By Anne Grant

Last spring, Queen's IRC launched a new certificate - Advanced Labour Relations. Designed to address the advanced learning needs of the practicing labour relations professional, this programming builds on the established Labour Relations (LR) Certificate. This article provides a brief overview of the content of this new program.

Building on the level of knowledge, skills, and abilities required by labour relations professionals (LRPs) in the workplace (See LRP Competency Framework, Grant, 2011), the advanced certificate moves beyond training in traditional activities, such as collective bargaining, mediation, and arbitration.  The NEW Advanced LR Certificate focuses on fact-finding, strategic grievance handling as well as building and managing effective union-management relationships. 

This new certificate complements the existing Queen's IRC LR Certificate by providing a more in-depth exploration of relevant LR topics. Following the basic certificate model, the advanced certificate is designed to allow learners to tailor their programming choices directly to their own professional development needs. This flexible programming means that learners can choose programs that are directly relevant to their work.

To earn the Advanced LR Certificate, learners are required to complete the LR Certificate and any combination of three out of the four advanced certificate electives (3 credits). Programs may be attended by LRPs in any order, at any time.

• Mastering Fact-Finding and Investigation (Next program: Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2011 in Victoria)
• Strategic Grievance Handling (First program: May 1-4, 2012 in Toronto)*
• Managing Relations for LR Practitioners (First Program: Spring 2013)*
• One program in the LR stream that was not previously completed as credit towards the LR Certificate. Learners may choose from: LR Foundations, Negotiation Skills, Dispute Resolution, Labour Arbitration, and Change Management.

* In recognition of the IRC's LR Certificate Graduates, Queen's IRC alumni will receive a 20% discount to attend the initial offering of each of the new Advanced LR programs.

Below is a brief description of the three core programs in the NEW Advanced LR Certificate.

Mastering Fact-Finding and Investigation

A growing workplace trend is the increase of statutory and non-statutory harassment obligations requiring investigation to comply with due diligence. In addition, organizations may have other fact-finding needs to assist with adequately addressing allegations of conflict of interest, breaches of confidentiality, whistle blowing, and fraud. Mastering Fact-Finding and Investigation is an intensive workshop designed to provide participants with the theoretical background and practical experience necessary to conduct workplace investigations. Theory will be applied in practice throughout the program, as participants work through the four stages of an investigation in order to experience pre-screening, preparation, interviewing, and report writing. Experienced practitioners will share interview techniques, strategies to avoid fact-finding pitfalls, as well as trends and best practices. The first offering of this program ran in April 2011.

Strategic Grievance Handling

Strategic Grievance Handling will present techniques and processes to enable LRPs to more efficiently and effectively manage grievances through formal and informal means. Seasoned practitioners will hone their dispute resolution skills to analyze, manage, and resolve grievances, as well as discuss innovative processes and protocols to address current workplace issues. An in-depth exploration of the nuances of the grievance process, drawing on real life case examples, will give participants practical experience to handle grievances and optimally employ every step of the grievance procedure.

Managing Relations for LR Practitioners

Throughout the Managing Relations for LR Practitioners program, learners will analyze the conditions that lead to optimal union-management partnerships. Through examination of best practices, application of theory, and practical exercises, participants will enhance their ability to build partnerships across their organizations, while recognizing the impact of the labour-management relationship and bargaining on the operational and financial processes of the organization.

As with all IRC programs, participants will receive practical tools and templates to allow them to effectively transfer their knowledge and implement their learnings to their respective roles.

For more information on the NEW Advanced Labour Relations Certificate please contact Stephanie Noel, the IRC's Business Development Manager, by e-mail (Stephane.Noel@QueensU.ca) or telephone (613-533-6000 ext. 77088).