Preparation for Collective Bargaining

Participants learn how to align collective bargaining objectives to organization strategy, organize and prioritize management and union goals, and prepare for the bargaining table. An in-class project includes preparing and delivering a presentation to management on bargaining authority. 

This training is for labor relations, human resource, operations, and finance professionals who support or are responsible for collective bargaining.

Key Topics

• Assembling and analyzing internal and external factors that influence negotiations

  o Reviewing grievance and arbitration logs

  o Obtaining input from supervisors and managers

  o Evaluating bargaining unit demographics

  o Reviewing wage rates, benefits, and current cost data

• Determining management objectives and bargaining positions

• Anticipating union demands; formulating management responses * Calculating and assessing current contract value and projected agreement costs

• Identifying labor strike and settlement issues

Approach and Features

Case study analysis of complex, cutting-edge economic and operational issues culminates in group presentations to a simulated management team of experienced corporate negotiators and strategists. There will be a panel discussion about current collective bargaining trends, issues, and solutions.