Union Skills Classes

Union Skills and Training Programs

UNION SKILLS CALENDAR (6 Month Outlook)
(Scroll down to see the course descriptions)

SEPTEMBER, 2010
19-24               LBST-3901....... Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Level I
19-24               LBUS-3092...... Closing the Deal
19-24               LBUS-3909...... Labor Law in the Construction Industry
19-24               LBUS-3915...... Organizing 1
20-24               LBUS-3501...... Secretary-Treasurers LM2 Requirements
26–Oct 1         LBUS-3311...... Introduction to Green Jobs and Green Workplaces*

OCTOBER, 2010
10-15               LBST-3902....... Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Level II
10-15               LBUS-3605...... New Union Staff
17-22               LBUS-3918...... Organizing in the Construction Industry: Level One
17-22               LBED-3402...... Teaching Techniques I
24-29               LBUS-3906...... Contract Negotiations in Private Sector
25-29               LBUS-3500...... Secretary-Treasurers Total Solution

NOVEMBER, 2010
7-12                 LBUS-3912...... Negotiating and Writing Contract Language
14-17               LBUS-3310...... Greening the Construction Industry – 3 days
29-Dec3          LBUS-3910...... Labor Relations in the Federal Sector
30-Dec2          LBUS-3898...... Grievance Mediation

DECEMBER, 2010
5-10                 LBUS-3923...... Strategic Planning for Construction Organizing: Level Two
5–10                LBUS-3312...... Green Audit I, Building the Sustainable Workplace*
12-17               LBUS-3907...... Contract Negotiations in the Construction Industry

JANUARY. 2011
16-21               LBUS-3906…...         Contract Negotiations in Private Sector
23-28               LBUS-3918……Organizing in the Construction Industry: Level One
23-28               LBST-3901....... Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Level I

FEBRUARY, 2011
13-18               LBUS-3915……Organizing 1
14-18               LBUS-3501……Secretary-Treasurers LM2 Requirements
20-25               LBUS-3909……Labor Law in the Construction Industry

*These courses are part of a certificate program.
Prospective students should plan on taking all four courses in sequence to qualify for the
Green Workplace Representative Certificate. 
Details are available at http://www.nlc.edu/news/student-forum-human-rights-at-the-workplace.

Union Skills Course Descriptions

LBST-3901: Arbitration Preparation & Presentation - Level I (Just Cause)
Any union advocate knows how vital it is to possess sharp skills during an arbitration hearing. Suitable for all levels, this demanding class will help develop the skills of the novice and hone the skills of the experienced advocate. Students will analyze a sample disciplinary case involving “Just Cause” and will practice direct and cross-examination, as well as opening statements in a workshop setting; students will also discuss closing arguments. At the end of the week, students will participate in full-scale mock arbitrations before certified arbitrators, and will receive additional constructive critiques from the arbitrators. Discussions include the relationship of arbitration to the grievance procedure, as well as strategies to avoid arbitration. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: There are no minimum requirements, but participants with less than three years of grievance handling experience must talk to the instructor prior to registering. RELATED CLASSES: Arbitration Preparation & Presentation - Level II and Arbitration Brief Writing & Closing Arguments: Strategic Grievance Handling. Class begins Sunday at 1pm.  (3 semester credits) 

LBST-3902: Arbitration Preparation & Presentation - Level II (Past Practice)
A continuation of Arbitration Level I, this course will challenge participants to analyze a sample case involving “Past Practice.” As in Level I, students will prepare the case in a workshop setting, and the week will culminate with a mock arbitration and additional feedback from a certified arbitrator. Discussions include the role of member organization, documentary evidence, information requests, and bargaining unit surveys in establishing and proving past practices. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Level I or permission of the instructor. NOTE:  Only two students who have not completed the Level I course will be granted permission to take Level II. Students exempt from the Level I course must possess extensive hearing experience. RELATED CLASSES: Arbitration Preparation & Presentation - Level I and Arbitration Brief Writing & Closing Arguments: Strategic Grievance Handling.  Class begins Sunday at 1pm.  (3 semester credits) 

LBUS-3092: Closing the Deal: A New Approach to Expanding the Unionized Construction Industry in the 21st Century
The unionized construction industry has a distinct need for market development efforts that are designed to accomplish two (2) critical objectives: Supplement our “top down” organizing efforts to increase market share by articulating to owners and contractors the compelling and authentic “new story” of unionized construction labor in the 21st century, and address the skilled workforce issue in the construction industry by enticing a new generation of young Americans to consider a career as a skilled crafts person in the union construction industry.  These two objectives are connected.  This course will cover market analysis; conducting a meeting with a contractor; quantifying the union advantage; internal obstacles to effective organizing; effective communications; and market recovery strategies.  This course will serve as the foundation for multi-trade initiatives that will target specific localities across the country with the purpose of reaching out and establishing relationships with contractors, owners, and non-union skilled crafts people in that particular area.  Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3906: Contract Negotiations in the Private Sector
The unique challenges posed by private sector contract negotiations will be explored fully in this course. This course explores the role of the chief negotiator, from preparing initial proposals to ratifying a contract. Developing committee work and record-keeping procedures; the use of economic data in bargaining; the design of a bargaining campaign; and preparing for and directing the ratification process will also be covered. A highly effective part of the course is a tough bargaining exercise designed to help participants effectively weigh negotiating strategies and tactics.  Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3907: Contract Negotiations in the Construction Industry
This course is tailor-made for union officers and staff members who negotiate labor agreements with construction management. As is the case for courses designed for the airline industry and the private sector, this course covers a wide spectrum of activities related to hammering out a winning contract - from drafting initial proposals to gaining support during the ratification process (and various steps in between). Attention will be given to the unique problems associated with employer association bargaining. A full review of legal developments as they apply to and affect bargaining in the construction industry will also be presented and discussed. The session will culminate with students participating in a mock bargaining session. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3312: Green Audit I, Building the Sustainable Workplace
History of labor-management health and safety committees, role of the labor-management greening committee, research HVAC audit items and new technologies for practice audit, implementing labor level change, research lighting and electrical equipment audit items, overview of lighting and electrical issues, implementing labor level change, research work related transport audit items, overview of transportation issues, identify issues with designing and conducting a greening audit, research reduce, re-use, recycle audit items. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3310: Greening the Construction Industry – 3 days
This course is designed as an introductory course in green construction and green building design for members of the Building Trades unions.  The course will include a craft specific component for each trade. Topics will include: building green, green materials, the elements of green buildings, making existing buildings green, promoting the selection of appropriate sites and environmentally sustainable site development, promoting efficient use of water resources, methods to conserve energy, how to use renewable energy and protect atmospheric resources, how to conserve building materials, how to reduce and recycle construction waste and sensibly use natural resources, and how to protect and enhance indoor and outdoor environmental quality.  The NLC is seeking USGBC certification for this course.  Class begins Monday morning.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3898: Grievance Mediation
Grievance mediation provides an opportunity for the parties to resolve a grievance using interest-based skills with the assistance of a mediator. This three and a half day workshop aims at giving union members, officers, and staff an understanding of the principles of grievance mediation as well as hands on training in the skills needed to make the best use of a mediator. The skills taught - including listening, identifying issues, and exploring shared interests - can also be used to improve day to day grievance handling, employer union relations, and even problem solving within the union. RELATED CLASSES: Strategic Grievance Handling; Arbitration Preparation & Presentation: Level I - Arbitration Brief Writing & Closing Arguments.  Class begins Sunday at 7pm. (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3311:  Introduction to Green Jobs and Green Workplaces
The role and stake of American Labor, union green initiatives, business green initiatives, union greening communities, history of environmental policy in the U.S., history of labor-environmental movement interaction, venture capital and clean technologies, sustainability initiatives, the role of the green workplace representative.  Additional readings, discussions, and case studies will accompany lectures.  Guest speakers will be participating. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3915: Organizing I
Through role-play and discussion, participants will refine their skills and expand their knowledge about organizing. This is an ideal course for staff new to organizing, as well as those who want to learn more about the latest strategies to grow their union.  Participants will examine a typical local union campaign in the private sector from start to finish. Students will learn about one-on-one communications, develop a workplace committee, and explore campaign strategies. Employer antiunion campaigns, legal strategies, and planning skills will also be emphasized. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3918: Organizing in the Construction Industry Level 1
This course offers a comprehensive overview of organizing issues related to the construction industry, and offers concrete strategies aimed at promoting organizing throughout the industry. In addition to concentrating on issues related to workforce organizing - identifying, contacting, and communicating directly with unrepresented workers - participants will also review the evolution of construction organizing, the use of top-down and bottom-up tactics, and basic labor law. Specifically, participants will learn how to identify leaders and build both employer-based and industry wide worker committees. One-on-one skills, overall communications strategies, framing issues, and motivating workers will also be addressed in this program. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semesters credits)

LBUS-3909: Labor Law in the Construction Industry
For the construction industry, federal labor laws include special provisions. To manage risk effectively, union leaders and staff in the construction industry must be familiar with the legal framework. This course will enable participants to identify union action that can be taken independently; that require legal assistance; or that should be avoided entirely. Topics that will be covered include paths to recognition, including salting, trigger agreements and other innovations; bargaining, including pre-hire and project agreements, multi-employer units and corporate change; traditional and nontraditional pressures, from strikes to corporate campaigns; and preventive maintenance and pro-active planning. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3910: Labor Relations in the Federal Sector
Union leaders and staff who work with the federal sector face unique challenges and situations. This course, taught by labor professionals, will provide an overview of issues related to the representation of federal sector workers, including federal labor history, collective bargaining, contract enforcement, worker’s compensation, and building solidarity. Class begins Monday morning.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3912: Negotiating and Writing Contract Language
Participants in this course will learn how to develop effective bargaining strategy and how to write contract language. Participants will learn the “how-to’s” of writing contract language: defining and analyzing issues, developing proposals, and writing the actual language. In addition, particular kinds of contract language will be examined. Throughout the week, participants will work on a number of case studies.  NOTE: Prior to enrolling in this course, it is strongly recommended that participants have experience as a member of a union negotiating committee. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3605: New Union Staff
This course is designed for those who have recently been appointed or elected to a full-time union staff position. The course will focus on developing personal skills and critical thinking needed to function effectively in the many different roles of a union staff member. The course will also help to improve planning skills needed to manage contract negotiations, organize campaigns, and run a local union. For a better overall understanding of the new staff member’s role, the basic structure, operation, and goals of the U.S. labor movement will be presented. Staff members from a number of different unions in attendance will enrich the discussions, presentations, exercises, class participation, and feedback. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3501: Secretary-Treasurer’s—LM2 Requirements
If you are the Secretary-Treasurer of a local that has an income of $250,000 or more, the rules for collecting, analyzing and filing your union’s LM-2 Labor Department Annual Report are drastically more complex than ever before. Remember, the new rules aren’t just related to new information on the form itself; you must also file your new LMN-2 electronically. This four (4) day workshop is designed to provide you with the effective tools to accomplish this filing. The class is hands-on, in the computer lab, designed to assist you in developing proficiency with Quick Books as it relates to the new LM-2 “Informational Requirements.” The workshop material will provide you with an excellent understanding of all the new requirements and will help you to successfully complete the LM-2 Form for your local. Class begins Monday morning.  (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3923: Strategic Planning for Construction Organizing Level II
Intended to help union locals and building trades councils maximize the effectiveness of their organizing activities and to promote the efficient use of union resources, this course offers a step-by-step plan for developing and applying a comprehensive strategy. Specifically, participants will review basic concepts of planning, strategic targeting, conducting a power analysis, and strategic research for construction organizing. Participants will take part in a series of interactive, small-group exercises centered on a realistic case study. This course is designed for building trades union officers, agents, experienced organizers, or those who have attended Organizing in the Construction Industry Level I. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (2 semester credits)

LBED-3402: Teaching Techniques I
With an ever-present need for renewed activism and broader involvement among the rank-and-file, membership education is a top priority of today’s unions. This introductory course - ideal for union staff members who teach at conferences, workshops, or other educational settings - covers a broad range of education skills, from planning a time-sensitive teaching outline to conducting an effective class. Since most adults learn better when actively involved, this class will stress participation techniques. Practice teaching is a key component of the course, and during these sessions, guidance and feedback by a skilled labor educator will be offered. Class begins Sunday at 7pm.  (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3500: The Secretary Treasurer’s Total Solution
This five (5) day course is designed to provide the Secretary-Treasurer with the tools for effective management of member and local funds and compliance with all regulatory requirements of the IRS and DOL. The workshop is a hands-on computer course designed to assist the student in developing proficiency with Quick Books as it relates to the union environment. The workshop also includes discussion of LM-2 requirements. Class begins Monday morning.  (3 semester credits)