Designed as a deeper learning experience for all professionals, certificates are intensive, practice-based programs taught by faculty with real-world experience.
Labour Law
Program Director
John D.R. Craig
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Eligible for
Osgoode’s Labour Law Certificate returns in February 2027 – now a three-time award-winning program.
Labour law is complex, highly technical and constantly evolving. For those who are new to the field, navigating its intricacies can be daunting, while even experienced professionals can face significant risks when the stakes are high. Whether you are an employer, employee, union representative, HR professional, lawyer or advisor, understanding the broader labour law landscape is essential.
Now in its 17th year, Osgoode’s award-winning Labour Law Certificate is the trusted program for building practical knowledge and navigating today’s most pressing workplace issues. Over five intensive days, you’ll gain insights directly from leading voices across management, unions, government and the legal profession.
Explore the latest developments, examine real-world challenges and gain a clearer understanding of the legal, strategic and practical considerations shaping today’s workplaces.
Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
Comprehensive overview of the statutory and regulatory regimes, including union organizing and applications for certification
Understanding collective bargaining models, rights and public vs. private sector bargaining
How to protect rights and resolve conflicts in grievance arbitration
Restructuring unionized environments
Tools and strategies for conducting workplace investigations in unionized settings
The law of industrial conflict, including lockouts and back-to-work legislation
Obligations and strategies for protecting privacy in the workplace
Who Should Attend
VPs, Directors and Managers of Labour Relations
VPs, Directors and Managers of Human Resources
Union Presidents, Officials, Business Agents, Stewards and Committee Members
In-House Counsel
Lawyers in Private Practice
Labour Relations Consultants
Mediators, Arbitrators and Conciliators
Government Representatives
Faculty
Program Director
John D.R. Craig
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Advisory Board
Diane Gee
Labour and Employment Mediator and Arbitrator
Donald B. Jarvis
Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP
Brian G. Johnston, K.C.
Stewart McKelvey, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nini Jones
Jones Pearce LLP
Instructors
Sharan K. Basran
Chief Legal Officer, Counsel, Ontario Nurses’ Association
“I find the flow of topics and the content are exactly what I am looking for to deepen my understanding of Labour Relations. We have excellent presenters with extensive experience, and they speak from a place of strong expertise and practical knowledge.”
Agenda
Overview of the Statutory and Regulatory Regime
Main elements (e.g. certification, negotiation, contents and operations of collective agreements, termination of bargaining rights, successor rights)
Employees, independent contractors, employers and unions
Key labour law statutes
The constitutional framework
Division of powers: Federally vs. provincially‑regulated employers
Payment is required in full up to 21 days prior to the start of the program, or immediately upon purchase if less than 21 days.
Substitution and Cancellation
Substitution of registrants is permitted prior to the start of the program date. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 21 days prior to the start of the program. If a cancellation request is made with less than 21 but more than 7 days’ notice, a $250.00 administrative fee will apply per person. No refund will be issued for cancellations received within 7 days of the program start date. Payment is required to receive access to the program.
We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University’s and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
To receive an Osgoode Certificate, you must view all program modules (either live or archived) and successfully complete a post-program online assessment by April 23, 2027.
Eric Maxemuck
Health, Safety & Environmental Manager, Archer Daniels Midland Company
“This is a very well-presented program which not only provides a high- level overview of labour law fundamentals but also allows you to interact with expert professionals who “live” in this sector. I recommend the program to anyone who deals with labour challenges on a daily basis. A big thank you to John Craig and all of the wonderful speakers over the weeks, a fantastic job. I look forward to future Osgoode programs.”
CPD and Accreditation
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Labour and Employment Law
Students typically complete the LLM in two years (6 terms).
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Unfortunately, no. Effective for all 2019 filings and subsequent years moving forward, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has replaced T2202A’s with the T2202. Under the new CRA definition and criteria, our CLE short courses and certificate programs do not meet the definition of ‘qualifying educational program’. For this reason, we are unable to issue you a T2202. For more information, please visit the CRA site.
Program pages and brochures will include specific information including key dates, or see our Refunds & Cancellation Policies page.
Once a program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be created. This does not guarantee your registration in the program; however, it places you on a priority contact list. If any spots become available, you may be notified by email or phone to confirm if you would like to proceed with the registration. Once contacted, you will typically be given 24 hours to confirm your interest. If you do not confirm interest within the provided timeframe, you will be removed from the waitlist and the next person will be contacted.
A selection of our Certificates are eligible for OSAP funding.
Please note the following exceptions that may affect OSAP funding eligibility for our certificates:
Students receiving Second Career funding for a micro-credential during their study period are ineligible;
Although grants will not be converted to loans, a grant may become repayable if a student withdraws, is determined to be overpaid in grant funding, or income cannot be verified within one year;
A student cannot receive OSAP for micro-credential assistance for their study period if it overlaps with another micro-credential study period in which they are concurrently receiving OSAP for micro-credential funding. However, students may overlap their micro-credential study period with a study period that is part of a different full- or part-time program that they are concurrently receiving funding for through Full-Time OSAP or Part-Time OSAP, provided that OSAP funding was not assessed for the micro-credential course(s) through a Full-Time or Part-Time OSAP application.
NOTE: In order to obtain access to the program, full payment is required at least 1 business day prior to the first module of the program.
Job Grants
The Canada-Ontario Job grant may be applicable to employers seeking to train their staff. To find out if your organization is eligible for the grant and the program you wish to enrol in qualifies, visit: The MTCU Canada-Ontario Job Grant page
Many of our programs include 120-day unlimited, online access to view the recorded program. See the program page or brochure to find out if the program you’re interested in includes this access. If you need more time to view the content, or have questions about the access, please email: OPDSupport@osgoode.yorku.ca.
Our programs are typically offered once annually, around the same time each year; however, there are a few exceptions where certain programs are offered multiple times throughout the year (i.e. The Certificate in Adjudication). To receive updates on all our new and upcoming program offerings, please click here to subscribe to our email list.
If the program includes access to the recording, you will have unlimited online access to the recorded content for 120-days from the end date of the program.
Access is only for the registered delegate. In the event of misuse, access can be revoked.
CPD hours for each program can be found on the program web page and program brochure. For questions regarding CPD hours, please email cpd@osgoode.yorku.ca
A limited amount of financial assistance is available for OsgoodePD Programs unless specific bursary information appears on the program page/program brochure. Head to our Financial Assistance page for more information.
Yes. We do offer group rates on our programs. Please visit our group rate page for more information. Some exceptions apply, and rates are subject to change.
Our Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, ranging from one-hour briefings to more intensive certificate programs, are for all professionals. There are no general prerequisites for these programs; however, individual programs often have specific requirements to register. These are noted on individual program pages and .pdf brochures.
