Labour Relations Course

LABOUR RELATIONS COURSE

This unique labour relations course was developed in consultation with knowledgeable and experienced construction industry professionals. It provides a practical, hands-on experience that you can take back to your day-to-day professional life to enhance relationships and create a positive labour relations environment in Ontario’s construction industry.

Delivered in-person over 3-days in a small class format, you can expect to engage with industry experts and your labour and management colleagues as you explore labour regulations, the historical context that created our current labour relations regime and delve into topics such as JDs, negotiations and the duty to accommodate.

We believe that in addition to building knowledge, this course will help build stronger relationships as participants engage with each other by discussing and sharing real-life experiences.

Upon completion, participants will receive a McMaster University Continuing Education Certificate of Attendance and points towards accreditation by Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal Program.

Course Outline

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.

Module 1 – Historical Context

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.

Module 2 – Current Legislative Framework

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

Module 3 – Understanding Collective Agreements

Description

Collective bargaining and the resulting agreement form the cornerstone of the contract between management and 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 enhance competitiveness

Module 4 – Negotiating and Collective Bargaining

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

Module 5 – Grievances and Jurisdictional 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

Module 6 – Occupational Health and Safety

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

Module 7 – Human Resources

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

Course Dates

Fall 2026 Session

November 16-18
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Denzel Meeting Solutions
170 Attwell Drive, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M9W 5Z5

Spring 2027 Session

April 19-21, 2027
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Denzel Meeting Solutions
170 Attwell Drive, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M9W 5Z5

Registration Fee: $1,000/$1,350

Course Resources

As part of the course curriculum, each participant will receive a hard copy Resource Handbook on the firs day of the course. An electronic version will also be available via this website. Below you will find additional resources to supplement your learning experience.

A few weeks prior to the course dates we will encourage you to revie the Pre-Course Material. These resources are organized by day and will help you better engage in group discussions.