In this class, students will learn how to prepare for arbitration. Skills include direct examination, cross examination, and opening and closing statements. Students will also participate in a mock arbitration hearing. In addition, students will learn about the relationship between unions and the political world, and how to engage in it effectively.

Students will learn about the many aspects of collective bargaining including researching employers, costing out the contract, surveying members for contract priorities, preparing contract language and proposals, tools for effective negotiations, interest based bargaining benefits and hazards, recognizing surface bargaining, internal organizing, strike preparation and alternatives to strike, and ratifying the contract. An overview of labor-management relations during and after negotiations will also be covered. In the final weeks, students will participate in a collective bargaining role-play.

Through an expansive overview, students will gain a greater understanding of the history of the United States labor movement. This includes learning about the history of U.S. labor markets, labor leaders, mass movements, the strengths and weaknesses, and mistakes and triumphs of unions and other labor focused organizations. Intertwined with this history, students will be introduced to economic trends and policies, from the federal deficit to the minimum wage law, to see how national and international economics affects workers.

Students will learn organizing skills and strategies for internal and external organizing, in both union and non-union workplaces. In addition, students will learn how to organize members around health and safety issues, including through their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).