Human Resources

Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining

Where unions or works councils are present, constructive labour relations are vital for stability and productivity. This course covers labour relations frameworks, preparing for collective bargaining, negotiation strategy and tactics, managing disputes and industrial action, implementing agreements and building long-term partnership with employee representatives.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Adversarial labour relations are costly for both sides. You will learn to negotiate effectively while building trust.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Bargaining simulations, preparation workshops, case studies of labour disputes and role plays.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain labour relations frameworks
Prepare for collective bargaining
Plan negotiation strategy and mandates
Negotiate effectively with representatives
Manage disputes and industrial action risks
Implement agreements and build partnership

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Employee relations managers
HR directors
Operations managers in unionised workplaces
Negotiation team members
Public sector HR

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Bargaining preparation
Negotiation
Dispute management
Relationship building
Agreement implementation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Labour Relations Frameworks

09:00–10:08Legal frameworks
10:08–11:00Roles of unions and councils
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Roles of unions and councils (continued)
11:45–12:53Relationship styles
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Preparation

09:00–10:08Data and costing
10:08–11:00Mandates
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Mandates (continued)
11:45–12:53Bargaining team
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Negotiation

09:00–10:08Strategy and tactics
10:08–11:00Proposals and counterproposals
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Proposals and counterproposals (continued)
11:45–12:53Deadlock
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 4Disputes

09:00–10:08Dispute procedures
10:08–11:00Industrial action
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Industrial action (continued)
11:45–12:53Mediation
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Partnership

09:00–10:08Implementing agreements
10:08–11:00Joint committees
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Joint committees (continued)
11:45–12:53Long-term relations
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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