Introduction
Rising UK union membership, changing Union tactics, and the impact of the recent economic pressures all mean that organisations are struggling in the changing Employee Relations landscape. Proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act, and almost equal activism by blue-collar and white-collar employees, it is essential that your team feel confident, prepared and empowered to work with the Unions to reduce conflict and meet business objectives.
Trade Unions Course Overview
This training programme will equip your team to engage with Unions reps as their equals in a confident and collaborative manner. Delegates will understand how to optimise union relations in the current uncertain climate and how to effectively resolve internal and external disputes.
The course runs for approximately 6.5 hours.
What our delegates say about our In-house training courses:
“Excellent, down to earth and easy to understand.”
“I’m yet to have direct dealings with Trade Unions, however, I’m privileged to have this insight before being ‘thrown in the deep end’ in a couple of weeks’ time.”
Learning objectives:
Deal with trade unions confidently in day-to-day interactions
Work more collaboratively and constructively with union representatives
Communicate more effectively with union reps and the wider workforce
Understand the current rise of union influence, including key strengths and vulnerabilities
Identify what drives and motivates unions, and develop effective response strategies
Distinguish clearly between engagement, consultation, and negotiation
Understand the principles and practical realities of collective bargaining
Prepare more effectively for negotiations
Reduce the risk of industrial action
Build employee confidence and trust in the organisation
Resolve day-to-day employee relations issues more quickly and efficiently
Key training topics:
Understanding engagement: history, context, and current realities
What is a trade union? Ethos, membership, structures, and key stakeholders
Current “hot topics” in union–employer relations
The implications of recognising a trade union in your workplace
Engaging with trade unions: informing, consulting, negotiating, and collective bargaining
Ensuring clear, effective, and high-quality communications
Preparing for negotiations
When things go wrong: escalation routes, options, and next steps
Managing day-to-day employee relations issues
Who will benefit from attendance:
LINE MANAGEMENT, TEAM LEADERS, FUTURE LEADERS, HR, EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, OPERATIONS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT NEW TO WORKING WITH UNIONS.
Contact Details
Catherine Ouston,
Head of In-House Training
📥 teamtraining@bfi.co.uk
📞 +44(0)1983 861133
