Bonnie Ladin Union Skills and
Training Programs

The Union Skills program was renamed the Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Program in 2011 in honor of our colleague and friend Bonnie Ladin, who passed away in August of 2010. The Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Program was made possible by the generous donations of Peter Angelos, the United Food and Commercial Workers, and others.  To find out more about Bonnie Ladin CLICK HERE

REFUND POLICY

Students enrolled in a Union Skills course are permitted to drop up to two weeks prior to the first scheduled day of class with a full refund and without any indication on their transcript. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing or electronically if they intend to drop a class. Failure to drop a class does not eliminate a student’s financial obligation for the registered course(s).

Any student who has registered for a Union Skills course and who has not officially dropped the course, and who does not attend every scheduled class session shall be assigned a grade of “NC” (no credit). No refund will be granted.

Training Courses

• Building Trades Courses
  (These courses are only open to Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO union members including Ironworkers, Insulators, Boilermakers, IBEW, Teamsters, Bricklayers, Elevator Constructors, Painters, Laborers, Plasterers and Cement Masons, Sheet Metal Workers, Plumbers/Pipefitters, and Roofers.)
• Labor Safety and Health Training

Registration

Online registration is currently unavailable for the Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Program. Please print a registration form, fill it out and fax it to 301-628-0160 or scan and email it to registration@nlc.edu. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Click here to download a printable Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Registration Form (PDF)

Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Calendar

Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Calendar subject to change.

Online registration is currently unavailable for the Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Program. Please print a registration form, fill it out and fax it to 301-628-0160 or scan and email it to registration@nlc.edu. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Click here to download a printable Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Registration Form (PDF)

Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Course Descriptions

LBUS-3900: Arbitration Brief Writing
More and more, union advocates are expected to submit briefs after an arbitration hearing. This class takes beginning and advanced advocates through the process of writing and researching a polished brief in a real case. Before the residential class there are four weeks of easy-to-follow online step-by-step assignments that help students immerse themselves in the facts of the case. The fifth and final week of the class is face-to-face residential instruction. It gives students the opportunity for group work and personal feedback and editing by the instructor. Students hone both writing and legal reasoning skills, while also learning how to research and read cases. RELATED CLASSES: Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Levels I and II; Grievance Mediation; Strategic Grievance Handling. (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3901:  Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Level I
Any union advocate knows how vital it is to analyze cases from both sides prior to trying them, and 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 analyze a sample disciplinary case involving oJust Cause� and practice direct and cross-examination and opening statements in a workshop setting; students also discuss closing arguments. At the end of the week, students participate in full-scale mock arbitrations and receive additional constructive critiques.  The mock arbitrations are videotaped.  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 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; Arbitration Brief Writing; Grievance Mediation; and Strategic Grievance Handling. (3 semester credits)

LBST-3902:  Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Level II
A continuation of Arbitration Level I, this course will challenge participants to analyze either a contract interpretation case or a case involving oPast Practice� (check course dates to see which type of case is being taught). As in Level I, students will prepare the case in a workshop setting where they receive detailed critiques, and the week culminates with a mock arbitration and additional feedback. Mock arbitrations will be videotaped. 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 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; Arbitration Brief Writing; Grievance Mediation; and Strategic Grievance Handling. (3 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, which explores the role of the chief negotiator from preparing initial proposals to ratifying a contract. Developing committee work and recordkeeping 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. (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-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 and Presentation Level I; Arbitration Brief Writing. (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3005:  Introduction to Strategic Corporate Research
This is a 2.5 day, introductory training on conducting strategic corporate research. The course is intended for organizers, strategic researchers, and other union staff whose responsibilities include conducting or using corporate research for organizing or bargaining campaigns. The course sets out principles of strategic campaigning in organized labor and other social movements. It emphasizes introduction to methods and tools of strategic research (both internet and non-internet based) for analyzing data on companies and industries, and the development of campaign plans. Participants are introduced to comprehensive blueprints for producing first-cut corporate profiles. (1 Semester Credit)

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, workerTs compensation, and solidarity building. (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 ohow-toTs� 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. (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3913:  Negotiating Contracts with State and Local Governments
Union officers and staff who negotiate labor agreements with state, county, and local governments will benefit from this course, which explores the role of a chief negotiator at different parts of the bargaining process. Specifically, participants will scrutinize the preparation and design of initial proposals; the development of committee work and record-keeping procedures; the structure and function of opening statements; economic bargaining; and preparation and directions of the ratification process. A highly experienced union negotiator will walk participants through a tough municipal bargaining exercise aimed at encouraging students to weigh negotiating strategies and tactics. NOTE: Federal sector negotiations will not be addressed in this course. (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, run organizing campaigns, and participate in running a local union. To provide a better understanding of the new staff member's role, the course will review the basic structure, operation, and goals of various AFL-CIO affiliates. Staff members from a number of different unions in attendance will enrich the discussions, presentations, exercises, class participation, and feedback. (2 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 anti-union campaigns, legal strategies, and planning skills will also be emphasized. (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3916:  Organizing II
This course, focusing on the private sector, is designed for those who have completed Organizing I, who have comparable organizing experience, or who will assume (or have assumed) greater organizing responsibilities. Specific elements include recruiting and training of union members in the organizing process; leader development; corporate campaign research; legal strategies; database/reporting procedures; campaign issues and theme development; community involvement; campaign planning; and progress analysis. (2 semester credits)

LBUS-3500: Secretary-Treasurers 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-3 & 4 requirements. (3 semester credits).

LBUS-3501: Secretary-Treasurers LM-2 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 LM-2 electronically.  This five (5) 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. (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3080:  Strategic Grievance Handling
Most grievance handling is done in oservicing� mode without involving members or contributing to the organizational strength of the union. This class, which is suitable for beginning stewards as well as experienced union representatives, focuses on using grievances to build the union. Its goal is for students to leave with revitalized organizing plans and skills to address current issues and to involve members in the daily life of the union. Working with the actual problems students bring to class, students will analyze both relevant contract and legal rights, and the strategic and organizational issues presented. Students will then explore how the problems can be used to build member involvement and union power by applying listening skills, surveying, mapping, charting, and campaign strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on developing member participation through concerted activities in the workplace. Optional evening sessions are provided for those who need information about the basic legal rights of stewards. NOTE: Related courses include Arbitration Preparation & Presentation Levels I and II; Arbitration Brief Writing and Grievance Mediation. (2 semester credits)

LBUS-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. (3 semester credits)

LBUS-3412:  Teaching Techniques II
A follow-up to the basic Teaching Techniques I course, this advanced course offers participants the opportunity to upgrade their teaching skills and allows them a forum to exchange ideas with other experienced labor educators. Participants will learn methods for designing effective teaching outlines. In addition, participants will expand the range of techniques they use and will learn how to write their own teaching materials. Leading a discussion"a complex, but critical component of teaching"will be emphasized. Practice teaching, with critique, is also an important part of this program. NOTE: Permission of the instructor is required for admission to this course.
(3 semester credits)

Registration

Online registration is currently unavailable for the Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Program. Please print a registration form, fill it out and fax it to 301-628-0160 or scan and email it to registration@nlc.edu. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Click here to download a printable Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Registration Form (PDF)