The McMaster School of Labour Studies has been offering certificate courses since 1976. The Labour Studies Certificate Program explores issues facing workers in their workplaces, organizations and communities. It supports workers by providing them with the tools to understand and intervene in their world, in a worker-friendly environment.
Courses are offered from September to May and use the principles of adult education, which centres and respects workers’ prior experience, knowledge and activism.
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Download Fall 2026 – Winter 2027 Course Schedule
About the Program
The Certificate in Labour Studies is now offered online, allowing people from anywhere in Canada to participate and learn while building relationships with union activists from different unions and industries from all corners of the country. This certificate is only offered on a part-time basis.
Each certificate course consists of four online sessions that are three hours per session. Our instructors are recruited from a range of backgrounds including academics, activists, and professionals. They are recognized leaders in their field and are experienced adult educators. We offer courses spanning a wide range of subject areas and topics. We can also design and deliver courses geared to your local union members’ interests.
Here are some examples of past courses:
- Basics of Collective Bargaining
- Challenges Facing the Labour Movement
- The Workplace During Covid
- Steward Training
- Are Co-ops an Alternative?
- Building Your Leadership Skills
- Who are the One Percent?
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Can we Rebuild the Labour Movement?
- Labour Studies Theory
- Labour Law for Workers
- Arbitration
- Issues in Health and Safety
- The Future of Work and the New Economy
- Labour History
