TARGET AUDIENCE: Human Resource Managers, Industrial Relations Managers, Administrative Managers, Union Officials

DESCRIPTION

Conflict management involves recognizing and managing peculiar differences in work environment.   In Unionized environments, dealing with union grievances provokes anxiety for the staff, the union, and management alike.   There is research that indicates that conflict with supervisors play primary role in employees quitting their jobs. A toxic culture is an unproductive work place, and one that is usually rife with conflict.  It is critical to nurture and build cordial relationships between the Management and the Union, between staff and their supervisors, and even between staff and their colleagues to have a productive workplace.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

• Present different types of conflicts in the workplace, and the three perspectives on managing conflict
• Present the impact of conflict on workplace culture and productivity
• Teach how to set up various Workplace Conflict Management programs
• Present processes and methodologies for managing various types of conflict with employees, supervisors and Staff Unions
• Present approaches and methodologies for managing union grievances (contract, past practice, employer rules, previous grievance, and arbitration settlements)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Have a clear understanding of workplace conflicts
• Set up various conflict management programs
• Resolve conflicts between employees and supervisors and peers

CURRICULUM

DAY ONE INTRODUCTION TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Causes of conflict in the workplace Concept of conflict management Understanding the struggle between management and Union for the hearts of employees Understanding the three perspective of workplace conflict Understanding the Impact of conflict on workplace productivity and culture

DAY TWO SETTING UP CONFLICT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE WORKPLACE Grievance Process Mediation Programs Open Door policies and Hotlines Workplace Conflict Management Training Programs

DAY THREE PROCESS FOR MANAGING CONFLICT Understanding Conflict Style What to do when its your turn to manage conflict between two employees Managing conflict between the Supervisor and his/her direct report Managing conflict with the Union

DAY FOUR CONFLICT RESOLUTION ACTIVITIES Worst case: Litigation and industrial action Best Practices for building Union – Management Relationship and conflict free workplace Understanding and managing the successful arbitration processes(right arbitration, interest arbitration) Taking a problem-solving approach to conflict resolution