The Fundamentals of Construction Labour Relations course is comprised of seven modules that are delivered through a combination of lecture material, group discussions, and interactive activities to provide participants with a basic understanding of labour relations in Ontario’s unionized ICI sector.
To learn more about the content for each of the modules, click through each selection below.
Description:
The evolution of labour relations in Ontario’s ICI construction sector will be discussed in this module. There will be a specific focus on industry stakeholders, key events, reports, and government legislation that have shaped construction labour relations into what we experience today.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the historical evolution of labour relations in Ontario’s ICI construction sector
- Identify key industry stakeholders
Description:
Participants will gain an understanding of the legislative framework (Ontario Labour Relations Act) in which the unionized construction industry operates and the role of the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
Learning Objectives:
- Working knowledge of the Ontario Labour Relations Act with a specific focus on the construction industry
- Identify the OLRB geographic Board Areas
- Identify the 25 Employee and Employer Bargaining Agencies
- Understand the union certification and decertification process
- Understand the role and powers of the Ontario Labour Relations Board
- Awareness of the principle of Local Area Work Practice
Description:
Collective bargaining and the resulting agreement from the cornerstone of the contract between management a labour. A key element of successful bargaining is understanding the language and impacts of language, clauses, and terminology that over time contribute to and shape the collective agreement.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the purpose and structure of collective agreements
- Understand the interaction of legislation with collective agreements
- Identify key sections of a collective agreement
- Understand the purpose of letters of understanding
- Identify various tools within the collective agreement or related to the collective agreement that enhances competitiveness
Description:
The Ontario Labour Relations Act outlines processes for resolving grievances and jurisdictional disputes. This module will discuss the legislative requirements for dispute resolution and the role of the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Participants will also explore the resolution of disputes outside of the legislative construct.
Learning Objectives:
- Working knowledge of the various types of grievances
- Understand the roles of the key stakeholders and the legislative process for resolving disputes
- Identify the criteria for assessing work assignments
- Identify alternative options for resolving disputes
Description:
Negotiating a collective agreement is part art and part science. Participants will explore communication styles, negotiation techniques and best practices in addition to gaining an understanding of the key stages and legislation governing collective bargaining.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the bargaining process, legislated requirements, and key terms
- Explore new strategies and techniques for bargaining
- Recognize the importance of communication and regular stakeholder engagement
- Understand the different types of negotiation styles
- Understand the principle of bargaining in good faith
Description:
Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act is an important tool for maintaining safe work sites in Ontario. This module identifies the key stakeholders and their responsibilities for health and safety.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the application of the OHSA in a unionized environment
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of all workplace parties
- Awareness of OCS studies on the union safety effect
Description:
A brief introduction to Ontario’s Human Rights legislation and the related responsibilities of employers and unions.
Learning Objectives:
- Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of employers, employees and unions
- Explain the principles of discrimination and the Duty to Accommodate