Finding Ways to Communicate
JOINT TRAINING
A one day seminar designed for management supervisors and union stewards that focuses on improving communications, joint problem solving, teamwork and consensus decision making. Problem Solving Training attempts to build more positive and productive labour management relationships that will benefit everyone in the workplace.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY?
Often a constructive relationship between senior union and management officials deteriorates because of friction between shop stewards and supervisors in the workplace. Frequently, these difficulties can be traced to a misunderstanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities and to a lack of training in effective labour relations principles and practices. This can give rise to unproductive confrontation and conflict. Union and management both have a mutual interest in ensuring that frontline shop stewards and supervisors have the ability to deal with labour relations problems. Shop stewards and supervisors require the same basic understanding of, and skills in, labour relations to avoid confusion, costly mistakes and conflicts about who is right instead of what is right. Joint training is one way to provide both parties with greater confidence to deal with labour relations issues and the skills and insight required to be more effective in resolving workplace problems.
Making it Work… Together
WHY TRAIN TOGETHER?
Although supervisors and stewards may find themselves on different sides of an issue, they require the same basic labour relations skills and knowledge to resolve their problems. Employers and unions normally conduct their own educational programs which usually focus on the advocacy of their respective viewpoints. Without attempting to replace these initiatives, the joint training program offers an added dimension. Joint training helps the parties develop and enhance their labour relations skills together, in an environment where they can share ideas and solve problems. It provides an opportunity for both parties to understand and respect the other’s point of view and to build a constructive relationship.
THE SEMINAR
The training is designed to help the parties improve their relationships in the workplace. Emphasis is on:
- Attitudes
- Consensus Decision Making
- Communications
- Grievance Administration
- Joint Problem Solving
- Leadership
- Roles and Responsibilities
Participants analyze cases; view and discuss training films; handle grievances in a reverse role playing simulation; and complete problem solving and related exercises. The objective for the parties is to take the skills learned together in the seminar and put them into practice in the workplace.
Developing a Positive Relationship
BENEFITS
Joint training enhances the supervisors and shop stewards ability to: Acknowledge and understand each other’s points of view; Develop a more positive, constructive relationship; Gain a better understanding of the restrictions each side faces; Identify common interests and engage in joint problem-solving; Jointly deal with minor problems before they become major issues; and recognize and respect each other’s rights, roles and responsibilities.
IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS
Joint training provides management supervisors and union shop stewards with the skills and insight needed to deal with labour relations problems in the workplace. In joint training, emphasis is placed on realistic and practical labour relations and communications in today’s world. The goal of Problem Solving Training is to enhance labour management relations in order to achieve greater employee satisfaction, improved productivity and a better overall labour relations environment. For additional information about the program please contact the department.
FOR ASSISTANCE
If your labour/management relationship encounters some difficult circumstances which might benefit from neutral third party assistance then consider participating in the Preventive Mediation Program.
For more information, contact us at (709) 729-2711.