Managing in a Unionized Environment Certificate: May 4 – 20, 2027
- May 4, 2027
- 3 Weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm ET
- Virtual
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$3,495.00
Program Description
Managing unionized workplaces requires a different skill set, a different attitude, and an appreciation that the labour law regime is utterly unlike the legal framework in the non-union setting. Unionized employees cannot be fired by giving notice and writing a cheque. Just cause must be established and thoroughly documented. Managers cannot make abrupt changes to company policies without considering the labour relations implications. Every decision made by a manager is scrutinized. Does the decision respect the collective agreement? Has it been applied consistently? Is it reasonable?
This course will guide those who manage or supervise unionized employees, helping to avoid costly mistakes. Topics will include employee selection, use of the probationary period, discussion of performance problems and the discipline process, dealing with privacy rights, human rights concerns, and the duty to accommodate. Session leaders will discuss how to read and negotiate collective agreement provisions, comply with legislated employment standards, promote mental health, avert unfair labour practices, and achieve better relationships and more e4ective solutions. Hear the union perspective on workplace issues, and their expectations of managers, and learn about best practices to emulate and proven strategies to build trust and respect.
Key Learning Outcomes
This program delivers tangible professional outcomes. Participants leave with practical tools and strategies that can be applied immediately to reduce conflict, manage labour relations effectively, and build a stable workplace environment.
Outcomes you can expect:
- Greater confidence in labour relations decision-making
- More informed application of collective agreement provisions
- Improved workplace relationships and communication
- Reduced risk of grievances and disputes
- Policies aligned with labour law and collective agreements
- More effective performance and improved accommodation management
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for professionals who work in or with unionized workplaces, including:
- Managers and supervisors in unionized workplaces
- HR, labour relations, and employee relations professionals
- Directors and operational leaders overseeing unionized teams
- Consultants and legal advisors supporting unionized workplaces
Ideal for anyone who wants practical, real-world skills to interpret collective agreements, manage labour relations effectively, reduce risk, and build more stable workplace relationships.
What to Expect
Day 1 – Foundations of Management in Unionized Workplaces
Understand management rights, union representation, and how collective agreements shape workplace decision-making and fair, consistent management practices.
Day 2 – Recruitment, Probation, Promotions, and Seniority
Apply collective agreement provisions to recruitment, probation, and performance management, including application of progressive discipline and avoidance of common performance-management pitfalls.
Day 3 – Policy Implementation
Learn to implement reasonable, legally defensible workplace policies, including attendance, remote work, and technological change.
Day 4 – Human Rights and Complex Employee Issues
Develop skills to manage accommodation requests and human rights obligations, including family status and mental health, while addressing off-duty conduct and social media issues.
Day 5 – Investigations, Grievances, and Arbitration
Learn to conduct fair, defensible workplace investigations and understand the role of management in grievance and arbitration processes and dispute resolution.
Day 6 – Maintaining Stability and Preventing Disputes
Learn to prevent unfair labour practices, manage workplace tensions, and build trust-based labour–management relationships that support stability and effective collective bargaining.
REGISTER NOW:
$3,495.00
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.
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