OLCD-FIRE0013 - Fire Department Human Resource Management II

Course Description

This 12-week course is designed for leadership and management employees, as well as those with HR-specialized functions. It provides an opportunity to explore and shape advanced HR strategies, operations, and services to support fire and emergency services in Canada.

We will consider how to best assess, plan, measure, and improve current systems, policies, services, and challenges. The focus will be on planning, attracting, developing, engaging, safeguarding, and retaining the staff needed for fire and emergency services organizations to function effectively and efficiently.

Course Outline

Week 1:

• Introduction

Weeks 2 - 3:

• Understand the complexity of 'sitting down at the bargaining table'

Weeks 4 - 5:

• Group discussion – labour management / human resources scenario

Weeks 6 - 7:

• Outline the steps and identify the key actors in the collective bargaining process;
• Describe the nature of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF);
• Identify key bargaining strategies and techniques;
• Describe the negotiation process;
• Define conciliation, mediation, arbitration and final offer arbitration; and
• Distinguish between legal work stoppages and illegal work stoppages.

Weeks 8 - 9:

• Group discussion - labour management / human resources scenario

Weeks 10 - 11:

• Review the major clauses for consideration in most collective agreements;
• Examine issues of particular concern to fire departments often found in collective agreements;
• Identify the role of the company officer in the administration of the collective agreement, as well as the role of the union steward;
• Describe the grievance process;
• Describe the effect of industrial relations decisions on discipline; and
• Evaluate the effectiveness of labour management committees, safety committees and contract education.

Week 12:

• Course evaluation

What You Will Learn

Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:

• complexity of bargaining strategies and techniques
• human resources process
• collective bargaining and negotiation process
• mediation and arbitration
• labour management

Notes

Fire Officer Certification: Is one of four required courses for Fire Officer IV. Must have earned Fire Officer III from us. All grades must be 70% or higher. Self-serve tracking of progress towards Fire Officer IV Accreditation is available. To request enrolment in CE0100 Fire Officer IV Accreditation Track, email openlearning@dal.ca.

For more Fire Service Management courses click here.

The Faculty of OLCD recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.

Recommended For

• Firefighters who are looking to advance in their careers
• Junior and senior officers who wish to expand their knowledge and credentials

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration : Elective
• Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership : Required
• Diploma in General Fire Leadership : Elective - Certificate in Fire Service Human Resource Management
• Fire Officer IV Certification Track : Required (4)
• Certificate in Fire Service Administration : Electives (3)
• Certificate in Fire Service Administration: Human Resource Management : Electives (3)
• Certificate in Fire Service Human Resource Management : Required