Collective Bargaining

Creating shared value and unlocking human potential.

We create unique value for our clients. By combining expertise in labour relations, stakeholder engagement and organizational effectiveness we are able to assist our clients in the development of Industrial and Labour Relations strategies that are aligned with their business objectives, lead to improved and sustained organizational performance and increase individual contributions and discretionary efforts.

We help our clients improve collective bargaining outcomes through strategic planning, better preparation for negotiations and serving as coaches at the bargaining table. We also ensure collective bargaining is incorporated as part of an overall Industrial Relations Strategy. Collective bargaining is an event in the long term execution of your business strategy.

Collective Agreement bargaining is unlike any other type of negotiations. Unlike commercial contract negotiations – you cannot simply walk away and unlike many legal settlements the agreements do not have a predetermined end date.  A poorly negotiated collective agreement will have a negative impact on the economics of an organization and on the relationships within the business that are immeasurable and long lasting. Not only is there obvious direct costs but failing to meet the bargaining objectives for the organization is a lost opportunity.

Specific Services:

  • Collective Agreement preparation workshops for bargaining teams
  • Collective Agreement Negotiations governance models
  • Senior Leadership Mandate Approval Training Workshops
  • Coaching for Chief Negotiators
  • Support at the bargaining table or behind the scenes
  • Labour Relations Strategy that is tied to the collective bargaining cycle

“As GM of Operations of sites in Canada and the US, I worked with Oakbridges in both countries through several rounds of collective bargaining.  They are the best Labour Relations folks I have ever worked with.  They are in tune with the needs of operations, bring a business focus and are strategic in their work.”

Todd Clark
General Manager, Operations Calgary, AB, Canada
Jim Beam, Clermont KY, USA