This course overviews the nature of conflict in the workplace. Specifically, it examines the complex role that conflict resolution plays at all levels of the Canadian workplace and in the determination of terms and conditions of employment, including collective bargaining.
After completing EMPR 220, students will be able to:
This course examines the complex role that conflict resolution plays at all levels of the Canadian workplace in the determination of terms and conditions of employment, including collective bargaining, and in clarifying the rights of workers and employers.
Employment relationships in Canada are at times characterized by both conflict and cooperation. Processes and mechanisms have been developed to effectively address disputes when they arise, in both union and non-unionized work settings. These processes are utilized in negotiating terms and conditions of employment, in administering collective agreements, and in resolving the appropriate application of statute or employment policy.
Course themes will be introduced over three, four week segments and will cover:
Topics at a Glance
Week 1 | Fundamentals of Conflict and Conflict Resolution |
Week 2 | Conflict and the Canadian Employment System |
Week 3 | The Negotiating Process: Style and Substance |
Week 4 | Review |
Week 5 | Building Positive Employer/Employee Relations |
Week 6 | Statutory Structure of the Non-Union Workplace and Dispute Resolution |
Week 7 | Processes and Principles Applied to Conflict Resolution in Non-Union Workplaces |
Week 8 | Review |
Week 9 | The Collective Agreement: Construct and Administration |
Week 10 | Conflict management in Unionized Workplaces |
Week 11 | Grievance, Arbitration and Third Party Resolution |
Week 12 | Review |
0% - Self-Assessment Quizzes (x6)
10% - Collective Café Discussion Activity (Group Discussion and Submission)
15% - Issue Paper (Individual Submission)
15% - Negotiation Exercise (Group Exercise with Synchornous Activity and Individual Submission)
20% - Case Analysis Report (Individual Submission)
40% - Proctored Final Exam*
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
This course has required and optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities). Please consult the Timeline in the first week of class.
Students must write their exam on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.
CDS reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Core Texts (required)
Hebdon, Robert and Brown, Travor. (2015). Industrial Relations in Canada, third edition, Nelson Education Ltd.
Chaykowski, R.P., and R.S. Hickey, eds. (2013). Building More Effective Labour-Management Relationships. Montreal and Kingston: Queen’s Policy Studies Series, McGill-Queen’s University Press.
Additional supplemental material and access links will be made available electronically to students via the course site.
Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in study, listening and online activity for this course.
Students should be aware of and plan for specific timed activities associated with the course, specifically those connected with a mock negotiation exercise in which all students are required to participate synchronously. Please check the Timeline in the course for details.
SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
See also Getting Started.
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
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