E tū

Formerly Engineers, Printing and Manufacturing Union and the Service and Food Workers Union.

Ngā Puna Whai Oranga – Workers leading Health and Safety: Course No 731

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

The aim of this course is to provide union members with skills, knowledge and competencies relevant in health and safety, recognising and reducing barriers in worker participation.

By the end of this two day course, participants will:

  • Understand the harm to workers caused by work in Aotearoa, and their own workplace specifically. Be motivated to promote improvements and that workers, unions, and managers prioritise harm prevention through collaboration and consultation.
  • Have proposed an agreement to company managers for increased worker leadership and participation with support from their union that will create greater opportunities to participate in the management of health and safety.
  • Have developed skills and gained knowledge to improve health and safety in their workplace.
  • Have taken steps for improvements and set goals for future improvement.

Approved for a period of three years from 23 December 2021.

Course approved until 26 March 2026.


Planning for Campaigns: Course No 728

Contact: Sarah Thompson 027 591 0024

This one-day course aims to build on the theoretical campaigning skills learnt in Leading in Campaigns by applying this knowledge to writing and planning a real-life union campaign.

Participants will apply widely used campaign planning tools (such as supportive, neutral and opposed; and critical pathway analysis) to come up with a plan for their industry/sector/site.

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • understand the different components of a campaign strategy
  • have the skills to write a campaign plan
  • be able to apply these skills and write a campaign plan for their industry/sector/site
  • be able to explain the link between campaigning outcomes and the objectives of the Employment Relations Act 2000.

Course approved for a period of 3 years from 13 December 2020. 

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.


Applied Skills for Campaigning: Course No 729

Contact: Sarah Thompson 027 591 0024

This one day course aims to build on the theoretical campaigning skills learnt in Leading in Campaigns and Planning for Campaigns courses, with participants learning the real-life skills required to campaign.

Participants will learn widely used campaigning skills (such as telling their personal story, public speaking, lobbying, one on one conversations etc.) so that they can apply these to their campaign.

At the end of the course, participants will:

  • understand the various campaigning skills and when they would be applied
  • have the confidence to use various campaign skills
  • be able to explain the link between campaigning outcomes and the objectives of the Employment Relations Act 2000.

Course approved for a period of 3 years from 13 December 2020. 

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.


Getting Upskilled. Course No: 475

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

A two-day workshop aimed at relatively new delegates of the union, who have ideally completed E tū Standing up at Work and Problem Solving Culture, and been in their role for at least three months.

This two day workshop aims to:

  • teach more about the key communication skills required for the delegate’s role.
  • provide delegates with the skills and knowledge to be more effective problem solvers.
  • improve delegates’ recruitment skills and techniques.
  • help delegates understand more about the role played by E tū at the workplace, industry and community levels.

Course approved until 26 March 2026.

This course is approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.


Democracy and Industry Economics. Course No: 712

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This course aims to develop an understanding of our industrial history over the last century to inspire and enable future participation in strategies required to reduce disparities in the workplace and economy for groups who are disadvantaged in the labour market. This course is a one day event which could also be taught as two half days.

By the end of this one day course, participants will be able to:

  • identify key historical events and lessons from E tū’s industrial relation/union history and how these have impacted on the lives of working people today.
  • develop techniques to support organising opportunities within our workplace.
  • develop a better understanding of the political system in New Zealand.
  • identify a variety of behaviours i.e. passive/assertive/aggressive.
  • recognise their contribution to the economy on a micro level and will be able to undertake bargaining with a better understanding of how money operates for them, their employer, and the community.
  • undertake an organising task in their workplace.

Approved for a period of 3 years from 7 March 2022.

This course was previously named 'Workers leading'.

This course is approved for by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.


Standing Up at Work. Course No: 711

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This course aims to introduce new delegates to the democratic structure of their union to increase understanding of the role, rights and responsibilities of union delegates as a workplace leader. This course is an initial two day event which could also be taught as two single or four half days.

At the conclusion of this two day course participants will be able to:

  • explain the democratic structure of their union and identify opportunities where they (and the members they represent) can participate and influence the policies and direction of E tū Union.
  • start to involve and empower the E tū members they represent to take ownership of and participate in their union activities and campaigns.
  • understand their roles, rights and responsibilities as an E tū Delegate and confidently increase their participation in a range of activites.
  • participate within, promote and be responsive to the rights and obligations of their Collective Employment Agreement, Employment Relations Act, other relevant employment laws and the worker engagement, participation and respresentation requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • use new tools and apply new skills which support the Delegates’ understanding of, participation in and undertaking of relevant representational problem solving and research tasks within their workplaces.
  • start to involve and empower the E tū members they represent to take ownership of their Collective Employment Agreement and participate in the roles, rights and responsibilities within the Collective Employment Agreement, Employment Relations Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, other relevant employment laws and union activities.

Course approved for a period of 3 years from 7 March 2022.

This course is approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.


Problem Solving Culture. Course No: 710

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This course aims to increase the understanding of the parties’ rights and obligations regarding problem solving and disciplinary action in the workplace. This course is a one day event which could also be taught as two half days.

At the conclusion of this one day course, participants will be able to:

  • understand some of the concepts and options for dealing with employment relationship problems including a ‘just culture’ approach to dealing with workplace health and safety.
  • understand what a disciplinary process looks like and the role of a worker representative in that process.
  • understand and explain what rights and obligations exist for all parties within the disciplinary process, including before, during and after a formal disciplinary meeting
  • understand and explain parties’ rights and obligations in accordance with the Collective Employment Agreement (if applicable) and Employment Relations Act
  • understand and be ready to participate (with support) in the disciplinary process.

Approved for a period of 3 years from 7 March 2022.

This course is approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.


Youth Leadership and Network Development. Course No: 707

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This course aims to build productive employment relations through encouraging the development of an understanding of the employment environment and relationships through the strong, inspiring and confident voice of youth in work. This course can be held over two consecutive days or as two separate one day events.

By the end of this two day course, participants will:

deepen their knowledge and understanding of rights and obligations, behaviours and processes that enhance good faith relationships of both employee and employer in the workplace.
deepen knowledge and understanding of combatting the barriers preventing youth from participating in productive employment relations with mutual trust and confidence.
develop plans and strategies to help youth have a voice in their workplaces, across their industries and society.
be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to engage in the democratic structures of their union (including bargaining), and across society.

Approved for a period of three years from 7 March 2022.

This course is also approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.


Industry Leadership Development. Course No: 706

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This course aims to continue building productive employment relations. Industry specific legislation and any relevant economic structures, institutions and processes in New Zealand will also be covered. This course can be held over two consecutive days or as two separate one day events.

By the end of this two day course, participants will:

  • deepen their knowledge and understanding of the issues impacting on and/or preventing productive employment relations
  • develop plans and strategies to help overcome issues within their industries
  • identify and practice behaviours and processes that enhance good faith relationships with relevant stakeholders
  • be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to engage in the democratic structures relating to their industry within their union.

Approved for a period of three years from 7 March 2022.

This course is also approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions. 


Inspiring E tū Women. Course No: 705

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This course aims to build productive employment relations through the promotion of mutual trust and confidence in all aspects of the employment environment and of the employment relationships through the strong, inspiring and confident voice of women in work.

By the end of the one day course, participants will:

  • deepen their knowledge and understanding of the barriers and forms of discrimination preventing women from participating in productive employment relations
  • develop plans and strategies to aid women in overcoming these barriers in their workplaces, across industries and society and to improve outcomes in the following areas:
    • Parental leave
    • Equal pay
    • Combatting violence
    • Achieving a living wage
  • explore the power of the story as a tool to build confidence, connection and influence within their workplace, industries and society.
  • be equipped with knowledge to engage in the democratic structures of their union.

Approved for a period of three years from 7 March 2022.

This course is also approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions. 


Enterprise and Industry Economics: Course No 511

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This one-day seminar is developed for E tū union members who have already completed basic delegate courses, and experienced delegates in various industry sectors around New Zealand.

The course will provide opportunities for participants to:

  • focus on the main economic issues of particular industries
  • discuss the role that various government bodies have in supporting economic development
  • provide an overview of the Employment Relations Act, in relation to the requirements around good faith and the promotion of collective bargaining.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • recognise the main economic drivers and issues of their particular industry or sector
  • demonstrate an appreciation of the role that various government bodies, both national and local, have in supporting economic development
  • discuss with other members an understanding of the main economic drivers and issues of their particular industry or sector
  • describe the relationship between positive employment relations and a joint union-employer strategy for industry development
  • apply the analysis of an industry strategy to their own industry or sector, which will involve sharing goals between both unions and employers.

Approved for a period of three years from 7 March 2022.

This course is also approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions. 


Getting Organised Course: Course No 422

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This two-day course is targeted towards delegates and other workplace leaders who have completed at least two preceding core delegate skills workshops.

This course aims to:

  • Further develop delegates’ skills, knowledge and understanding on how to build union organisation in their workplace
  • Develop a better understanding of E tῡ’s strategic industry-based approach to union organising
  • Develop a better understanding of the legal backdrop for union organising, particularly in relation to building collective organisation, as established by the Employment Relations Act.

Course approved until 26 March 2026.

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. 


Getting Prepared for Bargaining: Course No 474

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This two-day course is targeted towards delegates who are in their first 12 months as a union delegate. This course is either delivered as a full two day course, four half day sessions or through separate modules.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the key stages of the negotiation process for a collective employment agreement
  • Develop and give examples of research skills and be able to access relevant information in relation to collective bargaining
  • Apply basic interpretation techniques to collective agreements and related documentation
  • Confidently participate in meetings to represent or otherwise support members involved in collective disputes/issues and matters of interpretation of the Employment Relations Act.

Course approved until 26 March 2026.

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. 


Organising Around Health and Safety: Course No: 476

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This one day course is for any delegate or member who has a strong interest in and/or is active in workplace health and safety.

This course aims to:

  • Provide participants with the skills and knowledge to undertake effective organising in their workplaces around health and safety
  • Develop strategies to enhance the Union’s contribution to more effective management of health and safety in the workplace.

Course approved until 26 March 2026.

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. 


Recognising and Promoting an Active Role for Māori: Course No 553

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This is a three day workshop for union delegates, workplace leaders and key union members to broaden their skills and knowledge for achieving greater Māori participation in their union. This course may be run over three consecutive days, or three days spread out over time.

This workshop aims to:

  • build on participants’ foundation knowledge of the democratic structure and function of their union, including the role of Rūnanga (tribal gathering), and it’s place within a broader union context
  • enhance participants’ awareness of the role they play in building effective union participation in their workplace and the wider industry – particularly how this improves productivity
  • give a greater understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in working life
  • explore how closer links with Māori can be built via whānau, hapū and iwi.

Course approved until 13 December 2025.

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. 


Delegate Leadership Development Workshop: Course No 603

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This one day course is aimed at experienced union delegates and workplace leaders with knowledge of E tῡ’s role, structures and functions.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the key principles of leadership as these apply in their own union context, on the job and within the wider union
  • Describe the union’s key democratic structures and the function and responsibilities of elected positions within these structures
  • Describe the role played by member leaders in the development, promotion and implementation of union industry bargaining and development strategies.

Course approved until 26 March 2026.

This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.


Leaders in Transition Industries: Course No 721

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This is a one day workshop for delegates from industries undertaking a change process. The aim of the workshop is to develop delegates in their leadership role.

By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be capable of:

  • defining their role as union leader
  • developing leadership skills, and
  • identifying leadership opportunities and supporting members in participatory processes within their workplace
  • undertaking a leadership task in their workplace
  • increasing their confidence by reflection on their practice as a delegate and valuing the newly acquired knowledge and skills
  • understanding the values which underpin union work
  • understanding just transition strategies that can be used to reduce disparities in the workplace for disadvantaged groups.

Approved for a period of three years from 7 March 2022.

This course is modelled on New Zealand Nurses Organisation course 564: Effective Leadership in Change Processes.

This course is also approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.


Workers Leading: Course No 722

Contact: Buzz Worley Union Educator 027 590 0047

This one-day course is for E tū delegates and members who are in workplaces with learning needs that are specific to key campaigns. The course aims to introduce participants to the concept of leadership, and to further develop their own skills, and the skills of others who have been identified as leaders in their workplace.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • identify leaders in society, and the attributes they associate with them
  • describe models of leadership, and decide which leadership models are best suited to their workplaces
  • identify skills and attributes of effective leaders, and identify other leaders in their workplace
  • take their learning back to the workplace to be effective leaders, and to mentor up-and-coming leaders they have identified.

Approved for a period of three years from 7 March 2022.

This course is also approved for use by NZCTU and affiliated Unions.

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Page last revised: 06 April 2023

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