Labour Relations:
Managing in a Unionised Environment

Why is it important for an organization to prioritize the development of good Labour/Employee Relations? In even the best-managed organizations, events can sometimes lead employees to feel a sense of unfairness, alienation, demotivation, and frustration. However, through positive employee relations, an organization can effectively address individual or group concerns swiftly and equitably, resolving issues at the lowest organizational level possible and ensuring a favorable outcome without escalation.

This Labour Relations: Managing in a Unionised Environment training course examines the roles of managers and employee representatives in fostering trust-based relationships within the organization. It focuses on cultivating a positive work culture that enhances overall productivity and business output, while also promoting the personal well-being of employees, even in times of conflict.

By attending this Anderson training course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the Strategic Nature of Employee Relations
• The Role of Unions and other Employee Representatives
• Recognise the importance of Employee Engagement
• Develop Performance Management that works
• Understand mediation, bargaining and collective agreements
• How to investigate and handle grievances, settlements, and arbitration

This Anderson training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Managers new to a unionised work environment
• Front-line supervisors and team leaders responsible for creating positive working relationships with unionised workers
• HR supervisors and labour relations leaders overseeing skilled trades professionals
• HR specialists responsible for Employee Relations, Negotiating and Mediating

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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

• Anderson Certificate of Completion will be provided to 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