Your association’s collective agreement outlines the rights of your members and the obligations of your employer. Negotiating an effective collective agreement requires preparation and practice honing the skills needed at the bargaining table.
Course outline
In this intensive one-week course, you will:
- Review bargaining fundamentals
- Delve into the legal framework governing collective bargaining in your province
- Analyse your current collective agreement
- Identify the steps to developing a strong bargaining mandate
- Learn strategies for effective communication to ensure team unity and to engage with members and stakeholders
- Develop a plan to manage the negotiation process
- Identify best practices for preparing a bargaining proposal
- Take part in a dynamic simulation of collective bargaining through a realistic round of negotiations
This foundational one-week course begins with a brief welcome webinar. Participants are then asked to complete a series of online learning modules. Participants then take part in two three-hour webinars.
Details – Fall 2026
| Date | Time | Event Type |
|---|---|---|
| November 2 – 6 | Self-guided | Online Modules |
| Monday, November 2 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST | Webinar 1: Orientation |
| Thursday, November 5 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST | Webinar 2: Simulation |
| Friday, November 6 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST | Webinar 3: Workshop |
Details – Winter 2027
| Date | Time | Event Type |
|---|---|---|
| February 22 – 26 | Self-guided | Online Modules |
| Monday, February 22 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST | Webinar 1: Orientation |
| Thursday, February 25 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST | Webinar 2: Simulation |
| Friday, February 26 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST | Webinar 3: Workshop |
Course learning
Participants come away with practical skills to negotiate an effective collective agreement. The course gives participants with little or no negotiation experience the opportunity to develop bargaining, language drafting and teamwork skills and to practice facing the dynamics of the bargaining table. On completion of the course, participants may opt for a follow-up strategy session. A CAUT Senior Labour Relations Officer will tailor this session to address the association’s specific concerns and issues.
Registration
To register, please complete the online registration form in the Member Portal section of the CAUT website.
