CONFERENCE RATIONALE

One of the recent ugly trends affecting collective bargaining is non implementation of collective agreements by employers. This has reduced the gains and benefits of collective bargaining as an instrument of industrial harmony in developing countries. What can be done? Which way forward? . These are some of questions begging for answers. Experienced  Unionist, Labour Experts and Lawyers will gather in one hall to proffer solutions in this year conference.

This conference will also provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of the bargaining process. You will examine the context, content, and process of the collective bargaining. While considering both union and managements perspectives, they will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the collective bargaining to each party. You will examine the legal framework of collective bargaining. At the same time, you will consider the historical evolution of strategies and tactics employed at the bargaining table in both the private and public sectors.

 Through the use of case studies, you will consider bargaining scenarios in a wide range of sectors and industries. You will also gain a practical understanding by designing and participating in mock bargaining sessions. In addition to studying the bargaining process and methods of contract enforcement, you will discuss alternative models of worker representation as well as new forms of bargaining that are evolving in the context of a global economy.
Experience the collective bargaining process through hands-on participation in a simulated negotiation. Whether you’re a newly assigned negotiator on the management team or just looking for a refresher, you get realistic insight into the emotional factors that can affect the outcome of any contract negotiation.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

• Apply different communication skills
• Gain negotiating experience
• Appreciate what it feels like when the stakes are high
•  Bargaining process and methods of collective agreement enforcement,
• Alternative models of worker representation as well as new forms of bargaining that are evolving in the context of a global economy

Conference Outline/Topics

Administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Grievance Procedure
Arbitration
Case study: To Be Determined

Enforceability and Effect of Collective Agreements

1. Establish Objective and Strike Authority
   A)     The Importance of Pre-Negotiation Authority
2. B)     The Importance of Top Management “Buy-in”
   C)     Protected and Unprotected Strikes

2. Strike Preparations
   A)     As a bargaining tool
   B)     Strike Manual
   C)     Appropriate Security
3. Strikes
   A)     Types of Strikes
   B)     Company Rights
   C)     Employee Rights
   D)     Settling a Strike
4. Lockouts
   A)     Purpose
   B)     Hiring of Replacements
   C)     Employee Entitlement and  Benefits
5. Rules of Strikes, Lockouts, Picketing and replacement of workers
   

How to Negotiate: Tactics and Techniques

• Introduction to Collective Bargaining and Industrial Relations
• Sites for Collective Bargaining—Advantages and Disadvantages
  A)     Employer’s Premises
  B)     Public Buildings
  C)     Hotel/Motel
  D)     Attorneys, Banks, Etc.
  E)      Union Offices
• Times for Negotiations
• Bargaining Techniques
  A)     First Meeting
• Sources and Determinants of Bargaining Power
• Management Strategies and Structures for Collective Bargaining
• Union Organizing
• Participation Processes
• Negotiations Process with Mock Bargaining

Grievance Procedure and Economic Impact of Collective Bargaining

TARGET AUDIENCE

The programme is designed for Trade Union Leadership, Management Staff, Human resource Managers, Employee Relations Managers and Union Members

DELIVERY METHOD:
The programme will be delivered using the following methodologies: Lectures, discussions, syndicate work, Videos, case studies and exercises

ACCOMMODATION: This Conference is non-residential. Participants are to lodge in hotels of their choice near the conference centre. A list of these Hotels will be provided on request.