National Labor College • Course Catalog 2013–2014 • www.nlc.edu
LBUS-3910
Labor Relations in the Federal Sector (2 credit hours)
Union leaders and staff who work with the federal sector face unique challenges and situations. This course, taught by labor professionals, will provide an overview of issues related to the representation of federal sector workers, including contract enforcement, collective bargaining, workers’ compensation, solidarity building, and federal labor history. [Offered in a residential format only.]
LBUS-3912
Negotiating and Writing Contract Language (2 credit hours)
Participants in this course will learn how to develop effective bargaining strategy and how to write contract language. Participants will learn the “how-to” of writing contract language: defining and analyzing issues, developing proposals, and writing actual language. In addition, particular kinds of contract language will be examined. Throughout the week, participants will work on a number of case studies. [It is strongly recommended that participants have prior experience as members of union negotiating committees. Offered in a residential format only.]
LBUS-3913
Negotiating Contracts with State and Local Governments (2 credit hours)
Union officers and staff who negotiate labor agreements with the state, county, and local governments will benefit from this course, which explores the role of a chief negotiator at different parts of the bargaining process. Specifically, participants will scrutinize the preparation and design of initial proposals; the development of committee work and record-keeping procedures; the structure and function of opening statements; economic bargaining; and preparation and directions of the ratification process. A highly experienced union negotiator will walk participants through a tough municipal bargaining exercise aimed at encouraging the students to weigh negotiating strategies and tactics. [Federal sector negotiations will not be addressed in this course. Offered in a residential format only.]
LBUS-3915 Organizing I (2 credit hours) Through role play and discussion, participants will refine their skills and expand their knowledge about organizing. This is an ideal course for staff new to organizing, as well as those who want to learn more about the latest strategies to grow their union. Participants will examine a typical local union campaign in the private sector from start to finish. Students will learn about one-on-one communications, develop a workplace committee, and explore campaign strategies. Employer antiunion campaigns, legal strategies, and planning skills will also be emphasized. [Offered in a residential format only.]
LBUS-3916 Organizing II (2 credit hours) This course, focusing on the private sector, is designed for those who have completed Organizing I, who have comparable organizing experience, or who will assume (or have assumed) greater organizing responsibilities. Specific elements include recruiting and training of union members in the organizing process; leader development; corporate campaign research; legal strategies; database/reporting procedures; campaign issues and theme development; community involvement; campaign planning; and progress analysis. [Offered in a residential format only.]
64 Bonnie Ladin Union Skills Program