Leading in a Unionized Workplace

This course is designed for front-line and middle managers responsible for leading unionized production, service and maintenance workforces. Supervisors and managers new to a unionized workplace will find the course particularly beneficial.

• Develop a solid framework for interpreting the collective agreement, and understand how it affects the key functions of management
• See how union representatives view and respond to management
• Minimize conflict with the union over managerial actions
• Approach the grievance process constructively
• Learn key arbitral principles shaping rights and obligations in the employment relationship
• Uncover root causes of chronic problems and grievances
• Reduce defensiveness, reactance and other negative dynamics through honest two-way communication

• Challenges of leading a unionized workforce
• The legal and collective agreement context; key principles shaping rights and obligations in the employment relationship
• Understanding union culture and attitudes
• Handling relations with union representatives: avoiding distractions and digressions, being pro-active
• Responding effectively to grievances: investigating grievances, grievance negotiations
• Positive approaches to performance management and discipline: identifying expectations and performance gaps, giving feedback, just cause for discipline
• Daily chores: scheduling, defining and assigning work

Special features

This highly interactive course will incorporate discussions, case studies, group exercises, videos, simulations and personal assessment exercises.

Note:  participants in this program may qualify for up to $10,000 in funding through the Canada BC Job Grant program. Find out if you qualify.