Labour Relations
Labour relations broadly refers to the interactions between management and unions in a unionized workforce, or in an organization that has the potential to become unionized.
- Learn through labour relation case studies and situational analysis to understand labour relations dynamics and best practices
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Students gain an understanding of the theory, principles and policies that underpin the collective bargaining process and consider social, economic and political factors that shape the area of labour relations today. Major topics include legislative frameworks, the process of collective bargaining, interpreting and administering collective agreements, standard grievance procedures, conciliation, mediation and arbitration processes, the impact of strikes and lockouts, globalization and its impact on work and workers.
Students learn and apply labour relations concepts to case studies, interviews and negotiation simulations, real-time professional communication presentations, and real-life cases/projects. Upon completion of the program, graduates have an understanding of the process required for negotiating and interpreting collective agreements in a variety of contexts from both union and management perspectives....(read more)
Overview
Labour relations broadly refers to the interactions between management and unions in a unionized workforce, or in an organization that has the potential to become unionized. This online College Certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge required to develop and maintain effective union-management relationships. The program offers a rich learning experience with real-life applications for individuals who have experience working with unions or management and want to advance in their career, as well as for those who want to better understand and participate in labour relations within their workplaces.
Students gain an understanding of the theory, principles and policies that underpin the collective bargaining process and consider social, economic and political factors that shape the area of labour relations today. Major topics include legislative frameworks, the process of collective bargaining, interpreting and administering collective agreements, standard grievance procedures, conciliation, mediation and arbitration processes, the impact of strikes and lockouts, globalization and its impact on work and workers.
Students learn and apply labour relations concepts to case studies, interviews and negotiation simulations, real-time professional communication presentations, and real-life cases/projects. Upon completion of the program, graduates have an understanding of the process required for negotiating and interpreting collective agreements in a variety of contexts from both union and management perspectives.
The program allows human resources practitioners to advance their career into positions involving labour relations activities. This program may appeal to human resources generalists, consultants within unionized environments, labour relations practitioners and trade union representatives.
To qualify for this certificate, students must complete the program in three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess good communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Have a strong interest in the law administration.
- Thrive in team-based environments.
- Enjoy critical thinking and creative problem solving.
- Are motivated to lead, advocate and champion for individuals, groups and organizations.
- Possess a strong ability to deal with conflict situations.
Courses
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGT1500 | 42.0 | Introduction to Labour Relations | |
| LAW1500 | 42.0 | Laws of the Unionized Workplace | |
| ENL1520 | 42.0 | Communication Skills for Labour Relations Practitioners | |
| MGT1501 | 42.0 | The Collective Bargaining Process | |
| MGT1502 | 42.0 | Labour Relations Trends and Practices | |
| MGT1503 | 42.0 | Labour Relations Applied Project | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MGT1500 Introduction to Labour Relations
Labour relations professionals play an important role in representing stakeholders in ongoing interactions between employers and union representatives. Students explore the role of communications and media in representing employee/union philosophies and analyze how these impact workplace issues. Through online research and critical thinking projects students reflect on historical events and analyze how these have shaped current employee-management relations.
LAW1500 Laws of the Unionized Workplace
Understanding, interpreting, and applying the Canadian legal framework to union-management issues is important to the role of the labour relations practitioner. Students explore the legal rights and obligations of unions and management and compare the contributions of provincial and federal jurisdictions in shaping labour relations legislation. Through online presentations, debates, and case study analyses, students investigate the impact of laws in labour relations, employment standards, workers' compensation, human rights, and occupational health and safety in local jurisdictions.
ENL1520 Communication Skills for Labour Relations Practitioners
Labour relations practitioners work in diverse environments that require them to have effective communication and negotiation skills. Students explore patterns of communication and problem-solving in resolving conflict and apply these to represent management, employees and unions. Through simulations, interviews and oral presentations, students explore diversity and the role communication plays in conflict resolution and labour-management relationships.
MGT1501 The Collective Bargaining Process
Collective bargaining aims to improve working conditions for both unionized workers and management, which also leads to broader socio-economic changes. Students learn practical skills and knowledge related to administering, negotiating, and interpreting collective agreements and unfair labour practices. Through applied research projects, online discussions, and case study analyses, students develop and apply methods and approaches to dispute resolution within the labour relations sphere, including grievance procedures, arbitration, mediation and alternative bargaining.
MGT1502 Labour Relations Trends and Practices
Labour relations professionals need to consider the manner in which the institution is being affected by changes in the workplace, society and the global environment. Students explore work and employment trends locally and globally including marginalized populations, protecting workers' rights and advancing social justice. Through multi-media presentations, online research and use of social media, students research current and future labour relations trends and how these changes are impacting the workplace.
MGT1503 Labour Relations Applied Project
Labour relations professionals draw upon a variety of strategies in representing union-management parties. Students apply their knowledge of legislative frameworks, the collecting bargaining process, mediation and negotiation. Working individually and in teams, students conduct online research and apply prior workplace learning to an applied project that reflects labour relations principles and strategies.
Pre-requisites: ENL1520 AND LAW1500 AND MGT1500 AND MGT1501 AND MGT1502
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as labour relations generalists or consultants within unionized environments, labour relations practitioners in government and industry, trade union organizers or staff.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze and apply legislation, standards, practices, and protocols in labour relations contexts.
- Anticipate and critically evaluate labour relations issues from diverse, multiple, and historical perspectives using creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Apply an understanding of conflict resolution, negotiation, and professional communication styles to resolving disputes in the workplace.
- Research and implement tools and techniques required for administering collective agreements and planning a successful investigation process.
- Use skills and strategies for negotiating collective agreements to case studies and simulations.
- Formulate strategies for effectively resolving grievances by participating in various stages of the grievance process.
- Communicate labour relations issues clearly, concisely and effectively in the written, spoken, and electronic forms that fulfil the needs of stakeholders.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific factors that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without an OSSD).
Application Information
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Additional Information
Program Resources
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed). For more information please contact your Program Coordinator.
Contact
Future Students
For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.
Current Students
For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.