Labour Relations Associate

Durham Catholic District School Board; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional education authority is seeking a Labour Relations Associate to provide support in employee and labour relations. This role requires 3 years of HR experience, preferably in a labour relations context. Key duties include managing grievances, assisting in collective bargaining, and providing administrative support to the HR team. Strong communication skills and knowledge of employment legislation are essential. The position is based in Oshawa, Ontario, and offers a salary range of CAD 72,803 to CAD 84,276.

Qualifications

• 3 years' experience in Human Resources, preferably in Labour Relations.
• Ability to maintain discretion with confidential information.
• Experience with grievance processes and collective bargaining.

Responsibilities

• Participate in grievance and arbitration processes and maintain documentation.
• Assist in collective bargaining preparation and communication.
• Provide administrative support for grievance meetings and related documentation.

Skills

Knowledge of employment legislation

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Post secondary education in Human Resources or related field

CHRP/CHRL designation (preferred)

Tools

Human Resources Information Systems

Job description

The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications from qualified candidates interested in the following position: Labour Relations Associate

Location: Catholic Education Centre, Human Resource Services. 650 Rossland Road West, Oshawa ON, L1J 7C4

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Salary: Management/Administrative A5 ($72,803 - $84,276)

Start Date: To be determined

This posting is to fill an existing permanent vacancy.

Interested candidates are invited to apply through Apply to Education

The Durham Catholic District School Board is located just east of Toronto and is renowned for providing comprehensive Catholic education to over 25,000 students in 38 elementary schools, 7 secondary schools, and 7 continuing and alternative education centers throughout Durham Region.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Employee & Labour Relations, the Labour Relations Associate is a high‑functioning, organized, and efficient self‑starter who will provide a sophisticated level of support to the People and Culture department using their labour relations expertise and superior communication skills to build a positive employee and labour relations environment at the Durham Catholic District School Board.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Participate in the grievance and arbitration process; investigate grievances and maintain minutes; assist with the development of grievance responses and memorandums of settlement; attend arbitrations and mediations and provide resource material as required;
• Contribute to collective bargaining through preparation and scheduling, assist in developing proposals, participate in meetings, conduct research and analysis, maintain accurate minutes and records; develop communications for implementation;
• Provide administrative support to the Employee and Labour Relations team, ensuring compliance in accordance with Collective Agreements through timely scheduling and coordination of grievance meetings, labour management committees, maintenance of the grievance database, accurate files and recordkeeping;
• Update the HRIS system to process grievance settlements using appropriate source documents in adherence to pay deadlines;
• Manage the union leave process, including reviewing and approving leave requests, updating attendance tracking in HRIS system, maintaining accurate records and invoicing at appropriate intervals;
• Prepare and create a wide variety of ad‑hoc and recurring reports including seniority, attendance, and performance appraisals, correspondence, and other documents for both internal and external stakeholders;
• Administration of collective agreements and terms and conditions of employment, including providing strategic advice on the interpretation and application of the agreements, applicable legislation and Board policies and procedures to supervisors and employees;
• Foster constructive and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders including union representatives and internal teams;
• Demonstrate and promote highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and confidentiality;
• Communicate regularly and ensure cross‑functional support and training, providing coverage to colleagues as required;
• Perform general administrative services for the People and Culture department including maintaining personnel and other files, both paper and electronic, and responding to various telephone inquiries;
• Assist in other duties as required.

Qualifications And Experience

• Post secondary education, preferably focused in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or related field, or a combination of education and professional experience deemed equivalent by the Board;
• CHRP/CHRL designation preferred or working towards this designation;
• Three (3) years’ experience in a Human Resources role, preferably in a labour relations capacity.

Knowledge And Skills

• Working knowledge of relevant employment legislation (i.e. Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, Ontario Human Rights Code etc.);
• Strong understanding of collective agreements, bargaining frameworks, and grievance processes;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated proficiency in drafting and editing written communications;
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to function effectively within a team, as well as independently;
• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment, tact, and sensitivity to maintain discretion with confidential information;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and Human Resources Information Systems;
• Ability to interpret collective agreements, Board and department policies and procedures, and respond to related inquiries;
• Excellent research and analytical skills with accuracy and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment while coordinating and monitoring variable workloads and recognizing departmental priorities;
• Self‑starter with an aptitude for producing timely, accurate work in a demanding and deadline‑oriented environment and;
• Have a customer service mentality while creating a positive experience for the employees we serve.

At DCDSB, fostering a culture of inclusion is a fundamental imperative. Acknowledging the diversity of our students, staff and community and ensuring every member of our inclusive community is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar to our mission. The DCDSB invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, and candidates who self‑identify as a member of a racialized/marginalized community, who may enhance equity and representation in our workforce.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), if you require accommodation at any time throughout the application process, please contact Human Resource Services at [e-mail] prior to the posting closing date so that accommodations can be made.