4 sessions over 2 weeks – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET each day

Employer and union representatives should cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to resolve grievances early, before expensive and unpredictable arbitration is necessary. However, not every grievance can be settled without arbitration. When arbitration is necessary, both employer and union representatives need to be able to effectively mount a successful position or provide meaningful support to counsel.  

Throughout this program, an experienced arbitrator and two seasoned advocates (one union-side and one management side) lead participants through the core elements of grievance handling, settlement considerations, case preparation, preliminary issues, and the rules of evidence.  

In the latter half of the program, participants will work in groups to prepare for and take part in a realistic mock grievance arbitration. With guidance and feedback from the arbitrator, participants collaborate to develop opening and closing statements and examine and cross examine witnesses.  

This hands on and practical certificate program equips both employer and union representatives with the skills they need to resolve grievances effectively and to advocate with confidence when arbitration becomes necessary. 

What to Expect:

This virtual certificate program takes place over four half-day afternoon sessions, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays across two weeks. Designed to fit into busy work schedules, the program blends theoretical foundations with practical strategies to support effective grievance handling in unionized workplaces. 

Day 1 – Explore the fundamentals of grievance handling, settlement considerations, and advocacy strategy, including how to gather and share evidence effectively. 

Day 2 – Dive into preliminary arbitration issues, key rules of evidence, and the essentials of delivering opening and closing statements. 

Day 3 – Learn about mediation options and begin the hands-on mock arbitration, delivering opening statements, examining witnesses, and receiving feedback from the arbitrator. 

Day 4 – Conclude the mock arbitration, complete witness examinations, deliver closing statements, and receive final feedback from the arbitrator. 

All participants will receive a comprehensive digital resource package that includes textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional materials prepared by Lancaster House program lawyers to support ongoing learning. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate jointly issued by Lancaster House and Memorial University of Newfoundland. 

Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for professionals involved in grievance handling, workplace dispute resolution, and arbitration advocacy, including:

• Union Representatives and Labour Advocates – Individuals responsible for filing, advancing, or representing members in grievance processes who want to strengthen their settlement strategies and arbitration skills. 
• Human Resources and Labour Relations Professionals – HR and LR practitioners who manage grievances, participate in hearings, or support legal counsel in preparing arbitration cases. 
• Labour and Employment Lawyers – Legal professionals seeking practical insights into the advocacy strategies used by experienced union and management representatives.
• Managers and Supervisors in Unionized Workplaces – Operational leaders who attend grievance meetings or provide key evidence and documentation for arbitration proceedings. 
• Public Sector Administrators and Organizational Leaders – Individuals involved in labour relations oversight or policy who need to understand how grievance and arbitration processes impact workplace dynamics and decision-making. 

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will leave this training equipped to: 

• Prepare effectively for grievance meetings and arbitration hearings; 
• Identify which grievances should proceed to arbitration; 
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of grievance cases; 
• Present persuasive arguments through examination and oral advocacy; and 
• Support early and strategic resolution of workplace disputes.