Advanced Steward Training, Internal Organizing and Interest Based Bargaining are some of the courses the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service will offer this winter and spring.

Labor studies courses start Jan. 24 and are open to all interested working people. Tuition ranges from $50 to $150 depending on course length. The classes fulfill the requirements of the Labor Studies Certificate program, launched this fall. Students in the program achieve a certificate after completing 75 hours of non-credit coursework in labor law, organizing, collective bargaining, contract administration and other topics.

To register for classes or to receive a brochure that has a full description of the Labor Studies Certificate program, phone 612-624-5020, or e-mail Tony DeAngelis at tdeangelis@csom.umn.edu. Class schedules and updates also can be found on the LES website, www.laboreducation.org.

Here is the Winter-Spring 2005 course schedule:

MONDAYS
Advanced Steward Training (LSC2) Tony DeAngelis
This course is designed for the steward who wants to become more effective as a grievance handler and problem solver in the local union. Through cases and role playing it allows the student to apply skills learned in Basic Steward Training. Fulfills 10 hours of the contract administration requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 6 weeks (Jan. 24-Feb. 28, 7-9 p.m.) HHH

TUESDAYS
Internal Organizing (LSO2) Judy Carlson
This course begins with the basics of internal organizing, including the development of an internal communication network, mapping the workplace, and membership surveys. It also discusses defining the goals of a campaign, basic research, targeting, and strategies. Fulfills 5 hours of the organizing requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$50 3 weeks (March 22-April 5, 7-9 p.m.) HHH

WEDNESDAYS
Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations (LSB1 & LSC2) John Remington
This class provides an introduction to collective bargaining, contract administration and the resolution of labor-management disputes. While some attention will be given to an examination of employer/employee relationships, the primary focus will be upon the unionized sector. The class will consider union organizing and its relationship to collective bargaining, the resolution of impasses, and the mediation and arbitration of contractual disputes. Fulfills 10 hours of the collective bargaining/negotiations and 10 hours of the contract administration requirements for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$150 7 weeks (March 23-May 4, 5:45-9 p.m.) CSOM

THURSDAYS
Public Sector Labor Law (LSL2) Paul Iversen
This course focus on Minnesota?s Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA). Topics include collective bargaining, arbitration, the right to strike, unfair labor practices, the definition of public employer and public employee, the function of the Bureau of Mediation Services and bargaining unit determinations. Fulfills 10 hours of the labor law requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 6 weeks (March 10-April 14, 7-9 p.m.) HHH

SATURDAYS
Labor History (LSS2) Barb Kucera
This course examines the origins and development of the U.S. labor movement. It will cover the economic, social and political factors influencing the structure, philosophy and character of labor unions in the United States. Fulfills 5 hours of the labor and society requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$50 Feb. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. HHH

Effective Union Leadership II (LSE2) Tony DeAngelis
This course is designed to build on the leadership process introduced in Effective Union Leadership I. It will examine the different ways we communicate and use power in leadership. Fulfills 5 hours of the elective requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$50 March 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. HHH

Interest Based Bargaining (LSB2) David Spencer
This course focuses on skills and techniques that make possible productive contributions that can lead to mutual benefits for the union and management. It is a consensus based approach to problem solving which focuses on the interests of both parties to negotiations. Fulfills 5 hours of the collective bargaining/negotiations requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$50 April 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. HHH

Introduction to the Labor Movement (LSR) Tony DeAngelis
This is an overview of the labor movement?its successes and challenges?in a global context. It considers the structure, organization and evolution of the movement and the impact of union membership on workers and communities. It challenges students to consider the future of the movement and the direction in which they would like to lead it. This course is mandatory for students enrolled in the certificate program.
$50 April 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. HHH

For more information
Visit the Labor Education Service website, www.laboreducation.org