Labour and Employee Relations Manager

Swissport; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Swissport Canada seeks a Labour and Employee Relations Manager to partner with leaders, provide expert guidance on ER matters, and ensure fair, compliant practices across the organization. Reporting to the VP, HR Canada, this role shapes workplace culture and drives engagement while supporting strategic labour relations initiatives.

Responsibilities include managing grievances, participating in committees, and guiding managers on policies, disciplinary matters, and negotiations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on labour relations in a unionized environment.
• CHRP designation strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Canadian labour and employment legislation; Canada Labour Code is an asset.
• Experience in aviation, airport services, or fast-paced operational environments is an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and French; ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply collective agreements and company policies.
• Guide on disciplinary matters and employee relations issues.
• Address union concerns, investigate complaints, and manage cases under the policy.
• Prepare for and participate in labour-management committees.
• Manage grievances and collaborate with union representatives toward resolution.
• Prepare arbitration cases and coordinate with legal counsel as required.
• Train managers on collective agreements, HR policies, and procedures.
• Support CBAs negotiations through proposal preparation and participation.
• Oversee complaint tracking, follow-ups, and resolution across Canadian stations.
• Update, develop, and implement HR policies and procedures as required.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and ensure compliance reporting.

Skills

Bilingual English/French

Labour relations

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources management or Industrial Relations

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Labour and Employee Relations Manager (Corporate role)

Reporting to: Vice-President, Human Resources, Canada

Job Summary

The Labour and Employee Relations Manager plays a key role in partnering with leaders across Swissport Canada to provide expert guidance and strategic support on labour and employee relations matters. Acting as a trusted subject matter expert, this role ensures fair, consistent, and effective practices while promoting positive employee relations and compliance with collective agreements, employment legislation, company policies, and organizational standards.

Reporting directly to the Vice President, Human Resources, the Labour and Employee Relations Manager will have the opportunity to influence workplace culture, support operational leaders, and contribute to building a strong and engaged workforce across Swissport Canada.

Job Responsibilities

Labour relations / Employee Relations

• Interpret and apply collective agreements (14) and company policies, including attendance, conduct, harassment, workplace violence, and drug & alcohol policies.
• Guide on disciplinary matters and employee relations issues.
• Address union concerns, investigate complaints, and manage cases under the National Harassment and Violence Policy.
• Prepare for and participate in labour-management committees.
• Manage grievances and collaborate with union representatives toward resolution.
• Prepare arbitration cases and coordinate with legal counsel as required.
• Train managers on collective agreements, HR policies, and procedures.
• Support CBA negotiations through proposal preparation and participation.
• Oversee complaint tracking, follow-ups, and resolution across Canadian stations.
• Update, develop, and implement HR policies and procedures as required.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives that enhance employee experience and satisfaction.
• Ensure Federal compliance reporting and governance requirements, including Pay Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Monitor employee relations trends and recommend improvements based on organizational and industry developments.

Disability management

• Lead and coordinate return-to-work programs, including temporary and permanent accommodations arising from occupational and non-occupational disabilities.
• Manage the full lifecycle of workplace accommodation cases, ensuring timely, fair, and compliant resolution.
• Partner closely with third-party disability management providers to coordinate claims, accommodations, and return-to-work plans.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and provincial legislation, including the Canada Labour Code, Canadian Human Rights Act (and applicable provincial Human Rights Codes), Occupational Health and Safety legislation, and other regulatory requirements.
• Represent the organization in matters involving government agencies and regulatory bodies, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), provincial Workers' Compensation Boards (e.g., WSIB, WorkSafeBC, CNESST), Human Rights Commissions and Tribunals, and Transport Canada.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on labour relations in a unionized environment.
• Previous experience leading and managing a team is a plus
• CHRP designation strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Canadian labour and employment legislation; knowledge of the Canada Labour Code is an asset.
• Experience in the aviation, airport services, or other fast-paced operational industries is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-changing environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and French, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with managers to implement performance management processes, employee relations strategies, and organizational initiatives.

Work Environment

• Full-time position (40 hours)
• Hybrid work model (2 days remote work)
• Group insurance plan
• Group RRSP
• Parking included
• Vacation plan upon hire
• On-site gym
• Incentive program (bonuses)
• Employee assistance program
• Programs such as ID90 Travel and Perkopolis

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Visit our website at www.careers.swissport.com to learn more about Life at Swissport.