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Seeking to start or expand your labor arbitration practice in the federal sector? This two-day, in-person program is geared toward current FMCS Roster arbitrators needing a greater understanding of unique aspects of arbitration of disputes between federal agencies and their unions. The course will focus on the distinction between federal and private-sector practice, with a review of the statutes, regulations, executive orders, and developing changes in direction at the FLRA. Substantial emphasis will be placed on working with case scenarios.
Instructors: Arthur Pearlstein, FMCS Director of Arbitration and Alan Symonette, Esq., Labor and Employment Arbitrator
When: Tuesday, March 21 – Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm EST
Cost: $950
Location: FMCS Headquarters, 250 E Street SW, Washington, D.C.
(walking distance from L’Enfant Plaza Metro or Federal Center SW Metro)
NOTE: Your reservation isn’t complete, nor is your seat reserved, until you’ve remitted payment for the course. If you have difficulty paying online or prefer to pay by check, please email us at fmcs_instititute@fmcs.gov. Call us at 202-606-3627 with any questions.
Visit our website to get more info on regsitration, requirements, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.
FREE Webinar
March 29, 2023
1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
Space is limited, so please register at this link today!
Spring is traditionally the time for decluttering, cleansing, and renewal. In this webinar, we will look how to bring the spirit of springtime to your workplace, your Collective Bargaining agreement, and your relationships with co-workers. Sow the seeds for a better work place!
This is a FREE webinar.
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Virtual Course
April 11-13 and April 18-20, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,500 through March 10; General admission $1,600; Group rates available
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
Dealing effectively with conflict in the workplace has become a critical function in public and private organizations. Employers and employees are increasingly turning towards mediation to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Mediation has successfully applied to many types of workplace disputes, including grievances, EEO complaints, superior/subordinate problems, and peer conflicts. This workshop focuses on the mediation process and skills required to be successful. Facilitating difficult conversations, creative problem-solving, interpersonal negotiations, and communication will be covered.
Instructors: FMCS Mediators Valaerie Harragin, Kevin Hawkins, and Brady Roberts
This course takes place over 6 DAYS: (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) April 11-13 and April 18-20 for two consecutive weeks.
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Virtual Course
May 9-11, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,000 through April 10; General admission $1,100
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
This intensive, three-day program is designed to enhance the arbitration advocacy skills of labor relations practitioners. In addition to topical presentations and work through a variety of relevant scenarios, participants will participate in a mock labor arbitration, including witness preparation and conduct of the hearing.
Topics Include:
- Educating the arbitrator prior to hearing
- Opening the case with a winning statement
- Structuring the order of proof
- Key aspects of discipline and contract interpretation cases
- Considerations of past practice
- Making and responding to evidentiary objections
- Preparing and examining witnesses
- Seeking and opposing different kinds of remedies
- Crafting effective closing arguments and post-hearing briefs
Instructors: FMCS Director of Arbitration Arthur Pearlstein and FMCS Mediators TBA
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Virtual Course
June 12 - 16
Cost: $2,700
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
This course is geared toward labor-management practitioners with substantial experience in labor relations (pursuant to collective bargaining) who wish to become labor arbitrators. The course can also enhance the practice and skills of current arbitrators.
Topics Include:
- The law of arbitration
- Arbitration practice, scheduling, and pre-hearing procedures
- Conducting the hearing, framing issues, and handling witnesses and records
- Evidence
- Award and opinion writing
- Ethics
- FMCS arbitration policies and procedures
- Building a practice
- The application process to the FMCS Roster of Arbitrators
Instructors: Arbitrators Martin Malin and Richard Fincher
Preliminary coursework is required on the following dates:
April 27, 3:00- 4:30pm: Online Orientation Meeting
May 8 – June 9, 2023: Weekly Reading, Videos, & Discussion Board Assignments
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Virtual Course
July 11 - 13 and July 18-20, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,500 through June 11; General admission $1,600; Group rates available
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
Develop the negotiation style that’s right for you. This interactive workshop focuses on techniques for 21st century contract negotiations. We'll cover traditional and interest-based negotiations, and will teach participants how to negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
Instructors: FMCS Mediators Gemma Lopresti and Leroy Skinner
This course takes place over 6 DAYS: (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) July 11-13 and July 18-20 for two consecutive weeks.
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Virtual Course
September 12-14, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,000 through August 12; General admission $1,100
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
This intensive, three-day program is designed specifically for labor practitioners in the Federal sector. The course will help practitioners:
- Understand the most important elements of labor arbitration advocacy in the federal sector
- Make progress on the path to becoming a highly effective advocate
- Identify major gaps in knowledge/experience in arbitration advocacy and plan for filling the gaps
Topics include:
- The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Arbitration in the Federal Sector
- Principles of Contract (collective bargaining agreement) Interpretation
- Employee Discipline and “Efficiency of the Service”
- How to Best Prepare for the Hearing
- How to Handle the Hearing Itself (Testimony, Documents, Opening Statements, etc.)
- What Goes Into a Good Post-Hearing Brief (if briefs are to be submitted)
A major emphasis of this program will be a review of substantive and procedural case-handling issues, using hypothetical situations in an interactive format. Participants will also be able to practice their skills. Registrants receive course texts and a specially compiled set of arbitration practice guides.
Instructors: FMCS Director of Arbitration Arthur Pearlstein and FMCS Mediators TBA
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive an FMCS Certificate of Training.
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Virtual Course
New Dates: September 12-14 and 19-21, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,500 through August 19; General admission $1,600; Group rates available
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
Dealing effectively with conflict in the workplace has become a critical function in public and private organizations. Employers and employees are increasingly turning towards mediation to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Mediation has successfully applied to many types of workplace disputes, including grievances, EEO complaints, superior/subordinate problems, and peer conflicts.
Instructors: FMCS Mediators Stephanie Collier, Brad Lane, and Kayla Mack
This course takes place over 6 DAYS: (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) September 12-14 and September 19-21 for two consecutive weeks.
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The FMCS Institute for Conflict Management Education and its staff are deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and ensuring equitable access to all course offerings and opportunities. If accommodations are needed, please contact the Institute at fmcs_Institute@fmcs.gov or call Valerie Harragin at 818-334-2049 at least three business days before the beginning of the course.
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