Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

Lakehead University; Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University is seeking a Senior Employee & Labour Relations Specialist to drive effective employee relations and manage union relationships. This role involves developing policies, providing expert guidance on conflicts, and maintaining compliance with labour legislation, thereby fostering a fair and respectful workplace for all employees in a higher education setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in employee and labour relations.
• Exceptional knowledge of provincial employment laws and regulations.
• Understanding of project management principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for all labour relations matters.
• Negotiate collective agreements with union representatives.
• Conduct investigations into workplace harassment or misconduct.

Skills

Labour relations

Conflict resolution

Policy development

Diversity and inclusion practices

Negotiation

Education

Post-secondary degree in Human Resources

Completion of CHRL designation

Job description

The Senior Employee & Labour Relations Specialist plays a key role within the Human Resources department by supporting all aspects of employee and labour relations to ensure a positive and productive work environment. Reporting to the Manager of Employee and Labour Relations, this position assists in developing and implementing strategies, policies, and programs that promote effective employee relations, manage union relationships, and ensure compliance with relevant labour laws and regulations. The Specialist provides guidance to University Leadership on employee relations matters, fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and respect across the institution. Additionally, the incumbent supports investigations into employee conduct, harassment, or other allegations. This role is integral to maintaining positive employee and labour relations, contributing to University goals, and ensuring a compliant and supportive work environment for all employees

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for all labour relations matters, including interpreting collective agreements, addressing grievances, and supporting the arbitration process.
• Develop and implement proactive labour relations strategies to prevent disputes and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Negotiate collective agreements in alignment with university goals and budgetary constraints, collaborating with union representatives and bargaining teams.
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct investigations into workplace harassment or misconduct, ensuring fair and impartial outcomes in compliance with university policies and legal requirements.
• Stay updated on labour legislation and industry trends to inform policies and practices, minimizing legal risks and promoting compliance.
• Develop and maintain a labour relations database to track grievance trends, arbitration outcomes, and other key metrics.
• Lead training and mentorship programs for junior HR staff on labour relations and the collective bargaining process.
• Implement and oversee return-to-work programs, ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Foster positive relationships with union representatives, leadership, employees, and other stakeholders, serving as a resource and advisor on employee relations matters.
• Develop and oversee diversity and inclusion initiatives to promote a fair and equitable workplace

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in employee and labour relations with demonstrated expertise in collective bargaining, grievance resolution, investigations, and policy development.
• Completion of CHRL (Certified Human Resources Leader) designation is a definite asset.
• Exceptional knowledge of provincial employment laws and regulations, collective bargaining principles, and employment regulations applicable to the higher education sector.
• Comprehensive understanding of collective bargaining principles and labour relations practices.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and principles.
• Familiarity with occupational health and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques.
• Understanding of project management principles and practices.

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