National Council to promote a ‘General Staff Manifesto’.
As the TEU structure matures over time, we may well find that the number of Vice Presidents is too many and that a rotation of 4 VPs covering general and academic staff and the various sectors, may well be adequate and cost effective. That is for the membership to decide.
In the meantime it is important to us that there are open channels of communication to the Council and that members feel that we are responsive in a timely manner to their queries and concerns. I would like to thank the General Staff VP for the University Sector, Helen Kissell and the VP of the ITP Academic Sector, Michael O’Connell. I have found the National Council this year to be a really stimulating place and am in awe of the President’s ability, along with the paid staff, to capture so much attention of the media. This strong, forthright approach has given the whole union a prominent place on the political landscape. This bodes well for the future, even under a National government.
I commend the staff and the Council for their unfailing enthusiasm and support. You have made this first year one to remember.
I look forward to a robust exchange of views at the conference.
Kia kaha
Ken Laraman ITP general staff VP
Vice President’s report General Staff ITP Sector
I have found the National Council this year a stimulating experience. Some considerable time was taken up with developing the detail out of the broad brush strokes of the amalgamation document .I am in awe of Tom, the President’s, ability, along with the paid staff, to capture so much attention of the national media. This strong, forthright approach has given the whole union a prominent place on the political landscape. This bodes well for the future of the TEU, even under a short term National government.
As this was our first year of the amalgamation of our two great unions, most of this VP’s time was taken up coming to grips with this new role. (It also coincided with some significant time in Europe).
The university sector has a grand tradition of general staff membership. However for the ITP sector this is largely a new area of responsibility. It is important to the TEU that we grow membership now that TIASA as opted to go it alone. There is a degree of delicacy required in this: we do not want to tread on another union’s toes, but at the same time we are conscious that one voice representing the sector is a stronger one. The emphasis has therefore been on a drive to recruit non unionists across the ITP sector first and forge closer relationships with general staff in other unions at a local level.
2010 will see strong campaigns to highlight the pivotal role and added value general staff give to our organisations. ‘A general staff appreciation day‘ will be part of our strategy for bringing general staff skills into focus. We would like to make this an annual event. It is also the intention of the National Council to promote a ‘General Staff Manifesto’.
As the TEU structure matures over time, we may well find that the number of Vice Presidents is too many and that a rotation of 4 VPs covering general and academic staff and the various sectors, may well be adequate and cost effective. That is for the membership to decide.
In the meantime it is important to us that there are open channels of communication to the Council and that members feel that we are responsive in a timely manner to their queries and concerns. I would like to thank the General Staff VP for the University Sector, Helen Kissell and the VP of the ITP Academic Sector, Michael O’Connell. I have found the National Council this year to be a really stimulating place and am in awe of the President’s ability, along with the paid staff, to capture so much attention of the media. This strong, forthright approach has given the whole union a prominent place on the political landscape. This bodes well for the future, even under a National government.
I commend the staff and the Council for their unfailing enthusiasm and support. You have made this first year one to remember.
I look forward to a robust exchange of views at the conference.
Kia kaha
Ken Laraman ITP general staff VP
