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Course Description

Develop your skills and knowledge of conducting effective negotiations and contract administration, and examining strategies, tactics, and behavioural rules used in the negotiation process. Discover how to effectively administer a collective agreement and strategies to maintain positive union and management relationships is provided.

The course utilizes a variety of active learning approaches, including discussions, case studies, and simulations to address labour relations topics, including negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, investigations, and progressive discipline.

While more broadly applicable, the course primarily draws on examples from an Ontario school board context. You are invited to apply your knowledge and experience while engaging in the learning

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Identify the historical and current perspectives on the purpose and benefits of unions in the public and private sectors
  • Implement strategies to prepare for, conduct and work towards agreement within the collective bargaining process
  • Identify and demonstrate conflict management and problem-solving strategies
  • Identify and apply key concepts and practices used to interpret and successfully administer collective agreements, including employee relations, grievances, investigations, discipline, and termination
  • Understand and apply effective investigation strategies to guide decisions related to discipline, and termination within the framework of a collective agreement

Course Topics

The course topics include:

  • Perspectives on the value of unions
  • Canada’s labour laws
  • Collective Bargaining
  • School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, 2014
  • Maintaining positive labour relations
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving
  • Labour relations management challenges in Ontario
  • Managing grievances
  • Arbitration process
  • Workplace investigations
  • Progressive Discipline

Assessment

Assessment Item Weight
Individual Assignment: The Importance of Labour-Management Relations 5%
Mini Quizzes (3 x 5%) 15%
Group Assignment #1: Managing Sanctions 10%
Group Assignment #2: Maintaining Positive Labour-Management Relations 10%
Group Assignment #3: Managing a Harassment Allegation 10%
Group Assignment #4: Managing a Grievance Process 10%
Group Assignment #5: Investigations 10%
Group Assignment #6: Managing a Complex Multi-issue School Situation 10%
Final Exam 20%
Total 100%

Please note that the course assessment is subject to change.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Technical Requirements

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*Course details are subject to change.

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Section Title
Labour Management Relations
Type
Remote Instruction
Days
Thursday
Time
9:00AM to 4:00PM
Dates
October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
30.0
Location
  • Virtual
Delivery Options
Remote Instruction  
Course Fee(s)
Potential Discount(s)
Section Notes

Early bird registration rates are offered as follows: $855.00 when registering 60 days prior to the course start date. $895.00 when registering 30 days prior to the course start date. Regular registration fees apply for registrations made less than 30 days prior to the course start date and are priced at $995.00. 

Course registration closes Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET (based on availability).

You are required to attend all scheduled online synchronous (live online) sessions, scheduled on Thursdays from 9am - 4pm.

*If one or more classes need to be rescheduled due to extenuating circumstances, the rescheduled class will be held on Thursday November 20, 2025.

This course uses CourseLink, the University of Guelph’s Learning Management System and Zoom video conferencing. Please ensure you have the technical requirements to participate in the course. CourseLink access begins Sunday October 12, 2025.

Assignments may be due after the final live online class date. Details will be provided in the Course Outline in CourseLink.

If you are new to online learning, we encourage you to visit our Online Learning at UofG resource page.

View the Technical Considerations for CourseLink and Zoom.

View the Withdrawal, Transfer and Refund Policy - Continuing Education courses under six weeks in duration.

Contact the OpenEd Continuing Education team if you require assistance.

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