Academy of Industrial Relations | Advanced Certificate in Labour Law

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this Course, learners should be able to:

• Gain insight into the fundamental principles of Labour Law;
• Establish a foundation for interpreting and applying key Labour Laws to the employment relationship, and;
• Understand and examine other relevant statutes and discuss their implications for good IR practice in T&T, especially with respect to the collective bargaining process and negotiating with trade unions.

Overview of Units

Unit 1: Sources of Law and IR Obligations

This unit provides an overview of the origin and evolution of Labour Laws in T&T, as well as their inherent value to the foundation of social stability and industrial peace.

Having discussed the sources of law, the Unit will look at one of the main instruments that define an employment relationship – the employment contract. Learners will analyse the typical elements of a contract, discuss the various types of employment contracts, as well as key insights for drafting, developing or amending various types of employment contracts.

Finally, this Unit will provide an overview of the principles of Natural Justice in preparation for subsequent discussions on managing workplace issues and applying labour laws to the workplace.

Unit 2: The Disciplinary Hearing - Process and Procedures

This Unit is both theoretical and practical. It will provide an overview of the process, procedures and practical elements required for the conduct of a proper Disciplinary Hearing.

Note: This Unit includes a practical element - participating in a disciplinary hearing exercise.

Unit 3: Labour Laws Governing the Employment Relationship

This Unit is the first of three (3) legislative reviews. The aim of this unit is to gain a thorough understanding of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA), the key piece of legislation regulating the industrial relations system and its institutions in Trinidad and Tobago.

Learners will also explore other primary pieces of legislation that inform terms and conditions of employment, the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers and the separation of employment.

Unit 4: Labour Laws Governing Safety and Health

The aim of this Unit is to gain a thorough understanding of the primary pieces of legislation governing safety and health in the workplace. Learners will expand their understanding of the provisions of these statutes and improve their ability to correctly apply relevant provisions to the workplace.

Unit 5: Labour Laws Governing Equal Opportunity and Discrimination

Explore the concepts of equal opportunity and diversity through an overview of two (2) pieces of legislation governing these principles. These concepts are crucial for increasing business efficiency, productivity and sustainability by effectively harnessing the best possible mix of experiences, skills, perspectives and strengths available to a workplace.

Evaluation

This Course will be evaluated through a combination of written and practical assessments, class/course participation, attendance, and a final exam.

Class Schedule

Class days: Tuesday & Thursday | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Start Date: Saturday, 1st July 2023 (Learner Orientation)

End Date: Thursday, 21st September 2023

Student Testimonials

"The Certificate in Labour Law was both challenging and satisfying. It develops analytical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills whilst expanding on the fundamental principles of Industrial Relations.

Will definitely recommend this course to others!"

Stefon R.
Health and Safety Assistant

"This Labour Laws course provided me with an in-depth understanding of the labour laws of Trinidad and Tobago and other governing legislation such as ILO Conventions. I was able to utilise this knowledge to improve my competency within the field of Industrial Relations and provide guidance to my organisation on IR-related matters."

Ayanna S.
Human Resource Officer