UWUA Region 1 Conference Training Agenda  

The following classes will be presented by Instructors from the National Labor College:
LBST-3901 Arbitration Preparation and Presentation Level I. Any union advocate knows how vital it is to possess sharp skills during an arbitration hearing. Suitable for all levels, this demanding class will help develop the skills of the novice and hone the skills of the experienced advocate. Students will analyze a sample disciplinary case involving “Just Cause??? and will practice direct and cross-examination, as well as opening statements in a workshop setting; students will also discuss closing arguments. At the end of the week, students will participate in full-scale mock arbitrations before certified arbitrators, and will receive additional constructive critiques from the arbitrators. Discussions include the relationship of arbitration to the grievance procedure, as well as strategies to avoid arbitration. (Participants with less than three years of grievance handling experience must talk to the instructor prior to registering-3 semester credits).

Computer Skills and Technology
The Certificate for Computer Skills and Technology in Education is ideal for individuals in teaching professions, trainers, administrators and anyone who wishes to hone computer skills to keep up with the ever advancing teaching techniques and in demands in the teaching of 21st century classroom teaching or in training settings. The courses in this program will help you to develop skills to use technology competently and innovatively in teaching areas from early to post-secondary level as well as designing learning activities using technologies for training and workshops


The following classes will be delivered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitrator and AAA representatives:

• Opening Statements
Description:  What makes an effective opening statement?  What information is needed in this crucial statement? Learn the dos and don’ts of what is needed and what is not needed.  What do Arbitrators want to hear and know during this part of the process?

• Closing Statements
Description:  What makes an effective closing statement?  Should you conclude your case with a verbal closing statement or a written brief? What information is needed in this crucial statement?  Learn the dos and don’ts of what is needed and what is not needed.  What do Arbitrators need to know in this final opportunity to prove your case?

• Common Mistakes Made in Labor Arbitration
Description:  By hearing from experts on the common mistakes made in labor arbitration you can become a better advocate.  Prepare your next case with these avoidable blunders in mind and positively affect the outcome of your case.

• Mechanics of the Arbitration Process
Description:  This program will provide a better understanding of the arbitration process.  Hear from the experts on the critical aspects of what you need to know and do in the pre-hearing stage; the hearing stage and the post-hearing stage.  Learn the basics skills needed to prepare your case while becoming more comfortable with the process.
    
• Witness Preparation
Description:  Getting the right information out the first time from your witness is crucial.  Overcoming nerves, curtailing rambling testimony or simplifying overly confusing testimony are some of the problems that can come with witness testimony.  Do you know how to handle a difficult situation in arbitration?  Do you even need live testimony?  Get efficient and get effective

• Cultural Differences in the Workplace:  How Religious and Ethnic Differences and Practices Impact a Workplace
Description:  Hear from the experts on their perspectives regarding the impact of cultural differences and cultural bias’ in the workplace. What is the legal framework for prohibiting discrimination in the workplace and what is the impact of culture on the arbitration process.

The following class will be presented by external Subject Matter Experts and members of the UWUA National Staff:

•  Health Care  Reform
Description:  How will the recently passed law impact current and future collective bargaining agreements.

•  Strategic Planning-Legislative, Organizing & Political Action    

• Dept. of Labor Grant Implementation Update

•  Taft-Hartley Trust Funds

Description: What are Taft-Hartley Trust Funds?  How do they work?  How are they funded?  How can they be leveraged to increase membership, improve benefit delivery and security, and have the workers voice heard when benefit or training decisions are made by employers?

• Effective Communication Skills and Professionalism: Protecting Your Brand and the UWUA Brand:
Description: Top 10 Strategies for Effective Communication Skills Listening as a Competitive Advantage.  Emotional Intelligence: What is it and Why Does It Matter in Team Building?  Leveraging the Communication Network.