Burning Issues: What Workers Are Facing in 2023
Virtual EventMondays, 2/27-3/27 via Zoom Class Description: We will examine one critical issue impacting workers and the workplace each week. Guest experts share the latest insights and strategies surrounding current issues. Instructor: Lisa Field is the President of the Labor Guild. She is a long-time labor and social justice activist. She is currently an Associate Director…
Drafting Contract Language to Avoid Grievances
Virtual EventTuesdays, 2/28-3/28 via Zoom Class Description: Grievances and costly arbitrations often arise from unclear contract language. Many locals and employers do not use attorneys to assist with drafting during the collective bargaining process, and sometimes disputes arise from ambiguous provisions. This process will provide you with tools to create outcomes at the table and reduce…
Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Virtual EventSpecial Workshop - Wednesdays, 3/1-4/12 via Zoom Workshop Description: Take the mystery out of the bargaining process and learn the inside game of collective bargaining negotiations. This hands-on, nuts and bolts course involves the participants in all aspects of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. It includes lectures, educational materials, simulated bargaining sessions, strategy development, and bargaining…
Parliamentary Procedures Workshop – Spring 2023
Virtual EventRunning a meeting, or exercising your rights as a member, can be challenging. Union constitutions and bylaws typically require meetings to comply with Robert’s Rules of Order. This workshop will give chairs and members the tools they need for more effective union meetings and to be in compliance with their bylaws. Meeting minutes and recording…
Coalition Building 101
Virtual EventMondays, 4/24-5/22 via Zoom Class Description: Coalitions can be identified in many ways. They can be called community groups, organizations, or initiatives. Coalitions create an opportunity to educate and effect change by bringing together groups/individuals who support a common goal or issue. At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to determine if…
Basic Steward Training
Virtual EventTuesdays, 4/25-5/23 via Zoom Course Description: This course will cover the basic duties and responsibilities of a Shop Steward. Building your skills by emphasizing strategic planning for local unions, member mobilization, recording documentation, and the grievance process. Students will participate in case studies to develop and enhance problem-solving techniques to navigate through daily issues swiftly…
Labor Arbitration I
Virtual EventTuesdays, 4/25-5/23 via Zoom Course Goal: To understand the arbitration process and the ways it is used in labor relations disputes. By the end of the course, participants will know how to use the grievance procedure and work with other representatives and attorneys to prepare an effective presentation before an arbitrator. Who Should Take It: Union and…
Reviewing Your Bylaws Workshop – Spring 2023
Virtual EventIn the Bylaws Review Workshop, we will review the importance and function of bylaws in union democracy. You will learn to understand and evaluate your union bylaws and work with them in relation to the union’s policies and procedures. Instructed by: Patti Legault-Frank, A Consulting Parliamentarian and Governance Specialist since 1981
Union Elections Workshop – Spring 2023
Virtual EventWe’ll cover the basics of union nominations and elections and what your union needs to be in compliance. This workshop will help you assess your union’s process to assure you…
Conflict Resolution
Virtual EventCourse Description: An Advanced Communications Skills workshop for union leaders and members. This workshop contains all of the elements necessary to help participants identify, understand, and correct their communication shortcomings,…
The American Labor Relations System: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Virtual EventCourse Description: The American Labor Relations System: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow will explore how labor history has shaped today’s unions, as well as the challenges and opportunities unions may face in the future. Over the course of five weeks, the class will discuss key moments in labor history, how state and federal labor laws have…
Massachusetts Public Sector Law
Virtual EventCourse Description: In this five-session class, we will explore the basic structure of public sector labor law in Massachusetts and how to make use of other statutory remedies to be a more effective public sector union officer or activist. We will be exploring the basics of the Mass General Law statute for Collective Bargaining, going…