Training
Professional Development Series I & II
In collaboration with the Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Network, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Partnership and Labor Relations, sponsors training for management representatives in federal agencies. The Labor Relations Professional Development Series I (LR-PDS I) course was first offered in June 2009. It was developed to assist agency labor relations practitioners to enhance the skills needed for successful job performance. Since then, training opportunities expanded into more advanced training with the advent of Labor Relations Professional Development Series II.
Training is facilitated by a variety of senior labor relations management personnel across the federal government. We bring together experts from agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of the Treasury, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Personnel Management, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Justice.
Training is provided at no cost to the agency or employee, and requires a nomination from the agency. To request a nomination form or for more information about upcoming training opportunities, please email
PLR@opm.gov
Professional Development Series I
PDS I is developed for management representatives who have three years or less of experience in Employee or Labor Relations. The most recent PDS I training occurred February 28-March 3rd, and included the following topics:
- Executive Order 13522- Creating Labor-Management Forums
- Overview of Federal Sector Labor Relations
- Labor Relations Research Tools
- Labor-Management Dispute Resolution
- Unfair Labor Practices
- Collective Bargaining
- Contract Administration
- Negotiations
- Unit Certifications
Professional Development Series II
PDS II is developed for management representatives who have three years or more of experience in Labor Relations. The most recent PDS II training occurred March 21-24, 2011, and included the following topics:
- Negotiability II
- Representation before a Third Party
- Unfair Labor Practices
- Unit Determinations
- Collective Bargaining