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Training delivery and program infrastructure

Negotiating Tech: An Inventory of U.S. Union Contract Provisions for the Digital Age

Employer commitments in technology implementation

3.2.c Training delivery and program infrastructure

This section highlights contractual provisions that shape how training is developed, resourced, and delivered. These agreements reflect the importance of robust infrastructure and implementation strategies—ranging from curriculum design and funding to instructional formats and time allocation. Together, these provisions help ensure that training initiatives are practical, inclusive, and effectively support workers as they adapt to technological and organizational change.

The provisions are grouped into the following categories:

Union and employee input on training program design

Provisions in this category create structured opportunities for workers and unions to shape training initiatives—whether through committees, annual planning processes, or collaborative curriculum development.

Examples:

  • “The parties acknowledge that the preferred method of addressing impact resulting from new technologies is through provision of work training and other programs designed to foster new skills to improve opportunities for employment and effective use of AI tools. The parties agree to cooperate in the establishment of work training and other programs with respect to covered work under applicable Agreements. A committee will be convened for the purpose of formulating and implementing such training and other programs. The training and other programs shall be designed in cooperation between the parties and shall be focused on training employees in (A) skills required to operate AI Systems associated with the employee’s current work classification and/or (B) new skills required to transition to other classifications of work covered by applicable Agreements. The parties agree that the committee shall meet within ninety (90) days of contract ratification.” (IATSE-PCBA46)
  • “Staff is actively encouraged to approach the company to discuss training and professional development needs.… Each May, the Employer will survey Employee concerns regarding training as part of its evaluation process. Each July, the Employer will provide the survey’s training requests and concerns to the [Union]. Upon request, the Employer and the [Union] will meet once annually to discuss employee training concerns. Additional meetings can occur if new technology or editorial changes are introduced.” (TNG-CWA-PCBA34)
  • “The Company and the Union recognize the unique risks and challenges Skilled Trades Employees face while troubleshooting equipment. Within 180 days of the agreement, the Company will initiate a Troubleshooting Training development pilot strategy. This can include engaging a third-party instructional design company who can work with the Skilled Trades employees to outllne the content of the training.” (UAW-PCBA18) 

Training funds and resources

These agreements require employers to provide dedicated financial and institutional support for training, including joint funds, infrastructure investment, and resource procurement.

Examples:

  • “During 2023 Negotiations, the union expressed concern regarding the increasing rate at which advancements in technology are being introduced to our manufacturing locations. Of specific concern are “Workstation of Tomorrow” related technologies and the potential impact on both production and skilled trades employees. As a result of these discussions, the company agreed to commit $1 million dollars to purchase and install one (1) Workstation of Tomorrow workcell, including an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), at the [Joint Labor Management] Technical Training Center for the purpose of training production and skilled trades employees.” (UAW-PCBA19)
  • “The Employer will continue the [Joint Education/Training Fund].… The purpose of the fund is to maximize training, retraining, education, skill enhancement and career advancement opportunities with the Employer for Employees represented by the Union, and to meet identified human resource needs as joint labor management initiatives. Additional funding will be solicited from State, Federal, and other sources in collaboration with the Union. Fund expenditures will be jointly made. Employees in fund Programs are qualified to receive severance benefits which are in place at the time of lay off.” (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
  • “The Company will provide the necessary funds in support of the.…Training Program’s activities which may include tuition, facilities, staff administration, communications, equipment, materials, on-hour training and such other expenses as may be agreed to by the Governing Board.” (IAMAW-PCBA54)

On-the-job training and trainer compensation

This section includes provisions supporting hands-on instruction at the worksite. It also outlines expectations for trainer qualifications, fair compensation, and transparency in selection processes.

Examples:

  • “In-service training programs and courses at worksites will be offered during paid time. Employees are to receive training on the technology and how it may be used for lawful purposes.” (IBT-OLMS51)
  • “Any new job or jobs created by technological or mechanization changes shall be offered to present employees capable of being trained to perform the new or changed job and the Employer will provide such training. During training, the employee will maintain his/her rate.” (APWU-PCBA14)
  • “The [Employer] recognizes that the reading of technical and legal publications is necessary to keep professionals abreast of recent developments related to their work assignments, and to keep searches up to date.… In arts involving rapid technical advances, it is recognized that the reading, copying and classifying of technical publications may require a substantial amount of time. Accordingly, supervisors shall grant professionals a reasonable amount of non-production time, per bi-week, for this purpose.” (POPA-OPM66)
  • “On-the-job training (OJT) Trainers will be compensated with premium pay at the rate of ten (10) percent of the applicable hourly rate of adjusted base pay times the number of hours and portions of an hour.… Employees who are not selected to be an OJT Trainer, upon request, shall be advised in writing of the reasons for non-selection. When applicable, specifc areas the employee needs to improve to be considered for an OJT Trainer position shall be identifed. Based on staffing and workload, and mission requirements, OJT Trainer assignments will be made to OJT Trainers in a fair and equitable manner.” (PASS-OPM36)

Skills assessment and competency development

These clauses are designed to help identify worker skills and training needs, both at the outset and throughout the training process. They often connect training to broader job transition or upskilling goals and aim to equip workers with foundational competencies needed for success in evolving roles.

Examples:

  • “The [Job Displacement training] program will consist of … a means of identifying an employee’s skills and interests. Employees will complete and submit a skills and interests inventory form to the Company. The inventory will be evaluated and, where appropriate, enhancement training will be recommended.” (CWA-PCBA44)
  • “At least three (3) months prior to the deployment of personal computers (PCs) or three (3) months prior to the applications training for the [new technology] suites, the [Education Center], in conjunction with the Employer, will conduct PC skills’ assessments for Employees who will be using the new applications.… To guarantee Employees’ confidentiality in determining PC skills and to assist them in exploring and realizing job placement opportunities, the Employer will continue to contract with [Education Center] to provide both PC assessments and career counseling, as applicable.” (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
  • Staff are expected to develop core competencies within a year, including troubleshooting, technical assistance, system support, documentation, effective communication, multitasking, and adaptability to new technologies. (TNG-CWA-PCBA36)
  • The Joint Learning Centers will provide training in technical skills, communication skills, and computer applications to enhance workplace abilities. (UAW-PCBA18)
  • “[The Enhancement Training program will include]: Generic training (mathematics, English, reading comprehension, basic electricity/electronics, typing, computer concepts, etc.) intended to strengthen employees’ skills so as to enhance their ability to qualify for anticipated non-management job openings within the Company.” (CWA-PCBA44)

Training modalities and instructional support

Provisions here detail the forms and delivery methods for training, including peer-led instruction, printed materials, digital platforms, and hybrid approaches. These flexible formats help ensure accessibility and engagement.

Examples:

  • “Training will be delivered during working hours by means and methods determined by the Employer, including but not limited to Zoom meetings, Practice sessions covering main topics, Documentation, Peers assigned by the manager to ensure continuous learning and development, and 3rd Party training.” (TNG-CWA-PCBA36)
  • “The Company and the Union will jointly sponsor Pre-Test Training Workshops to be offered to surplused employees. The Company will arrange for the bargaining unit employees, who are jointly designated by the Union and the Company as trainers for this workshop, to be released from their normal duties to conduct the workshops. The Company will continue to pay these employees their basic wages. The Union will “train the trainers” and provide the training facilities and associated supplies and equipment needed to conduct these workshops.” (CWA-PCBA47)
  • “The Company will provide a sufficient number of Training/Retraining Manuals for use by employees who participate in the program. Manuals will include: (a) A basic explanation of qualifying tests (how to prepare for, typical contents, sample questions, etc.). (b) Home study and developmental study program outlines. (c) List of approved courses and facilities offering such courses. (d) Educational counseling availability.” (CWA-PCBA44)

These provisions ensure workers have adequate time and flexibility to participate in training, through paid leave, education scheduling accommodations, and support for extended training periods when needed.

Examples:

  • “It is understood that the training herein referred to is on the job and not to exceed sixty (60) days. Certain specialized technical jobs may require additional and off-site training.” (APWU-PCBA14)
  • “The parties agree that, depending on the position, up to five hundred (500) hours of training shall be provided to Employees displaced by the implementation of [the new technology].” (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
  • “Workforce Planning Teams will be empowered to utilize and be creative in utilizing all Education Leave policies and resources, in order to address the training needs of displaced Employees and those in positions most likely to provide opportunities for placement of displaced Employees.… An Employee who wishes to temporarily reduce (i.e. for a period of six (6) months or less) her/his schedule to attend classes for any position may do so if such reduction is approved by her/his manager and the reduction does not unduly interfere with the operations of the department.” (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
  • “The Employer agrees to provide assistance to the Employee such as work schedule adjustments and financial support.” (NFFE-OPM119)

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3.2.d Tuition reimbursement, continuing education, and career development