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                                        Click here to download registration forms: Durban

                                        Click here to download registration forms: Gauteng

Managing Conflict and Union Relations in the Workplace

A two day attendance course

Course Leader: Johanette Rheeder

  16 & 17 August 2010: Southern Sun: OR Tambo International Airport

  29 & 30 July 2010: Southern Sun: Century City (Canal Walk): Cape Town

  02 & 03 September 2010: Southern Sun: North Beach: Durban

 Module 1 - Introduction

• Origin and progression of rights of Unions in South Africa
• The Constitution and freedom of association
• Employees and job seekers

Module 2 - Freedom of association

• The Labour Relations Act and the protection of freedom of association
• The rights of Employees and Employers
• Disputes about freedom of association

Module 3 - Defining a Trade Union

• Defining a Trade Union
• Purpose of a Trade Union
• Role players in a Trade Union
• Registration and de-registration of Unions
• The Constitution of a Trade Union
• Legal status, liability and responsibility of Unions, officials and office bearers
• Right of appearance in the CCMA and Labour Court

Module 4 - Representativeness

• Defining and determining sufficient representativeness
• Majoritarianism v Plurality
• Rights of the representative Union
• Rights of the majority Union
• Disclosure of information

Module 5 - Union Representatives (Shop stewards)

• When can Shop stewards be appointed
• Shop steward election
• Functions and role of the Shop steward
• Misconduct and discipline of the Shop steward
• Liability of the Shop steward

Module 6 - Organisational Rights

• Recognition agreements
• Section 23 collective agreements
• Procedure to seek recognition/organisational rights
• Withdrawing organisational rights
• How to enforce organisational rights
• Duty to bargain or not?
• The difference between negotiate and consultation
• How far must a Union be involved in day to day business of the employer?
• Strike action and the CCMA process

Module 7 Agency and closed shops

• Defining Agency and Closed shop agreements
• Difference between Agency and Closed shops

Module 8- Strike action

• Strikes, secondary strikes and protest action - role of Union, Shop steward and Union official

Module 9- Main sources of Conflict

• Identify the sources of conflict and understanding the reasons for conflict with Unions
• Understanding the reasons for conflict between Unions
• Triangular conflict - tactics and relationship dynamics
• The conflict between subordinate and equal negotiating parties
• The disruptive and difficult shop steward

Module 10 - Techniques on identifying and managing conflict

• Different techniques to apply
• Role of management
• Skill and experience in union relations
• Role of Shop stewards and Union Officials
• Early identification of conflict
• Dispute resolution mechanisms - Internal and external
• Role of the CCMA in dispute resolution

Module 11 - Building and maintaining relationships

• Action plans and strategies
• Long and short term strategies
• Sound employee relations
• The benchmark - fairness
• Relationship with Shop stewards and Union Officials - the human factor
• Setting boundaries and clarification of roles
• Training of Shop stewards

Module 12 - Practical

• Role plays
• Case studies
• Examples
• Group discussions 

Who should attend?

This course is a must for all Unionised Employers, Trade Union Representatives and Officials..

Management must support employees lower down the ladder – and an uninformed management cannot manage properly. Human Resources management and staff who deal with trade unions, shop stewards, even if you have been approached by a trade union seeking organizational rights, but you have not yet signed a Recognition Agreement, you need to attend this course.

Price:  

• R 2990-00 (incl. Vat) per delegate

• Price include course material, certificates of attendance, catering/ refreshments 
• Safe and secure parking

For further information contact:

• Peraldo or Magda: (012)  661 3208
• Fax: (012) 661 1411
• e mail:  info@labourguide.co.za   

                                        Click here to download registration forms: Durban

                                        Click here to download registration forms: Gauteng

The South African Labour Guide is a private company and has no association with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), you may find the CCMA on www.ccma.org.za