Principles-Based Labour Relations

This one-day course will provide participants with the principles of labour relations. Participants will learn to govern their actions by these principles and to communicate the reasons for their actions in principle-based terms. Realistic examples and case studies are used to demonstrate application of these principles.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand, and apply, guiding principles arising out of day-to-day issues under the collective agreement

  • Learn about the scope of the bargaining unit and principles associated with different types of work assignments

  • Utilize appropriate disciplinary tools and processes

Course Content

Contract guiding principles

  • Principles vs. rules
  • Sources and hierarchy of authority
  • Principles of interpretation (with case study)


Bargaining unit work

  • Union vs. the bargaining unit
  • Restrictions and exclusions
  • Contracting out  and impact on future negotiations
  • Probationary employees


Seniority

  • Use defined by the collective agreement
  • Typical issues arising from work assignments, promotions , transfers, layoffs, bumping, recall


Disciplinary rights and processes

  • Two elements of just cause: 1.proving cause to take any action (blameworthy conduct) and 2.justifying the level of penalty
  • The standard and burden of proof
  • Proving blameworthy conduct
  • Factors affecting level of discipline and progressive discipline
  • Investigative techniques and documentation
  • Human rights, discrimination – impact on discipline cases (e.g., attendance, drug and alcohol cases)
  • Innocent incapacity and innocent absenteeism to be distinguished from blameworthy conduct (e.g., not subject to discipline).

Facilitator

MCE Facilitator Bob Jones

Bob is an executive with extensive experience in Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, and Human Resources leadership within both privately and publicly held companies. Bob is an outcomes-focused leader with a strong and diverse network of working relationships within business, education, and government. Experienced in a wide range of significant business and community-based organizations, he has demonstrated his ability to enhance the financial and program performance of these groups while effectively representing them in various communities. A “quick study”, accomplished at implementing strategic initiatives in a multi-task capacity, he has consistently demonstrated successful leadership in high-energy environments.

A skilled and experienced presenter and facilitator he has served as an emcee, knowledge expert panelist, trainer, facilitator, and coach. He brings insight, humour, positive energy, intelligence, and experience to these roles.

Why I took this course

Principles-Based Labour Relations

W. Troy Dunlop | Manager of Technical Services and Infrastructure at Township of South Frontenac

“The course from Mohawk provided very relevant and helpful tools that can be applied in the workplace everyday. Always good to look at challenges and learn how perspectives can very different on employee vs management side.”

Principles-Based Labour Relations

Kristine Douglas | Director of Financial Management Services - City Treasurer at City of St. Catharines

“A lot of topics covered throughout the day. My purpose was more focused on negotiations with union groups, although topic was covered, it was not the primary focus.”

Principles-Based Labour Relations

Paul Carfagnini | Manager of Facilities and Energy at City of St. Catharines

“All management who deal with unions should take this course as it is quite informative.”

Renee Recoskie | Manager, Property and Environmental Sustainability at City of Orillia

“I would highly recommend this course for employees that participate in collective bargaining negotiations and labour management type committees. Great context and experiences shared from the group.”

Interested in this Course?

Email us anytime at [email protected] for additional information. You can also watch this space for upcoming cohorts as they are released.

If you have multiple people interested in a course like this, click on the banner below to speak to one of our Business Development Officers for the next steps.