In addition to our certification program, NPELRA offers elective Academies that focus on specific issues within the public-sector labor relations profession.

Elective Academy: Interest Arbitration , clarifies the interest arbitration process to resolve the terms of the labor contract when the parties cannot agree on the resolution of issues during negotiations. This arbitration process is in contrast to grievance or rights arbitration based on the terms of an established labor contract. Participants will learn the history of interest arbitration and the common procedural elements of a binding interest arbitration law. They will learn to prepare for contract negotiations knowing the negotiations may results in interest arbitration. The presentations will discuss required background material including development of comparison groups and examples of documents to include in the arbitration hearing. Participants will also learn how to prepare an effective exhibit perhaps to illustrate an "ability to pay" argument, cost of living information, and wage comparisons.

Elective Academy: Costing a Labor Contract , focuses on the concepts and techniques for determining the value and cost of employer and union proposals, and the terms of the contract settlement. This Academy will cover techniques and approaches to costing as well giving you the tools to be better prepared at the bargaining table to successfully argue and negotiate your positions. There will be presentations regarding How to Start Your Cost Analysis, How To Cost A Contract and Presenting The Cost Of The Contract. Interactive discussion and exercises address common costing definitions, types of data, demographics, total package costing, and resources available. Additional topics include costing methodologies, advanced costing techniques, and presenting information to the approving body.

* Elective Academies are not part of the CLRP process