Federal Labor Relations Course (Intermediate)

Module 1: Historical Overview

• Trace the development of U.S. unionism and federal-sector labor relations leading to the CSRA.
• Explain how executive orders and legislation shaped today’s federal LR framework.
• Connect labor-management history to current day bargaining and dispute practices.

Module 2: Legal Principles and Third Parties

• Summarize the Labor-Management Relations Statute (5 U.S.C. Chapter 71) and its key provisions.
• Differentiate rights and responsibilities of employees, management (§7106), and unions.
• Identify roles of FLRA, FMCS, FSIP, arbitrators, and DOL in the LR system.

Module 3: Representation and Meetings

• Apply union representation rights and duties under 5 U.S.C. §7114.
• Determine when meetings are “formal discussions” requiring union presence.
• Exercise Weingarten rights during investigatory interviews.

Module 4: Scope of Bargaining

• Distinguish prohibited, permissive (§7106(b)(1)), and mandatory subjects of bargaining.
• Analyze negotiability issues tied to management rights and appropriate arrangements.
• Address other scope topics including procedures and implementation details.

Module 5: Negotiations and Applying the Contract

• Plan for term and mid-term bargaining; prepare teams, data, and strategies.
• Use models and techniques that prevent negotiability disputes and impasses.
• Navigate FMCS/FSIP processes, agency-head review, ratification, and contract signing.
• Interpret and apply the agreement; manage changes during negotiations.

Module 6: Role of the Union Steward

• Clarify steward responsibilities and representational boundaries.
• Practice day-to-day interactions grounded in the “robust debate” principle.
• Address and de-escalate abusive conduct while maintaining statutory rights.

Module 7: Official Time

• Define official time purposes and limits under the Statute and case law.
• Document, approve, and control official time use with practical methods.
• Resolve disputes over reasonableness and availability.

Module 8: Information Requests

• Meet §7114(b)(4) requirements for furnishing data to the exclusive representative.
• Establish and evaluate “particularized need.”
• Balance disclosure with confidentiality, privacy, and security constraints.

Module 9: Grievances

• Design and follow negotiated grievance procedures through binding arbitration.
• Assess grievability/arbitrability and select appropriate remedies.
• Coordinate, document, and settle grievances effectively.

Module 10: Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs)

• Identify management and union ULPs, defenses, and remedies.
• Follow FLRA Office of General Counsel investigation processes.
• Implement preventive practices to reduce ULP exposure.

Module 11: Consultation Rights

• Explain national consultation rights and when they apply.
• Integrate consultation into agency policy development and changes.

Module 12: Developing and Working Proposals

• Draft clear, negotiable proposals and counterproposals aligned with mission and law.
• Assess impact/costs and prepare justification packages.
• Refine language to avoid unintended obligations and negotiability pitfalls.