Overview
Industrial Relations 316: The Practice of Labour Relations is a three-credit, senior-level course that builds upon the foundations introduced in IDRL 215: Introduction to Labour Relations and examines the topics of bargaining and arbitration in greater detail. It looks at both the formal rules and procedures involved in these processes as well as the informal dynamics that arise. It aims to provide a solid grounding in these two rather technical areas of labour relations. It provides insight into the practice of bargaining and arbitration by offering tips on how to navigate the processes. The course also examines how bargaining and arbitration fit into the broader context of labour relations and conflict between workers and employers.
Outline
Part A: Collective Bargaining
- Unit 1: Foundations
- Unit 2: Process and Strategy
- Unit 3: Resolution and Third Party Intervention
Part B: Grievance Arbitration
- Unit 4: Introduction to Arbitration
- Unit 5: Arbitration Law and Process
- Unit 6: The Practice of Arbitration
Evaluation
To receive credit for IDRL 316, you must achieve an overall course grade of at least D (50 percent). Any assignments that are not submitted will receive a zero. The weighting of the composite course grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Two online quizzes (10% each) | 20% |
| Assignment 1: Reflection | 5% |
| Assignment 2: Case Study | 35% |
| Assignment 3: Reflection | 5% |
| Assignment 4: You are the Arbitrator | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
M. Carrell and C. Heavrin (2008). Negotiating Essentials: Theory, Skills, and Practices, 1st ed. Pearson Higher Education
M. Teplitsky (2015). Making a Deal: The Art of Negotiating, 2nd ed. Lancaster House.
J. Sanderson & M. Wilson (2013). Labour Arbitrations and All That, 4th ed. Canada Law Book.
Other Resources
All other materials will be available to students online; including a study guide.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the IDRL 316 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on two case studies, both worth 50 percent of the overall grade.
Challenge for credit course registration form