Submit completed registration by October 23, 2020.   

All 2020-21 ULI courses are scheduled to be held remotely.

Classes hours and start times will vary. The times See details below.

Participants must attend all three weekend-sessions to complete these courses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the important role that Unions  play in protecting the health, safety, and livelihoods of members. Strong, responsive local leadership is more important than ever.   

IFT’s Union Leadership Institute (ULI) program has been designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced local leaders and activists in all IFT constituency groups. ULI provides participants with hands-on learning of union skills, professional development opportunities and a chance to network with other IFT members from throughout the state. We have adapted our training to meet the changing needs of union leadership as we grapple with COVID-19 and racial injustice.

BOOT CAMP FOR UNION LEADERS (class limit is 26)

Saturday, 11/07; 9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, 11/08; 9:00 a.m. – noon

Designed for newly elected leaders, prospective leaders or for veteran leaders who want to recharge their skills, this newly revamped course will help participants develop and enhance their leadership skills to ensure the success of their locals/councils in today’s challenging education, economic and political climate. 

Participants will:

• Build skills and clarify roles of local officers and activists;
• Learn skills to work with different learning and leadership styles in order to build an effective team;
• Compile a leadership toolbox of valuable skills and resources;
• Enhance the essential skills to empower and motivate others to be active in the union; and,
• Have fun in the leadership role!

EFFECTIVE GRIEVANCE ADMINISTRATION (class limit is 26)

Saturday, 11/07; 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, 11/08; 8:00 a.m. – noon

This interactive course will help participants master the grievance process with group practice and simulated role play. 

This course will help participants develop critical skills designed to:

• Separate gripes from grievances;
• Develop grievance investigation and research skills;
• Take problem-solving approaches to settlement;
• Write, prepare and present grievances.

INTRODUCTION TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING (class limit is 26)

Saturday, 11/07; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sunday, 11/08; 9:00 a.m. – noon

This training provides those with little or no bargaining experience with an understanding of how and why negotiations work and prepares participants to actively engage in the bargaining process.

Participants will:

• Review collective bargaining laws;
• Learn the different stages in a negotiation;
• Prepare and write negotiation proposals;
• Learn what makes the negotiation team work well together; and,
• Learn how the mediation process works.

Submit completed registration by October 23, 2020.   

Classes will only be held with a minimum enrollment of 8 participants per class. Additional workshop fees may apply for some courses. See registration form for details. Registration confirmation notices, weekend agendas and other information will be mailed to participants prior to each weekend session. Locals’ costs for participation in ULI are eligible for IFT’s UPD Rebate program.