The objective of this course is to give students a solid basis for understanding contemporary issues in public sector collective bargaining and labour relations. Although the course will focus on the Canadian experience, there will be some material related to the broader North American context. The course will examine historical, legislative, constitutional, fiscal, and political factors in the new paradigm. In particular, questions about collective bargaining rights, right to strike, privatization, and precarious employment will be raised and addressed through an analysis of recent experience of collective bargaining in federal, provincial, municipal, and education sectors.