In collaboration with the Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Network, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Partnership and Labor Relations, sponsors training for human resources practitioners, such as labor relations specialists and attorneys, who represent 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 Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Personnel Management, Department of Transportation, and the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Training is provided at no cost to the agency or employee, and requires a nomination from the agency.

For more information about upcoming training opportunities, please email PLR@opm.gov.

Professional Development Series I, or PDS I, is developed for management representatives who have three years or less of experience in Employee or Labor Relations. PDS I is held two or more times per year in Washington, D.C., and often 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

For more information please contact PLR@opm.gov.

Professional Development Series II, or PDS II, is developed for management representatives who have three years or more of experience in Labor Relations. PDS II is held two or more times per year in Washington, D.C., and often includes the following topics:

• Negotiability II
• Representation before a Third Party
• Unfair Labor Practices
• Unit Determinations
• Collective Bargaining

For more information please contact PLR@opm.gov.