GFTU Courses
HISTORY The General Federation of Trade Unions was established at a special Congress of the TUC held in 1899. The principal objective was to set up a national organisation with a strike fund which could be drawn upon by affiliated trade unions.
A dilemma which faced the TUC in the 1890s was that of achieving a practical accommodation with the leaders of those affiliated unions who saw it as an instrument for sweeping away capitalism by direct action. Pressure to strengthen trade union organisation centrally with this end in view was strong and schemes were put forward for Congress itself, or for some special federation, to take responsibility for working out a common policy on disputes which would give unions sufficient confidence to pool their financial resources in the workers' cause.
The GFTU, therefore, began life as the heir to a function which the TUC did not want, and as the operator of a system of strike support which appealed to the sense of solidarity of trade unionists in a era of New Unionism, but which was considered impracticable by some elements in their leadership.
GFTU Now - The Federation for Specialist Unions
The GFTU is now geared to servicing the needs of specialist unions. It has built up years of experience of dealing with the needs of specialist unions. The total membership of specialist Unions affiliated to the Federation as at 31 December 2005 was approximately 214,113. There are a total of 35 affiliated unions.
The GFTU administers the GFTU Educational Trust, through which we offer a full programme of trade union education courses. They cover most areas of interest to trade unionists including industrial relations, health and safety, IT and equality and diversity. These courses are held in different venues around the country and they are aimed at both trade union representatives and members. | |
In the last year the GFTU have educated over 500 delegates through these courses and a further 600 on courses we have run on behalf of out affiliates. All our courses are accredited through the Open College Network and all students who take part have the opportunity to gain a qualification for their studies. All BECTU representatives and branch officials are entitled to apply to attend GFTU courses - and we strongly encourage this. Please download and complete the nomination form which is a Microsoft word document - you can either send it as an email attachment to learn@bectu.org.uk or you can print it off and post to. Brian Kelly, Training Officer, BECTU, 373-377 Clapham Road, London SW9 9BT The GFTU course programme for 2008 will help you decide what course you would like to go on (this is a PDF that can be downloaded). The GFTU educational trust also is involved in running various projects that are funded by various Government Departments or the European Union. At the moment these include the Union Learning Fund, the Pensions Education fund and the Development Awareness Fund. Each year we aim to provide high quality and varied learning opportunities that are delivered in a relaxed and informal environment. If you are a trade union member and would like to discuss our programme please contact the Head of Educational Services Judith Jackson who will assist you. Please contact us at the GFTU office: Tel: 020 7387 2578 (24 hrs) |