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Introductions to company financial reports for trade unions – Course outline

Language: English

Kind of delivery: Fully Online

Number of hours:

Course duration:
7th October – 8th November 2024

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course equips participants with the skills to effectively analyze company financials, including annual reports and key financial terms. It addresses the intimidation factor of complex financial reports by guiding you through understanding, locating, and interpreting critical information such as corporate revenue, profits, and executive compensation. Participants will learn how to build a strong case for better wages and conditions by developing a solid collective bargaining strategy based on financial insights. Key learning outcomes include identifying what information is contained in a financial report, understanding how to assess the company’s performance, and locating details on CEO and director compensation.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR?

Any union member or workers’ representative that is looking to gain an understanding of company financials and how to use this information during bargaining.

PRE-REQUISITES: WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED CRITERIA FOR ATTENDING THIS COURSE?

  • Educational Background: No prior knowledge is necessary, but an understanding of wage negotiations is advantageous.
  • Computer and Internet Access: As many courses nowadays are offered online or utilize digital resources, participants should have access to a computer with a stable internet connection. Basic computer literacy skills, including the ability to navigate websites, access online materials, and participate in virtual discussions or activities, may also be necessary.
  • Commitment to Learning: Attending the course requires a commitment of time and effort. Participants should be prepared to actively engage with course materials, complete assignments or assessments, and participate in interactive sessions or discussions.

COURSE DURATION, NUMBER OF SESSIONS AND MODE OF DELIVERY

 Course dates: 7th October – 8th November 2024

Course duration: This facilitated course will span 5 weeks, featuring weekly live Zoom sessions. Throughout the course, participants will engage in activities on the Online Labour Academy (OLA) platform. Resources will be accessible via OLA, and a reflection session will be held at the end of the course.

Mode of delivery:  Online

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and assess relevant financial information in a company annual report 
  2. Analyse this information along with workers’ wages 
  3. Build a bargaining case for their own organisation/negotiations

SESSION OVERVIEW

Introduction session

ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Live Zoom session &  Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: The facilitator will introduce participants to an annual report and explain where to access company information. The course structure will be outlined, and participants will share their learning expectations.

DURATION (minutes): 1 hour session

Session 1: Directors’ Remuneration

ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Live Zoom session &  Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Guidelines on collecting and analysing director remuneration will be provided. Key financial terms will be explained, helping participants understand how executive pay impacts negotiations.

DURATION (minutes): 1 hour session

Session 2: Company Revenue & Profits

ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Live Zoom session &  Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Participants will learn how to interpret company revenue and profits and connect them to broader company operations. This knowledge will help in analysing financial capacity for wage negotiations.

DURATION (minutes): 1 hour session

Session 3: Collect Information on Workers’ Wages & Build Your Bargaining Case

ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Live Zoom session & Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: This session will focus on compiling data on workers’ wages and using it alongside company financials to build a strong bargaining case, improving accountability and outcomes in negotiations.

DURATION (minutes): 1 hour session

Session 4: Present Your Bargaining Case

ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Live Zoom session
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Participants will present the bargaining case they have developed, demonstrating the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course. Feedback will be provided to enhance negotiation strategies.

DURATION (minutes): 1 hour & 15 minutes session