NEU Reps: Negotiating & Bargaining Skills Course (Day 2)

This two-day course aims to give reps an underpinning knowledge of negotiating and bargaining theory and practice, and an opportunity to develop and improve their skills and confidence in negotiating and bargaining in the workplace.

As a rep, it will help you to:

• Approach negotiation from a trade union perspective, as a process of collective representation;
• Understanding the importance of workplace bargaining in the education sector today;
• Demystify the idea of negotiation and develop reps’ confidence to engage with workplace management;
• Understand the bargaining cycle as an essential basis for meaningful negotiation;
• Know how to effectively represent the views and interests of members;
• Understand some of the underpinning principles and practices involved in successful negotiation;
• Prepare appropriately for negotiation;
• Recognise the various styles of negotiation and identify their own preferred approach(es);
• Understand the role of the relationship with the employer in negotiation;
• Undertake negotiation with greater confidence;
• Gain an understanding of the importance of escalation in winning for members;
• An understanding of how to navigate the challenges faced by Black, women, LGBT+ and disabled reps when negotiating and bargaining;
• Understand power in the workplace and how to shift the balance of power through collectivising;
• Use the outcome of successful negotiations to build the presence of the Union group in the workplace.

Please note: This is a two-day modular course. You must attend both days to receive accreditation.

Who should attend: NEU Representatives who have attended at least one term previously, the NEU Representatives Foundation and/or Advanced modules.

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from NEU reps who identify as Black, Disabled, Women, LGBT+. If you have any questions or specific requirements, we are happy to discuss on a confidential basis – please contact us as above.

As a NEU workplace rep, you are entitled to paid time off to participate in the course. For further advice on eligibility for this course, on negotiating release from work, or for assistance with access and expenses, please contact the West Midlands Region office on west.midlands@neu.org.uk.