East Tower Toronto Dominion Centre 
Managing in a Unionized Work Environment
Manage unionized workplaces with clarity and sound judgment.
Recently, Canada has seen a level of strike activity not seen in decades, making effective labour relations leadership an operational priority*. This program helps leaders manage unionized environments with greater clarity and consistency, so decisions are more defensible, issues are addressed earlier, and workplace relationships remain constructive.
October 23, 2026
- Format:
- Online
Managing in a Unionized Work Environment
- Programs
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- Managing in a Unionized Work Environment
Your How-To Guide For Leadership Under Union Laws
Managing in a unionized work environment requires more than good intent. It calls for a structured approach to leadership, where managers can interpret constraints accurately, communicate decisions clearly, and handle day-to-day situations with confidence. This program supports leaders in developing a more deliberate, disciplined way of managing within unionized settings, reducing uncertainty and increasing control.
*Source: CBC News
Who is this Program For?
Participants leave with a clearer approach to addressing issues before they escalate, enabling steadier performance conversations, more consistent follow-through, and fewer avoidable missteps. The learning focuses on applying up-to-date labour relations knowledge to real management decisions — helping leaders respond with less guesswork and stronger judgment in complex workplace situations.
Also, participants receive post-program guidance, with a pragmatic workbook with over a dozen forms to set up a formal performance improvement program with unionized staff and Instructor Cy Charney’s bestselling book about leadership, Just-in-Time Management.
Program Overview
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Build the skills to manage performance effectively in a unionized workplace. Learn practical approaches to setting clear expectations, addressing performance concerns and recognizing strong performance while supporting accountability, engagement and psychological safety.
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Navigate disciplinary situations with greater confidence and consistency. Explore when to coach, when to discipline and how to make fair, well-informed decisions that support workplace expectations and withstand scrutiny.
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Develop practical strategies for navigating challenging workplace behaviours and situations. Learn to identify issues early, approach difficult conversations with confidence and work constructively with employees and union representatives to support a respectful and productive workplace.
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Explore how your leadership choices shape trust, engagement and workplace culture. Reflect on your leadership approach and identify opportunities to lead with greater credibility, consistency, fairness and purpose in a unionized environment.
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Fall 2026
Managing in a Unionized Work Environment
Course Dates Time Module 1: Productivity and Performance Management in Unionized Workplaces 10/22/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Module 2: Progressive Discipline 10/22/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Module 3: Addressing Challenging Behaviour 10/23/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Module 4: Impact of Your Leadership 10/23/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Get Training in Marketable Skills
Critical Thinking
Communication
Strategic Decision Making
Conflict Management
Organizing Teams & Resources
Relationship Building
Performance Management
Who Will Benefit
Mid-Career Leaders
Managers in unionized workplaces will learn how to navigate shifting union laws, facilitate union-employee relationships, and gain the knowledge and expertise to level up to more senior roles. This program is ideal for front-line and HR supervisors and workplaces with complex union regulations, such as public sector departments, municipalities, educational institutions, unionized agencies and healthcare organizations.
4 Reasons to Enrol
Amazing Education For Busy Professionals
This program packs rich insights into 2 full days of study so you can apply your new skills right away.
Stand Out From The Crowd
Learn how to lead and make decisions in unionized workforces to motivate and retain employees for the long run.
Learn From An Industry Leader
Dive deep into union laws with renowned experts in organizational performance and human resources.
Earn Higher Pay
Schulich ExecEd students gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures, and lead their teammates.
What Difference Will You Make?
Faculty
What You Get
After completing Managing in a Unionized Work Environment, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize.
As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.
Advanced Badge
Show that you’re able to apply knowledge at a strategic, organizational level.
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Custom Programs for Organizations
Use this program as we designed it, or alter it to fit your company’s needs. Either way, we can help you improve your organization's talent pipeline. Get in touch with our custom programs team today.
Make the Right Choice. Try Our Advisory Services.
The next step of your career matters. A Schulich ExecEd program advisor can help you choose a course that fits your budget and schedule. Get in touch with us today.
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