Labour Relations for Academic Leaders

Description

PSEA is pleased to offer a new program specifically designed for people leaders who manage faculty. This program has been developed in extensive consultation with experienced academic leaders and human resources experts from the sector and was piloted in August 2024 to 23 participants from the sector. 

This program is suited for academic leaders (with fewer than two years) of experience in an excluded academic leadership role (Typically Dean/Associate Dean/Director level) and/or who are new to working in BC. However, individuals with more experience are also welcome to register. 

During the program, participants work with leaders from across the sector to navigate the challenges of what they are expected to know and be able to do. The program supports leaders in managing the shift from peer to leader and from union member to excluded employee. The intensive program begins with a four-day in-person component in December 2025 and a half-day virtual session on February 27, 2026. This cohort-based program requires full participation in all components. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Through interactive sessions, with the support of expert facilitators from academic, legal, and labour relations fields, this program enables participants to: 

• Appreciate what the transition from union member to management entails, both personally and professionally. 
• Recognize when and how to draw upon labour relations resources and guidance. 
• Identify legal frameworks, policies, employer duties, limitations, and pitfalls when managing within a complex unionized post-secondary environment. 
• Describe the differences and connections between leadership and management in a unionized workplace.
• Examine their biases, assumptions, triggers, and strengths as they apply to the labour relations aspects of their role. 
• Proactively build purposeful, collaborative relationships to create a productive, respectful, and inclusive workplace. 
• Manage employee performance, including providing timely feedback, setting expectations, applying progressive discipline, and knowing when to investigate. 
• Engage confidently and constructively in disagreement or conflict, drawing on various strategies and practices.

Facilitators: Katie Cobban, PSEA Legal Counsel; Tom Teasdale, PSEA Director of Labour Relations; senior Dean from the sector; experts from the sector participate in panels throughout the workshop