Union Skills Certificate Programs

Introduction to Labor & Employment Law

Unions operate within a complex legal environment. These three sessions are designed to give union stewards, officers, and staff a basic overview of the key legislation covering employment – and how these laws can be used to promote workers' interests. We will address differences between private and public sector labor law, with a focus on legislation that applies in Michigan.

Those who complete all three sessions will earn a certificate from Michigan State University. Unfortunately, missed sessions cannot be made up.

• Session 1: Labor law: Legislation that applies to bargaining and administering the union contract

  Wednesday, February 12, 2025
  6:30pm - 8:30pm ET via Zoom

  Topics will include the National Labor Relations Act (private sector), the Public Employment Relations Act (public sector in Michigan), and updates based on the new administration (to the extent information is available).

• Session 2: Legal regulation of union organizing

  Wednesday, February 19, 2025
  6:30pm - 8:30pm ET via Zoom

  Only about 10 percent of the US workforce belongs to a union. Organizing new unions is one of the most pressing challenges facing the labor movement. Both employer and union actions during organizing drives are significantly impacted by the law and how it is interpreted and applied. Learn more about the certification process, including how the bargaining unit is determined, election procedures, and permitted v. prohibited conduct during the organizing campaign.

• Session 3: Anti-discrimination and other employment laws

  Wednesday, February 26, 2025
  6:30pm - 8:30pm ET via Zoom

  Employment law refers to those workplace laws that apply whether there is a union present or not. This session will cover major anti-discrimination laws and other laws administered by the EEOC and the US Department of Labor. Topics will also include how the local union can use the grievance procedure and collective bargaining process to help ensure that these laws are followed.

Those who complete all 3 sessions will earn a certificate from MSU. (Missed sessions cannot be made up.)

Instructors: Joan Hill and Dan Hamilton

Investment: $200 - total includes all three sessions

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Stewards and Activists Training

Are you a new steward, or someone who wants to be a steward someday? Or, do you just want to learn more about how unions work? This 3-session training is for you. You'll learn about the grassroots level of union representation, and a little bit about the labor movement overall.

• The Role of the Steward

• Know Your Contract: Grievance Handling

• The Labor Movement and American Society: Past, Present, and Future

Those who complete all 3 sessions will earn a certificate from MSU. (Missed sessions cannot be made up.)

Instructor: Michelle Kaminski

Basics of Collective Bargaining and Negotiations

Did you ever wonder what actually happens at the bargaining table? This program prepares you for contract negotiations by focusing on what the bargaining process is usually like. New officers, E-Board members, stewards and others who are new to bargaining will benefit from this session. Other interested parties are welcome.

• Preparing for Bargaining: Legal Foundations of Bargaining

• Roles and Responsibilities in the Bargaining Process

• The Bargaining Process, continued

Those who complete all 3 sessions will earn a certificate from MSU. (Missed sessions cannot be made up.)

Instructors: Michelle Kaminski and Dan Hamilton