Course Schedules

Classroom 5 Sessions
Online / Live
Live

Training Course Overview

Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment Training Course equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence to manage effectively within a unionised workforce. In today’s complex employment landscape, positive employee relations are critical to sustaining productivity, trust, and organisational stability.

This practical Labour Relations Course explores the foundations of effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution in unionised settings. Participants gain insight into union structures, collective agreements, grievance handling, arbitration, and the broader strategic importance of employee engagement.

The Managing in a Unionised Environment Training Course focuses on building constructive labour-management relationships that balance organisational goals with employee rights. Through applied learning and real-world scenarios, attendees strengthen their ability to prevent disputes, manage performance fairly, and support a collaborative workplace culture grounded in transparency and mutual respect.

Training Course Objectives

Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment Training Course develops the strategic and practical capabilities required to manage union relationships confidently. Participants will strengthen their understanding of labour relations principles and apply them to foster positive employee relations.

By the end of this Labour Relations Course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the strategic nature and impact of employee relations
  • Explain the role of unions and employee representatives in the workplace
  • Recognise the importance of employee engagement in unionised environments
  • Develop effective performance management practices aligned with collective agreements
  • Apply mediation, negotiation, and collective bargaining principles
  • Investigate and manage grievances, settlements, and arbitration processes
  • Balance organisational policies with negotiated rights and obligations

Designed for

Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment Training Course is designed for professionals working within or transitioning into unionised workplaces. It is particularly valuable for those responsible for maintaining productive labour-management relationships.

This Managing in a Unionised Environment Course will greatly benefit:

  • Managers new to a unionised work environment
  • Front-line supervisors and team leaders overseeing unionised employees
  • HR supervisors and labour relations leaders supporting skilled trades professionals
  • HR specialists responsible for employee relations, negotiation, and mediation
  • Professionals involved in grievance handling and performance management
  • Leaders seeking to strengthen collaborative workplace culture

Learning Methods

Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment Training Course uses interactive and practical learning approaches to ensure strong understanding and application. The course combines theory with real-world examples to bridge the gap between labour relations concepts and day-to-day management practice.

Participants will engage in facilitated discussions on collective agreements, rights and obligations, and the dynamics of unionised workplaces. Case studies and scenario-based exercises allow attendees to practise negotiation, grievance handling, and dispute resolution techniques.

Group activities explore performance management, disciplinary procedures, and industrial action responses, helping participants understand the balance between interests, rights, and power. Structured reflection and guided feedback reinforce key principles and support confident application in the workplace.

This engaging approach ensures participants leave prepared to manage effectively, maintain fairness, and build positive employee relations in unionised environments.

Course Content

Day 1

The Importance of Effective Employee Relations

  • Why Workplace Relations Matter
  • Industrial and Employee Relations – Differences and Similarities
  • Features of the Unionised Workplace – What Role Do Unions Play?
  • Building Culture in a Unionised Environment
  • Defining Acceptable Norms and Mores
  • Collective Agreements and Terminology
Day 2

Interests, Rights and Power

  • Interests – Motivation, Engagement, Trust
  • Rights – Establishing Boundaries, Rights and Obligations
  • Power – Discipline, Accountability and Boundary Enforcement
  • Bargained Rights vs. Residual Rights
  • Making and Enforcing Rules
  • Organisational Policies and Procedures
Day 3

Performance Management

  • Creating a Performance Based Culture
  • Setting Expectations and Performance Standards
  • Responsibilities of the Union and Management
  • Discipline, Grievances and Investigations
  • Coaching and Assistance to Improve Performance
  • Managing Absenteeism
Day 4

Dispute Resolution - Handling Industrial Action

  • Nature of Conflict
  • Types of Industrial Action
  • Mediation and Conciliation
  • Negotiating
  • Management Responses
  • Rights to Dismiss and Discipline
Day 5

Alternatives to Unions

  • Importance of the Employee Voice
  • Joint Consultative Committees
  • Employee Representatives
  • Forums and Quality Circles
  • Partnerships
  • Role of Legislation

The Certificate

Recognition
  • Anderson Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the course
  • The HRCI Approved Provider Seal and the corresponding Recertification Credit Hours Awarded will be reflected on the Certificate of Completion

Accreditation

HRCI Pre-Approved Programmes
The use of this official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute's® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about this course

Yes. The Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course can be customised and delivered exclusively for organisations seeking a tailored learning solution. Course content can be adapted to address specific business objectives, operational challenges, industry requirements, and organisational priorities. Customised training allows teams to focus on the topics most relevant to their roles while supporting wider organisational development goals.

No. The Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course is open to professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. The course content is structured to provide value to both those who are new to the subject and experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise. While some prior knowledge may enhance understanding of certain concepts, it is not a requirement for participation

The Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course uses a variety of learning approaches to maximise participant engagement and knowledge retention. These may include expert-led presentations, practical exercises, case studies, group discussions, scenario-based activities, and collaborative learning opportunities. This approach encourages active participation and helps participants translate learning into practical workplace results.

The Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course is suitable for professionals who want to expand their knowledge, strengthen their practical skills, and improve their effectiveness within their current or future roles. It is valuable for managers, team leaders, supervisors, specialists, consultants, and professionals seeking to stay current with industry developments and best practices. Whether your goal is career advancement, improved decision-making, or enhanced workplace performance, this course provides relevant knowledge and practical insights to support your professional ambitions.

If you would like additional information about the Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course, our professional support team is available to assist with course enquiries, registration guidance, group bookings, and customised training requirements. We are committed to helping you identify the most suitable learning solution for your professional development goals.

 

Participants attending the Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course gain access to valuable industry insights, practical techniques, and internationally recognised best practices. The course helps professionals improve performance, strengthen confidence, broaden their perspective, and develop skills that contribute to both personal and organisational success. It also provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with professionals from diverse sectors and backgrounds.

The Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course combines practical knowledge, current industry practices, and expert guidance to create a highly relevant learning experience. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the course emphasises practical application, enabling participants to develop skills and approaches that can be implemented directly within their organisations. This balance of knowledge and practical relevance helps participants achieve meaningful and lasting professional impact.

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course will receive a Anderson Certificate of Completion, demonstrating their commitment to professional development and continuous learning. This certificate provides formal recognition of the knowledge and skills gained during the course and can support professional growth and career progression.

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