Employment Relations Officer – Halifax

Canadian Association of Labour Media; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 111,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

A national labour organization is seeking an Employment Relations Officer in Halifax, NS. This position involves providing labour relations representation and advice, negotiating agreements, and supporting members. Candidates should possess a degree in industrial/labour relations and experience in the field. The role emphasizes creating an inclusive workplace and demands strong advocacy skills. A competitive salary and group benefits are available.

Benefits

Health, Dental, life insurance

Vacation: 4 weeks per year

Pension Plan: Defined Benefits

Paid Time Off: December 27th to 31st

Qualifications

• Completion of a university degree in industrial/labour relations, in law, or a related discipline.
• Requires three (3) to five (5) years of progressive and related experience in labour relations.

Responsibilities

• Provide labour relations representation and advice to the organization.
• Negotiate agreements and settlements on behalf of the Institute.
• Advise the Institute and members in formal and informal labour relations issues.
• Conduct appropriate research and prepare relevant documentation for labour relations cases.

Skills

Knowledge of employer/employee relations

Labour relations experience

Strong representational skills

Ability to manage workload autonomously

Exceptional communication skills

Education

University degree in industrial/labour relations

Job description

Employment Relations Officer

Reason for posting: New position

Division: Labour Relations Services

City: Halifax, NS

Type of position: Hybrid

Job Term: Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week)

Eligibility: Applicant must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident eligible to work in Canada

Union/Non: IAM Local 907

Competition: 25-61

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), a national union representing over 80,000 professionals and scientists across Canada, is seeking an Employment Relations Officer to join our team at our Atlantic Regional Office located in Halifax, NS.

PIPSC/IPFPC is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our goals and objectives. We are making concerted efforts to foster a workforce that is representative of our diverse membership. We strive to create a work environment that is welcoming to everyone regardless of their gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, and nationality, particularly equity deserving groups, such as members of the IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with disabilities.

All qualified candidates will be considered; however, in support of achieving a diversified workforce we encourage applications for this opportunity from candidates belonging to one of the employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Metis or Inuit), peoples of colour or persons with a disability. Consideration will be given to a qualified candidate who, at the time of application, voluntarily indicates being part of these groups.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Under the direction of the Director, Labour Relations Services and the supervision of the Regional Manager, Atlantic Region, the Employment Relations Officer, provides labour relations representation and advice to the organization on Institute-wide matters and to members on matters of individual and collective representation.

Major responsibilities;

• Represent and advise the Institute and support members, groups of members, and stewards in accordance with all applicable federal and provincial legislation, collective agreements, policies, directive and guidelines, and employment benefits plans.
• Advise and represent the Institute and members in formal and informal labour relations issues and processes including third party tribunals, arbitration, grievances, mediation, facilitation, complaints, and conflict coaching.
• Required to develop an Institute position with respect to group wide issues. May participate and represent the Institute on public service wide labour management committees, national working groups, national, regional, and local committees and other fora.
• Negotiate agreements and settlements on behalf of the Institute, individual members, or groups of members on a full range of labour relations matters.
• Analyze and research jurisprudence, applicable legislation, employer policies, and collective agreements.
• Provide advice, guidance, and information to the Manager and internal and external clients on relevant labour relations topics and sensitive issues.
• Conduct appropriate research and prepare all relevant documentation and individuals for formal proceedings on assigned labour relations cases
• Provide advice and assistance to members and stewards who represent the Institute on various formal committees. Participate in the coaching and development of stewards in their roles as representatives and attend meetings when required.
• Conduct or assist in training sessions and promote positive communication, information sharing, and best practices to develop and maintain a qualified steward network.
• Ensure all relevant member case information is created, updated, and maintained in the Institute’s data management systems.
• Contribute to corporate knowledge and communications by providing articles, case summaries, and other related reports with respect to labour relations matters.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams assigned to special projects and work collaboratively with employees in other sections.
• May be requested to undertake other related duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

Education / Experience:

• Completion of a university degree in industrial/labour relations, in law, or in a related discipline.
• Requires three (3) to five (5) years of progressive and related experience in labour relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language requirement:

• English is required
• Fluency in both official languages (French and English) is an asset

Skills and experience required:

• A thorough knowledge of the authorities governing employer / employee relations in the federal public service of Canada and other jurisdiction in which institute members are employed
• Experience in the labour relations field, in handling complaints and grievances, interpreting collective agreements and in representing individuals before third parties such as arbitration boards
• Ability to advise and counsel members on their employment rights
  Strong representational and advocacy skills; demonstrated ability and experience in representing members at grievance hearings
• Experience in adjudication / arbitration hearings and at union management consultation meetings
  Ability to conduct interviews, meetings, information sessions and prepare reports and correspondence
• Ability to manage a workload with a lot of autonomy while continuing to collaborate, share expertise and draw on the know-how of colleagues
  Demonstrated understanding of the union legal framework and commitment to union principles

Competencies sought:

• Exceptional communication, influencing, creative thinking and relationship building skills
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and dispute resolution skills
• Works well under pressure
• Initiative, client focus and results oriented

Requirement:

• Must be able to travel and possess a valid driver’s licence

Compensation Package

Salary Range: $111,108 to $138,884 (G7)
Group Benefits: Health, Dental, life Insurance and disability Insurance
Pension Plan: Defined Benefits
Vacation: 4 weeks per year, plus other generous paid leave
Paid Time Off: December 27th to 31st

Note

Preference will be granted in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the IAM local 907 bargaining unit.

How to apply

You are invited to visit our Career Centre to submit your application. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on January 12, 2026.

Submit a cover letter and resume tailored to the qualifications outlined in the job posting. Your documents should include specific examples that clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of this position, as your application will be evaluated based solely on the information provided.

If you require accommodation for a disability during the recruitment process, please contact us with your details. Our Staffing team will respond within 48 hours, and all information related to accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, psychologically safe, harassment-free, and accessible work environment, starting from the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.