EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT IN A UNIONIZED ENVIRONMENT

TRAINING OVERVIEW

The “Effective Management in a Unionized Environment” course offered by DixonTech provides comprehensive training to equip managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of labour relations within unionized environments. In today's workplace, effective management of unionized workers is crucial for maintaining positive employee relations, ensuring productivity, and fostering a harmonious work environment. This course delves into the intricacies of labour laws, collective bargaining agreements, and union-management dynamics, enabling participants to understand their roles and responsibilities in effectively managing a unionized workforce. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will learn strategies for conflict resolution, negotiation techniques, and best practices for engaging with union representatives. By the end of the training, participants will be equipped with the tools and strategies needed to effectively manage unionized workers, promote collaboration, and drive organizational success.

TRAINING TOPICS

• The importance of effective employee relations
• Interests, rights, and power 
• Performance management
• Dispute resolution - handling industrial action
• Alternatives to unions

By the end of this 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

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO

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

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training methodology for the “Effective Management in a Unionized Environment” course by DixonTech is designed to provide participants with a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, role-playing exercises, and group discussions, participants will gain practical insights and strategies for effectively managing labour relations within unionized environments. The course will focus on real-world scenarios and challenges faced by managers in dealing with unionized workers, allowing participants to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. Additionally, guest speakers with expertise in labour relations may be invited to share their insights and experiences, further enriching the learning process. By fostering active participation and engagement, the training methodology aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of union-management dynamics effectively.

DAY ONE: 

THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

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

DAY TWO: 

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
• Organizational Policies and Procedures

DAY THREE: 

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 FOUR: 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION - HANDLING INDUSTRIAL ACTION

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

DAY FIVE: 

ALTERNATIVES TO UNIONS

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