Certified Labor Relations Leader Certification

•    IS THE CLRL RIGHT FOR YOU?

  We offer two Certified Labor Relations programs designed to help you at different stages of your career. If you are not sure which one is right for you, ask yourself the following questions.

  Click on each true statement about yourself. The column with the most check marks will be the program best suited to meet your needs.

  Certified Labor Relations Professional

  Not in labor relations but want to learn about the function

  New to a labor relations role with less than 4 years experience

  Responsible for your locations or business' grievance process

  Responsible for your locations or business' discipline process

  Providing labor advice and counsel to supervisors and managers

  Want to strengthen your labor contract administration skills

  If you have more check marks in this column, the CLRP is the program for you.

  Take me to the CLRP program

  Certified Labor Relations Leader

  In a leadership, managerial or supervisory role

  Have more than 5 years of labor relations experience

  Accountable for your location or organizations labor function

  Accountable for contract negotiations or chair your negotiations

  Accountable for and/or advocate for the Company at arbitration

  A subject matter expert and want to strengthen your skill set

  If you have more check marks in this column, you are in the right place!

  Continue below to learn more about the CLRL program.

LEADING IN LABOR RELATIONS: CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Certified Labor Relations Leader (CLRL) professional development program is tailored exclusively for labor relations managers and leaders and brings together faculty and subject matter experts, with real world experience, to navigate today's complex labor relations environment.

If you or a member of your labor relations team have more than five years of labor relations experience and are in a leadership, managerial, or supervisory role - the CLRL program will provide you with leading-edge insights and skills to lead the labor relations function with confidence.

Core Program Objectives:

• Develop advanced expertise in labor relations
• Hone your leadership skills
• Foster relationship building
• Stay current with emerging labor relations trends and prepare your organization for the future of work

 

PROGRAM DETAILS: CERTIFIED LABOR RELATIONS LEADER

SESSION 1:

• Leading the Labor Relations Function in today's changing environment

  The program begins with a comprehensive examination of the differences between leading the LR function and "doing"”" the LR function and the competencies required of successful LR leaders. You will gain a rich understanding of how being an LR leader requires a different mindset, a different way of thinking, and a long-term, strategic perspective. We will discuss the current labor relations landscape and why it is important to understand the forces changing labor relations in the 21st century.

• Gaining a Global Perspective

  Are you prepared to excel in a rapidly evolving global workplace? In this module, we will delve into the essential differences between US labor relations and the practice of labor relations in other countries. You will not only gain a comprehensive understanding of the key differences but also unlock the vital concepts needed to foster successful labor relations when collaborating with a diverse, international workforce.

• Leadership

  In this module, you will sharpen your communication skills, ensuring you can convey your vision with clarity and inspire your teams to achieve extraordinary results. You will develop the critical thinking skills needed to minimize the impact of cognitive biases and navigate the complexities of leading in a unionized organization. Ultimately, this module aims to help you become a transformative leader who drives not only personal success but also inspires and elevates those with whom they work.

SESSION 2: 

• Contract Negotiations

  Successful negotiations are achieved by creating a contract negotiations plan and executing the plan. This does not happen by itself, and organizations look to and trust the Labor Relations function leader to ensure the plan is created and properly executed. Leading the effort involves much more than being the chief spokesperson and ensuring the bargaining goes as planned. In this module we'll discuss and identify the key responsibilities of leading the negotiations vs. "doing" the negotiations. You will learn the organizational expectations of the leader, the importance of stakeholder management, creating a governance model, determining who has leverage in the negotiations, and how this impacts the strategy and plan.

SESSION 3:

• Dispute Resolution

  Business leaders and plant managers may want you to take every case to arbitration. As an LR leader, you know that's a strategic decision that includes consideration of multiple factors, including when to settle. In this module, you will learn best practices to avoid grievances, gain an advanced understanding of the legal landscape of labor arbitration and the art of selecting labor arbitrators. You will craft an opening statement and engage in a powerful mock arbitration case to hone your ability to win at arbitration.

SESSION 4:

• Labor Law Update

  This module begins with an important review of key union and employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Engage in robust discussion regarding recent changes in both labor law and labor relations, why these changes matter, and their implications for your organization. These discussions will ensure you and your organization stay current with the ever-changing NLRB direction and guidance.

• Personal and Organizational Change

  In this highly acclaimed module, you will learn about the theory and practice of personal change, and why it's important for LR leaders to understand. Through a comparison of the Sigmoid Curve and the Kübler-Ross Change Curve you will understand the personal change process before moving into an exploration of the organizational change process necessary for individual and organizational success.

• Actionable Communication for Labor Relations Leaders

  Part I - Interacting with the media: The media is everywhere, and labor relations leaders need to be prepared to respond to media requests and reporters' questions. Learn how to identify the best spokesperson for your organization, who should and should not talk with the media, and explore strategies for handling difficult questions and how to create and deliver effective messages.

  Part II - Business Storytelling: Participants will learn practical techniques for creating clear, impactful stories that communicate important information and inspire action.

SESSION 5:

• High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) and Labor Relations

  In this module, you will be introduced (or re-introduced) to high performance workplace systems and related management processes designed to achieve exceptional performance and the delivery of innovative products and services.

• Capstone Project Report Outs

  This program includes a unique capstone project, providing participants with the opportunity to apply new learning and freshly honed skills in their organization. Throughout the program, participants will be encouraged to look for opportunities to apply the concepts covered during the program to opportunities and challenges facing their organization. The class concludes with participants sharing which concepts they used, how they applied the concepts, and the organizational impact of their efforts.

 

BECOME A LEADER IN HR WITH LABOR RELATIONS EXPERTISE

Professional credentials are more important today than ever before. Earning your professional certification from MSU's School of Human Resources & Labor Relations, one of the best and most respected Human Resources/Labor Relations Schools in the country, demonstrates mastery of content and commitment to the field of labor relations.

Stay up to date in this ever-changing field through biannual recertification. MSU's recertification program provides recognition and validation for lifelong learning and professional development in which HR professionals regularly engage.

 

THE CLRL DESIGNATION

Individuals who successfully complete the program and capstone project will earn their certification and will be recognized by Michigan State University's School of Human Resources & Labor Relations as a Certified Labor Relations Leader. They are entitled then to use the designation CLRL after their name.

They should expect a notification with their certificate via email two- to three-weeks after the completion of the program.

 

ADDITIONAL LABOR PROGRAMS

 

• Register
• Instructors
• Policies
• Recertification

Questions? We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this or any of our training programs. Please contact Director of Professional Development, Melanie Zaremba at mzaremba@msu.edu.