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

• How is collective bargaining conducted in the public and broader public sectors? How do mandates affect bargaining?
• How should parties efficiently and effectively prepare for bargaining?
• What factors should parties consider when developing a bargaining strategy?
• What are best practices for drafting bargaining proposals? What steps should employers and unions take when drafting or reviewing bargaining proposals?
• Why is costing necessary? How should parties determine the cost of benefits under a collective agreement?

Negotiating and Communicating

• What are examples of negotiation strategies and tactics?
• How can parties identify and counteract bad faith bargaining?
• When should parties consider mediation or other dispute resolution options?
• 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

• What strategies should be employed when bargaining novel or pressing issues, such as the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”), workloads, and restructuring?
• What rules should parties keep in mind when drafting collective agreement provisions, especially with respect to novel issues?
• 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

• What steps are involved in the ratification of a collective agreement?
• 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 – Stay on top of the latest cases and emerging collective agreement language and learn to develop and advocate for bargaining solutions that contribute to equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplaces and meet member needs.
• Government and Organizational Leaders, Employer Representatives, and Human Resources and Labour Relations Professionals – Learn to draft and negotiate collective agreement language that meets employer obligations and enhances workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion, ultimately creating safer, more productive workplaces with improved retention and morale.
• Labour and Employment Lawyers – Better support bargaining teams and act more effectively as spokesperson at the table by remaining up to date on the latest cases, emerging collective agreement language, and advice from other legal experts.
• Mediators, Conciliators, and Arbitrators – Expand your toolkit for facilitating negotiations and resolving collective bargaining challenges.

What to Expect:

In this interactive, in-person workshop, participants will learn legal principles and best practices in bargaining and compliance.

Participants will hear from leading experts and work in small groups on skill-building exercises.

This workshop is designed for union leaders and negotiators, employer representatives and HR professionals, and labour relations specialists and legal experts.

Coming Soon.

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.

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.

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference – Workshop

$1,355.00Add to cart

Attend Lancaster House’s Public Sector Bargaining Conference, taking place at the same venue, on November 4, 2026.

Bundle your registration with this conference and workshop:

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop

$2,355.00Add to cart

Add the Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference to your bundle:

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference + Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop or Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop

$2,995.00Add to cart

The Public Sector Bargaining Conference brings together top union leaders, employer representatives, negotiators, HR professionals, legal experts, and government officials to examine the latest factors shaping public sector labour negotiations. Ideal for those gearing up for bargaining, the conference highlights recent legislative changes, wage settlements, and economic and arbitral trends. More than just an educational event, this conference offers meaningful networking opportunities with seasoned negotiators and industry experts. Equip yourself with practical knowledge and professional connections to navigate the complexities of public sector bargaining successfully.

Attendees also have the option to attend the Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop taking place concurrent to this workshop.

In these interactive, day-long workshops, participants will hear from leading experts and work in small groups on skill-building exercises, learning practical tools and techniques that will prove invaluable in day-to-day work.