This training course offers a comprehensive exploration into the evolving landscape of best practice in industrial and labour relations, equipping participants with practical tools and strategic insights to build strong, constructive, and future-ready relationships between management and trade unions. As labour dynamics shift and industrial relations take on more complex dimensions, organisations must adopt forward-thinking approaches to effectively manage communication, negotiation, and conflict.

This training course delves into the fundamentals and advanced elements of both Industrial Relations (IR) and Employee Relations (ER), covering legal, economic, and psychological factors that shape today’s workforce interactions. Through case-based learning and participatory exercises, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to transform traditional IR practices into progressive, value-driven partnerships that foster workplace stability and mutual respect.

This training course will highlight:

• The evolving definitions and expectations of IR and ER in the modern workplace
• Legal, economic, and societal influences on effective industrial relations
• Building and sustaining positive employment relationships
  Techniques for collective bargaining and collaborative negotiation
• Constructive conflict management and introduction to workplace mediation practices

At the end of the training course, participants will be able to:

• Implement collaborative strategies to strengthen labour and union relationships
• Apply contemporary tools for enhancing and transforming industrial relations
• Understand the importance of engagement, empowerment, and trust in employee relations
• Analyse people-related challenges within labour frameworks and address them strategically
• Deploy conflict resolution methods that reduce workplace tension and promote dialogue
• Use foundational mediation techniques as part of a practical dispute resolution process

Participants in this training course will receive thorough training course on the subjects covered by the training course outline with the facilitator utilising a variety of proven adult learning teaching and facilitation techniques.

This training course is very participatory and interactive. It involves skill practice in a group setting. Training methodology includes individual and group activities that will intersperse the sessions. A variety of practical sessions, relevant case studies, simulations, and group games and activities are programmed into this training course.

Organisations that engage in the Industrial/Employee Relations (ER) training course can expect to benefit from:

• Enhanced labour-management relations aligned with global best practices
• Reduction in grievance escalation and arbitration costs
• Increased organisational agility in addressing labour issues proactively
• Development of a collaborative culture that supports positive union engagement
• Stronger internal mechanisms for handling disputes, negotiations, and employee concerns.

• Deeper expertise in managing union dynamics and labour engagement
• Practical skills in conflict resolution and interest-based negotiation
• Insight into the modern union delegate’s strategic and relational role
• Enhanced communication and mediation capabilities
• Broader awareness of future trends in industrial and employee relations

• Union Delegates and Officials
• Employee Relations (ER) Personnel
• Industrial Relations (IR) Personnel
• Human Resource Management (HRM)
• Professionals who need to understand Industrial Relations & Employee Relations
• Those managers who would benefit from an understanding of trade union issues
• Anyone who wants to learn practical skills in labour negotiation and workplace mediation

Accra: TBA

Dubai: TBA

Texas: On Request