Introduction

Conflict is an inevitable and defining feature of trade union environments, where competing interests between workers, employers, and policy frameworks often collide. Effective Conflict Leadership in Trade Unions is therefore essential for sustaining industrial harmony, strengthening collective bargaining power, and ensuring that disputes are managed constructively rather than destructively. Conflict Leadership in Trade Unions Training Course is designed to paticipants with advanced negotiation, mediation, and conflict transformation skills needed in today’s evolving labour landscape.

In an era of rising labour disputes, workplace rights activism, gig economy tensions, and globalization of workforces, trade union leaders must master strategic conflict leadership approaches that promote dialogue, reduce strikes, and enhance social partnership. The course integrates labour relations theory, emotional intelligence, dispute resolution mechanisms, and strategic leadership tools to build resilient leaders capable of managing complex industrial relations challenges.

Programme Curriculum

Conflict Leadership in Trade Unions Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Develop advanced conflict resolution and negotiation skills in labour settings
Strengthen collective bargaining strategies for union effectiveness
Build capacity in mediation and arbitration techniques
Enhance industrial relations leadership competencies
Improve stakeholder engagement and dialogue management
Apply emotional intelligence in workplace disputes
Understand labour laws and employment rights frameworks
Manage strike prevention and resolution strategies
Strengthen communication in high-conflict environments
Develop transformational leadership in trade unions
Promote peaceful conflict transformation approaches
Build skills in crisis negotiation and grievance handling
Foster sustainable labour-management cooperation models

Target Audience

Trade union leaders and executives
Shop stewards and workplace representatives
Labour relations officers
Human resource managers
Industrial relations practitioners
Government labour inspectors and mediators
Employee welfare committee members
Activists in workers’ rights organizations

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Conflict Leadership in Trade Unions

Understanding industrial conflict dynamics
Types of labour disputes and triggers
Role of union leadership in conflict management
Historical evolution of trade union conflicts
Case Study: Major railway workers’ strike resolution

Module 2: Labour Relations and Legal Frameworks

Overview of labour laws and regulations
Workers’ rights and employer obligations
Dispute resolution legal mechanisms
Role of labour courts and tribunals
Case Study: Judicial resolution of public sector wage dispute

Module 3: Negotiation and Collective Bargaining

Principles of effective negotiation
BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement)
Bargaining power strategies
Multi-party negotiation dynamics
Case Study: Successful healthcare workers’ pay negotiation

Module 4: Mediation, Arbitration, and Conciliation

Conflict mediation techniques
Role of neutral third parties
Arbitration procedures and outcomes
Conciliation best practices
Case Study: Manufacturing sector arbitration success story

Module 5: Emotional Intelligence in Labour Conflicts

Managing emotions in high-stress negotiations
Building empathy in leadership
Active listening techniques
De-escalation strategies
Case Study: Preventing hospital staff walkout through EI leadership

Module 6: Communication and Dialogue Systems

Strategic communication in unions
Crisis communication planning
Media engagement during strikes
Internal union communication systems
Case Study: Public transport strike communication management

Module 7: Crisis and Strike Management

Early warning systems for conflict
Strike planning vs prevention
Risk assessment and mitigation
Emergency negotiation frameworks
Case Study: Averted national teachers’ strike

Module 8: Transformational Union Leadership

Building collaborative labour relations
Long-term peacebuilding strategies
Leadership ethics in unions
Innovation in labour advocacy
Case Study: Transition from adversarial to cooperative union model in utilities sector

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Conflict management Negotiation skills Crisis leadership Decision-making

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000