Job Title

Labour Relations Specialist POSITION DESCRIPTION Reporting to the Director Labour Relations, the Labour Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the delivery and administration of programs, strategies, and collective agreements within the People & Culture framework. The Labour Relations Specialist will participate in local union/management meetings and employee meetings as required in order to facilitate issues and resolve problems. They will provide support to the Director Labour Relations on collective bargaining and various labour relations initiatives and projects. Key Responsibilities Provide and support the interpretations and direction on People & Culture Policies and Collective Agreements, based on previous grievance and arbitration decisions and discussions with supervisors and other labour relations staff. Administer the grievance management system (GMS). Ensure proper documentation is collected and recorded in the system and ensures it is maintained accurately. Ensure effective communication of existing/new policies and standards. Advise management of potential labour relations risks resulting from proposed courses of action in such areas as job evaluation, contracting out work, jurisdiction, organizational change or any other situations where staff may be affected. Attend and prepare minutes of joint union-management meetings. Work with management to develop the agenda for meetings and follow up with any action items from previous meetings. Assist with the development and maintenance of Mid Term and LOU agreements. Keeps leadership informed of progress and issues. Assist with collective bargaining. Provide research, analysis and trends for issues to support the development of the bargaining agendas. Prepare minutes and assist with the development of proposals. Support the Labour Relations team with accurate analysis and summary of data. Assist with the development and delivery of labour relations training materials. Stay current on relevant labour arbitration awards to supports leadership in sharing analysis to support leadership best practices. Administer and support the Purchase Service Agreement process for ESA. Establish and maintain constructive communication and effective working relationships with People & Culture, Management and designated union representatives. Investigate employee relations issues including employee matters and performance concerns while maintaining confidentiality, consistency, and sensitivity. Support the development of necessary documentation and reporting from investigation processes. Maintain a network of internal and external contacts to regularly benchmark and remain current on future trends and developments related to labour relations programs, policies and strategies. Provide specialist advice, guidance and support to the business in the interpretation, application, and administration of Collective Agreement(s) along with changes to collective agreement(s) or policies. Advise on the handling of grievances, conciliation or arbitration cases, and is required to present or assist in arbitration cases. Consult with union / management representatives on matters relating to working conditions, disciplinary issues and problem resolution. Maintain respectful and effective dialogue with union representatives when interests and/or tensions may exist. QUALIFICATIONS A university degree or other post-secondary education; concentration in Human Resources and labour/industrial relations preferred CHRP designation preferred Minimum of 5 years experience in a unionized workplace Proficiency in the administration of employee/labour relations and a working knowledge of other Human Resources systems and initiatives Experience dealing with unions and management in a multi union environment in areas such as coaching/counselling, conflict resolution, performance management, etc. Demonstrated experience in interpreting labour contracts and crafting grievance resolutionsServes as administrative and research support in negotiations and quasi-judicial proceedingsPractical experience working with relevant employment and labour legislation Exposure to best practices and trends in Human Resources High level of proficiency in computer skills, including knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and HRIS High level of engagement and analytical abilities Strong negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution skillsAbility to work effectively under pressure with changing priorities and deadlines Ability to problem-solve with a broad perspective in order to incorporate the organization's systems and strategies when developing viable solutions to problems Excellent customer service skills Effective program/project management for assigned functions Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to establish trust at all levels within the organization REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Director, Labour Relations Direct Reports: None Works Closely with: People & Culture Team, All Departments