Bargaining from Start to Finish: What to expect, what to avoid
- December 4, 2026
- Duration: 1 Days
- In-Person
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Workshop
Workshop Overview
In this full-day workshop, experts will guide participants through the bargaining process, from start to finish, with a focus on preparing for bargaining, applying negotiation strategies, and crafting appropriate collective agreement language. Participants will engage in interactive exercises relevant to the principles and practices discussed throughout the day. Questions to be discussed include:
Preparing for Bargaining
1. How is collective bargaining conducted in the public and broader public sectors? How do mandates affect bargaining?
2. How should parties efficiently and effectively prepare for bargaining?
3. What factors should parties consider when developing a bargaining strategy?
4. What are best practices for drafting bargaining proposals? What steps should employers and unions take when drafting or reviewing bargaining proposals?
5. Why is costing necessary?
How should parties determine the cost of benefits under a collective agreement?
Negotiating and Communicating
6. What are examples of negotiation strategies and tactics?
7. How can parties identify and counteract bad faith bargaining?
8. When should parties consider mediation or other dispute resolution options?
9. What considerations should parties bear in mind when selecting a mediator?
10. What actions should unions and employers avoid when communicating with members or employees and the media during bargaining? How can parties engage the media effectively?
Bargaining Novel or Pressing Issues and Collective Agreement Language
11. What strategies should be employed when bargaining novel or pressing issues, such as the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and workloads?
12. What rules should parties keep in mind when drafting collective agreement provisions, especially with respect to novel issues?
13. How do arbitrators interpret provisions of a collective agreement? What lessons can be learned from recent decisions in which arbitrators have interpreted contentious provisions?
Concluding Bargaining
14. What steps are involved in the ratification of a collective agreement?
15. What information should parties preserve in anticipation of future disagreements or in preparation for the next round of bargaining?
Who Should Attend
This workshop is ideal for:
- Union Representatives and Labour Negotiators
- Government and Organizational Leaders, Employer Representatives, and Human Resources and Labour Relations Professionals
- Labour and Employment Lawyers
- Mediators, Conciliators, and Arbitrators
What to Expect
Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions, engage with other participants, and consider how collaborative approaches between union and management can help meet legal obligations, enhanced workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion, and benefit employees and businesses alike.
All participants also receive a comprehensive set of digital materials, including textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional resources compiled by Lancaster House program lawyers for continued learning and reference.
Food & Beverages
Breakfast and lunch to be provided, with a variety of snacks and refreshments available during breaks. Breakfast is provided prior to the workshop and will be available starting at 8:00 am. Please share any dietary requirements at the time of registration so we can best accommodate your needs.
Featured Workshops & Bundles
Attendees have the option to attend our featured conferences taking place on December 2 and 3 at the same venue. Bundle pricing is available.
Featured Conference
Lancaster House’s Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference returns in-person on Wednesday, December 2, bringing together leading experts, union representatives, employer negotiators, and neutrals to examine the latest developments shaping collective bargaining in the public sector. This year’s program will provide crucial updates on the economic outlook and its implications for labour relations, as well as recent case law, legislative changes, and major political and policy developments that will inform your next round of bargaining.
Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference 2026
Lancaster House’s Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference will take place in person on Thursday, December 3 at the Hilton Downtown, offering essential updates and analysis for union and management representatives, legal practitioners, and labour relations professionals. This year’s program will delve into the real-world workplace impact of significant legal, legislative, and policy developments, with a focus on how recent news and trends are shaping arbitration and labour relations in and beyond.
Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop
Lancaster House’s Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop will take place in person on Friday, December 4, simultaneous to this workshop.
Save the Date
Workshop Date: December 4, 2026
Schedule
| Schedule | Time |
|---|---|
|
Breakfast |
8:00 am – 9:00 am ET |
|
Workshop |
9:00 am – 10:25 am ET |
|
Morning Break |
10:25 am – 10:40 am ET |
|
Workshop |
10:40 am – 12:00 pm ET |
|
Lunch |
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET |
|
Workshop |
1:00 pm – 2:20 pm ET |
|
Afternoon Break |
2:20 pm – 2:35 pm ET |
|
Workshop |
2:35 pm – 4:00 pm ET |
|
Workshop End |
4:00 pm ET |
Food & Beverages
Breakfast and lunch to be provided, with a variety of snacks and refreshments available during breaks. Breakfast is provided prior to the workshop and will be available starting at 8:00 am. Please share any dietary requirements at the time of registration so we can best accommodate your needs.
Speaker Lineup
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Andrew Astritis
Union Counsel
Raven Law
David Jewitt
Arbitrator, Mediator and Workplace Investigator
Stefanie Ratjen
CPD Information
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada. More details regarding specific approvals from CPD accreditors to come.
Changes & Notifications
All dates, prices, and locations are subject to change. Registrants will be notified of any changes to venues or dates. If you have any questions, please contact customerservice@lancasterhouse.com.