Performance Management and Progressive Discipline

Description

Managing employee performance is one of the most important—and often most challenging—responsibilities of people leaders in unionized workplaces. Whether addressing performance concerns, attendance issues, workplace conduct, or employee development, leaders need the confidence and knowledge to respond appropriately, fairly, and consistently.

This workshop is designed for people leaders, human resources professionals, and labour relations practitioners seeking to strengthen their understanding of the performance management continuum and the principles of progressive discipline in a unionized post-secondary environment.

Participants will explore the full range of performance management tools available to leaders, from setting clear expectations and providing effective feedback to coaching, documentation, corrective action, and progressive discipline. The workshop will also examine the distinction between culpable and non-culpable behaviour and provide practical guidance on determining appropriate responses in each situation.

Through discussion, examples, and practical application, participants will gain a stronger understanding of their role in managing performance while maintaining productive workplace and labour-management relationships.

WORKSHOP GOALS 

Participants will develop the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage employee performance and apply progressive discipline principles appropriately within a unionized workplace.

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe the continuum of performance management, including the duty to inquire, feedback, coaching, letters of expectation, and progressive discipline.
• Establish and communicate clear performance expectations.
• Distinguish between culpable and non-culpable behaviour and determine appropriate management responses.
• Recognize common workplace situations that may require corrective action or performance support.
• Apply the principles of progressive discipline fairly, consistently, and effectively.
• Understand the importance of documentation and procedural fairness.
• Explain the respective roles of management, unions, Human Resources, and Labour Relations in the performance management and discipline process.

Important Note for Registrants: If you are planning to register for the Labour Relations Essentials workshop, you do not need to register for this session, as this content is fully covered within that program.

Facilitator(s): 

Sara Grujin has been Legal Counsel at PSEA since May 2025. Before joining PSEA, Sara was an Associate Labour Lawyer at Harris & Co LLP and served as a Labour Relations Lawyer at the Community Social Services Employers’ Association. In both roles, Sara effectively advised clients across various sectors on complex labour and human rights matters.

Her approach is client-focused and collaborative, yet she remains decisive and assertive when addressing high-stakes labour disputes. She prides herself on thorough analysis and creative problem-solving, striving to efficiently resolve conflicts while maintaining consistent labour relations.