HR, legal & training · Short course
Labor Relations
The relationship between employers and employees, including workplace dialogue and dispute processes.
The programme
Programme overview
Expanded indicative outline. The subject areas are described below; proposed activities and final delivery requirements are confirmed with Ratomac before booking.
The relationship between employers and employees, including workplace dialogue and dispute processes.
The programme brings together employment relationships, workplace dialogue, dispute management and employment records. The expanded outline below shows how these areas can be explored through explanation, discussion and the preparation of relevant work products.
A proposed workshop runs through the programme: A workplace change creates disagreement about consultation, employee expectations and communication. Participants would examine the situation in stages, use the information provided and explain the basis of their decisions. The workshop is fictional and can be adapted when the final training plan is agreed.
Who should attend
Is this programme for you?
This outline is relevant to the following roles. Suitability and any formal entry requirements should be checked for the selected programme.
- HR officers, employee representatives and operational managers.
- Individuals preparing to take on responsibilities in this area.
- Teams seeking a shared approach to the work described in the programme.
Purpose of the learning
Intended learning outcomes
- Map the employment relationships and issues involved.
- Prepare a consultation agenda that distinguishes information sharing from unresolved concerns.
- Compare available resolution routes for a fictional dispute.
- Create a record of discussions, commitments and follow-up responsibilities.
- Combine the module outputs into a reasoned response to the programme’s workplace scenario.
5 learning blocks
Detailed programme outline
01Employment relationships
This part of the programme examines employment relationships, with attention to roles and workplace expectations. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Roles.
- Workplace expectations.
- Applied work: map the employment relationships and issues involved.
Illustrative practical exercise
Map the employment relationships and issues involved. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
02Workplace dialogue
This part of the programme examines workplace dialogue, with attention to consultation and collective engagement. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Consultation.
- Collective engagement.
- Applied work: prepare a consultation agenda that distinguishes information sharing from unresolved concerns.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a consultation agenda that distinguishes information sharing from unresolved concerns. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
03Dispute management
This part of the programme examines dispute management, with attention to recognising issues and resolution channels. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Recognising issues.
- Resolution channels.
- Applied work: compare available resolution routes for a fictional dispute.
Illustrative practical exercise
Compare available resolution routes for a fictional dispute. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
04Employment records
This part of the programme examines employment records, with attention to documenting agreements and workplace processes. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Documenting agreements.
- Workplace processes.
- Applied work: create a record of discussions, commitments and follow-up responsibilities.
Illustrative practical exercise
Create a record of discussions, commitments and follow-up responsibilities. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
05Integrated workplace workshop
A workplace change creates disagreement about consultation, employee expectations and communication. The final workshop connects the earlier work rather than treating each topic as an isolated activity.
Topics to explore
- Bring together the outputs from the earlier modules into one coherent response to the scenario.
- Check that the recommendation addresses the original problem and is supported by the information available.
- Identify responsibilities, dependencies and matters that require specialist input or further evidence.
- Present the proposed response and revise it after questions from the facilitator and other participants.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a concise presentation for the fictional organisation. Include the proposed response, the evidence supporting it and the decisions still required. Finish with a reflection on which aspects could be relevant to your own work.
From discussion to application
How the programme could be delivered
The proposed learning approach combines facilitator-led explanation, discussion of the subject areas and guided work on the fictional scenario. Each module produces a practical output that can be reviewed and improved.
Participants can work individually or in small groups to compare interpretations, explain their decisions and identify missing information. Feedback focuses on the connection between the task, the evidence used and the proposed response.
The final workshop brings the module outputs together. Ratomac will confirm the delivery format, learning resources, entry requirements and any formal assessment or certification arrangements for the selected programme.
Discuss your requirements
Dates, duration & arrangements
Contact Ratomac to agree the final programme, duration and delivery format. Include your preferred timing, location and whether the enquiry is for yourself or a team.
Discuss this programme ↗Indicative outline for discussion. The final syllabus is agreed with Ratomac before booking. The expanded learning activities and workplace scenario are original proposals for discussion with Ratomac.