COURSE OBJECTIVE
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To understand the major amendments in the Trade Unions Act 1959 as introduced by the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024.
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To assess the impact of these amendments on trade unions, employers, and employees.
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To explore strategies for union management under the new framework.
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To provide practical guidance for compliance with the new regulations.
DAY 1
REGISTRATION
8.30am – 9.00am
Module 1: Introduction to the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024
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Overview of the Trade Unions Act 1959 and the need for the 2024 amendments.
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Key reasons behind the changes and the goals of the updated legislation.
9.00am – 10.30am
MORNING TEA BREAK
10.30am – 10.45am
Module 2: Redefining 'Trade Union'
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Explanation of the updated definition of ‘trade union’ in Section 2.
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Removal of restrictions based on specific industry, trade, or occupation.
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Case studies: From industry-specific unions to broader representation (e.g., FIEU expanding beyond the food industry).
10.45am – 1.00pm
Lunch Break
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Module 3: Multiplicity of Trade Unions
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Impact of the removal of restrictions on forming trade unions within specific establishments or industries.
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Practical steps unions need to take to expand their membership scope.
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Case study: How in-house unions and industry-specific unions can adapt to the new framework.
2.00pm – 3.45pm
Afternoon Tea Break
3.45pm – 4.00pm
Module 4: DGTU's Powers and Responsibilities
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Understanding the Director General of Trade Unions (DGTU)’s authority to refuse registration based on specific criteria.
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Conflict with the Act’s provisions or regulations.
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Similarity of names with existing unions.
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Potential to promote ill-will or hostility.
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Procedures for union registration and dealing with DGTU refusals.
4.00pm – 4.45pm
Q & A Session - End of Day 1
4.45pm – 5.00pm
DAY 2
REGISTRATION
8.30am – 9.00am
Module 5: Changes to Strike Procedures
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Examination of the amendments to strike requirements:
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Reduction in the majority required for strike approval from two-thirds to more than half of 60% of eligible voters.
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Case study: Strike voting processes before and after the amendment.
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Timelines for submitting secret ballot results to DGTU (7 working days).
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Rules regarding voting eligibility (exclusions for dismissed, retired, or retrenched members).
9.00am – 10.30am
Morning Tea Break
10.30am – 10.45am
Module 6: Minimum Union Membership Age and Leader Accountability
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Changes to the minimum union membership age (from 16 to 15 years).
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Introduction of liabilities for union leaders (president, secretary, treasurer) for offences committed by the union.
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Case studies and legal interpretations: Understanding leadership accountability in union operations.
10.45am – 1.00pm
Lunch Break
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Module 7: Enforcement and Investigation Powers
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Detailed discussion on the five new sections introduced by the 2024 amendments:
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S63A: Investigation and enforcement powers.
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S63B: Appointment of enforcement officers.
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S63C: Powers to compel witness attendance for investigation.
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S63D: Inspection and production of documents/articles.
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S63E: Power to seize articles/documents during investigations.
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Practical exercises: How these new powers impact trade union compliance and internal governance.
2.00pm – 3.45pm
Afternoon Tea Break
3.45pm – 4.00pm
Module 8: Appeals and Stay of Execution
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Introduction of S71A: Automatic stay of execution of DGTU’s decision during appeals related to union registration.
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Legal considerations and practical applications of the appeal process.
4.00pm – 4.45pm
Q & A Session - End of Day 1
4.45pm – 5.00pm