Programme Overview
Industrial relations play a critical role in maintaining productive, competitive, and socially responsible workplaces across the Caribbean. As organisations navigate evolving labour laws, changing workplace expectations, technological advancements, and economic pressures, there is an increasing need for practical, regionally relevant industrial relations knowledge and skills.
The Caribbean Industrial Relations Training Programme is designed to strengthen participants' understanding of industrial relations principles and practices within the Caribbean context. Through a blend of theory and practical application, participants will develop the knowledge and skills needed to promote effective workplace relationships, support legal compliance, manage workplace conflicts, and contribute to productive and harmonious employment environments.
The programme combines Caribbean-specific perspectives with practical workplace applications, enabling participants to better understand labour-management relationships, dispute resolution processes, employment legislation, and contemporary workplace issues affecting organisations across the region.
Type of Programme
Professional Development Programme
Target Audience
- Employers and Managers
- HR Practitioners
- Employee Representatives
- Trade Union Delegates
- Supervisors and Team Leaders
- Employees in unionised and non-unionised workplaces
- Professionals responsible for workplace and employee relations
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the training programme, it is expected that participants will :
- Demonstrate an improved understanding of labour laws and industrial relations principles
- Possess better grievance handling skills and enhanced dispute resolution capacity.
- Illustrate improved knowledge of strategies to enhance employer-employee relationships
- Develop a broader understanding of statutory and labour policy (Caribbean-specific) standards.
- Have improved workplace communication and engagement skills.
- Utilise the tools and strategies learned to achieve higher productivity levels.
- Understand IR principles and practices within the Caribbean context.
- Possess the ability to interpret and apply regional labour legislations to meet best practices and international standards.
- Acquired competencies in collective bargaining, grievance handling, and dispute resolution.
Programme Structure
Module 1: Industrial Relations
- Trends in Industrial Relations
- Contract Labour & the Future of Work
- Labour-Management Relations Best Practices
- Conciliation & Arbitration
- Legal Frameworks & the Tripartite System
Module 2: Workplace Management
- Collective Bargaining & Dispute Resolution
- Managing Performance
- Strategic Conflict Resolution
- Disciplinary Procedures
- The Hybrid & Digital Workplace
Module 3: Productivity & Efficiency
- Enhancing Organisational Productivity
- Measuring Productivity
- Strategies to Strengthen Teamwork
- The Gig Economy & Non-Standard Work
- Employee Wellness & Mental Health
Prerequisites / Entry Requirements
Participants should possess basic understanding of workplace relationships and demonstrate commitment to improving IR practices within their organisations or representative roles.
Schedule / Duration / Delivery Mode
- Start Date: September 15, 2026
- Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:30 pm Eastern Caribbean Time
- 30 Contact Hours
- Online delivery via Zoom Meeting platform
Tuition Fees
- US$450 per participant
Assessment and Certification Requirements
Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements and assessments will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement from The University of the West Indies Global Campus.
Participants who complete selected modules may be eligible for a Certificate of Participation and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in accordance with programme requirements.
Registration Process
Complete the online registration form.
Partnership
Delivered by The UWI Global Campus in collaboration with Caribbean Institute for Human Resource Management (CaIHRM)
Centre responsible for delivery: The Hugh Shearer Labour Studies Institute (HSLSI)
Programmes Support: hlstuei@open.uwi.edu
