Practical Arbitration training
Going AWOL offers practical, skills-based training in labor arbitration advocacy. Our programs are designed for labor relations professionals and others who participate in the grievance and arbitration process.
The focus is on what advocates actually do: preparing cases, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and communicating clearly and effectively with the arbitrator.
Our training is modular and flexible. Modules are ordinarily 1.5 hours in length and can be delivered individually or combined into full-day or multi-day programs.
Grounded in practice. Designed for real advocacy.
What the training covers
Our modules cover the full lifecycle of a labor arbitration case—from case preparation through post-hearing advocacy. Each module focuses on practical skills grounded in real workplace disputes.
Core modules
Per Module
Practical focus
Modules on request
If a topic you’re interested in isn’t listed, we can custom-create a module for you.
Framing the issue, gathering documents, and building a clear theory of the case.
How panels work and what to weigh when striking and ranking names.
Assessing strengths, weaknesses, and the realistic range of outcomes.
Structuring direct testimony so the account is clear and credible.
Structuring direct testimony so the account is clear and credible.
How arbitrators weigh consistency, documents, and firsthand knowledge.
Building a clean, reliable record and introducing documents effectively.
Who must prove what, and to what standard, in different case types.
Reading provisions in context and applying plain meaning.
When past practice matters and how it shapes interpretation.
Organizing argument, whether oral or written, to help the arbitrator reach a sound decision.
Practice advocacy in realistic settings
In addition to topic-based modules, we design and deliver experiential training that allows participants to practice advocacy skills in realistic settings, tailored to your organization’s specific challenges.
Advocates, Counterparts, And Observers
Based On Actual Workplace Situations
Group Discussion And Debrief After Every Session
Training that fits your organization
We offer a range of delivery formats to meet different organizational needs. We frequently work with unions, employers, and labor–management groups.
In Person-Training
On-site training at your location, tailored to your team and setting.
Online Session
Remote delivery for geographically dispersed participants or remote teams.
Single-Session Programs
Focused sessions such as a ‘lunch and learn’ on a specific topic.
Multi-Session Series
Comprehensive workshops or training series built around your objectives.
Work with us — Practical, accessible, and immediately useful
Our goal is to provide practical, accessible training that is immediately useful. We work with organizations to develop programs tailored to their needs, from focused sessions to broader training initiatives.