Industrial and Labour Relations Training

Creating Shared Value by unlocking Human Potential

There is no greater contribution an organization can make than to the training and skill development of their employees.  

Training is a key element to mitigate against innumerable risks, such as:

  • Safety Risks
  • Productivity Risks
  • Labour Supply Risks (having the skilled labour to meet the business demands)
  • Risks to your Brand and Reputation

The objective of all training must be to bring about real change in the way the business is managed and in the results that are achieved. Our bespoke training is designed to meet your specific measurable goals and to bring about behavioural change.

In addition to the above risks, specific Labour Relations training is also beneficial to avoiding:

  • Escalating Labour Costs (due to Collective Agreement wage grids, benefits, onerous Collective Agreement required processes etc.)
  • Management Rights erosion

At the most senior levels the organization needs to understand their role in development of culture.  Business decisions that affect culture start with leadership.  Business strategy decisions, leaders chosen, organization structure, business processes all create behaviours that in totality define the culture.

Union environments run the risk of creating some high risk cultures such as:

  • Culture of entitlement
  • Culture of poor safety
  • Culture discrimination etc.

This is NOT because of the Union per se.  It occurs because of the management’s reaction to the new stakeholder (the union) in its mix.

Understanding, planning and making business decisions based on an Industrial and Labour Relations strategy can help mitigate these risks.  This starts with well trained management and supervision as to how to manage well in a multi-stakeholder environment.

We offer custom and off the shelf workshops, in person and online courses.

Courses and Workshops:

  • What is Industrial Relations Strategy?
  • Management Rights and Understanding your Collective Agreement
  • Performance Management in Union Environments
  • Preparation for Collective Bargaining Workshops
  • Indigenous Awareness online e-learning course
  • **Post course phone consultations are offered to all trainees

“We hired Oakbridges to run three separate workshops over the course of two years for all levels of our management and supervisory staff.  We gained confidence as managers and supervisors to deal with common yet difficult everyday management matters.  They challenged us to think strategically and proactively about labour relations and not viewing it as only reactive grievance work.  We have seen lasting positive effects in the workplace with better management planning and responses, and better employee behaviours.  In my opinion, Oakbridges has a depth of management and labour relations experience to offer that is unparalleled.  I would wholeheartedly recommend and refer them to others.”

Stephanie Hossack
Director, Human Resources
City of Saint John, NB

 

In Ontario, we are partnered with The MEARIE Group, who provide comprehensive financial and business solutions to the electricity sector. Oakbridges is part of their Human Capital Risk Management support services team. Since 2018 Oakbridges has provided open Labour training courses offered several times per year.