Labour Relations Officer - DTA - Temp FT - USW-030-26

BC Nurses' Union; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 105,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive compensation and benefits

Municipal Pension Plan

Education and professional development

Job summary

BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) in British Columbia seeks a Labour Relations Officer – DTA for a temporary full-time assignment starting September 2026. The role focuses on maintenance, enforcement and interpretation of collective agreement provisions, with emphasis on disability management and human rights principles.

You will work with EDMP representatives to support accommodations and resolve grievances across the province.

Qualifications

• Extensive and progressive experience (3-5 years) as an active steward/advocate processing grievances at progressive stages.
• Experience in DTA or human rights advocacy is an asset.
• Education in Social Sciences/Industrial Relations/Nursing; BCNU labour relations training preferred.
• Ability to interpret collective agreement language and explain contract issues to members.
• Willingness to travel province-wide with a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, enforce and interpret collective agreement provisions for assigned bargaining unit(s).
• Advise EDMP Representatives on interpretation of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures.
• Negotiate accommodations for BCNU members.
• Initiate, present and resolve issues or grievances.
• Present the union's case at third party hearings and arbitration.
• Negotiate local agreements on shift schedules and related terms.
• Provide work direction to administrative staff.
• Promote the economic and social welfare interests of BCNU members.

Skills

Steward/advocate experience

DTA knowledge

Disability management familiarity

Human rights advocacy

Communication skills

Group facilitation

Travel willingness

Driver's license

Education

College/University education in Social Sciences/Industrial Relations/Nursing

BCNU labour relations training programs

Job description

The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 50,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.

Job Title

Labour Relations Officer – DTA

Temporary Full-Time (6 months)

Posting #

USW-030-26

Bargaining Unit

USW2009

Pay Grade

5 ($107,162.52 annually)

Starting

September 2026

Posting Period

August 15 2026 – Until filled

Position Overview

Responsible for the maintenance, enforcement and interpretation of collective agreement provisions for assigned bargaining unit(s) located throughout British Columbia; identifying issues of concern to BCNU members. Provides leadership and mentorship, while working closely in collaboration with Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) Representatives in the duty to accommodate (DTA) process. This role will focus heavily on Human Rights and Accommodation principles, case law and related language of the collective agreement.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, enforcement and interpretation of collective agreement provisions for assigned bargaining unit(s).

• Advises EDMP Representatives on the interpretation of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a disability management context.
• Navigates and/ or negotiates accommodations for BCNU members.
• Initiates, presents and resolves issues or grievances.
• Presents the union's case at third party.
• Presents cases at arbitration and labour board hearings.
• Negotiates local agreements on matters such as shift schedules and scheduled daily working hours, mergers, and displacements.

Identifies and addresses issues of concern to BCNU members.

• Promotes the economic, social welfare and occupational interests of the general membership in accordance with BCNU policies and objectives, particularly in relation to collective agreement issues.
• Develops skills, mentors, and advises EDMP Representatives, stewards and members on how to address their workplace concerns in relation to disability management and determine what will work to best address those issues.
• Participates in the development and delivery of education on the DTA process to members, staff and advocates as required.

Assists the Team Lead and Coordinator in preparing for negotiating the Provincial Collective Agreement.

• May be required to negotiate DTA agreements and contract language for bargaining units outside the Provincial Collective Agreement.
• Provides support and information for bargaining.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.

Qualifications

The Successful Applicant Must Have

• Extensive and progressive experience (3 - 5 years) as an active steward/advocate processing grievances at progressive stages and presenting grievances to management, facilitating group meetings, with demonstrated experience. External applicants with equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience in the area of DTA or human rights advocacy is an asset.
• College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Industrial Relations program and/or Nursing or an equivalent combination of education and experience as described below. Completion of BCNU provided labour relations training programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret collective agreement language and argue a strong case for the redress of problems. Ability to explain contract issues to members in writing. Good knowledge of nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy and public health care.
• Good group facilitation skills including flip-charting and analyzing discussions, ability to assess and develop educational programs and materials, and ability to motivate members and EDMP Representatives to take action on union issues in relation to disability management.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required which results in effective communication with supervisors, managers, government and union officials, counsel and labour relations personnel. Demonstrated ability to work well with members, elected officers, BCNU management and co-workers.
• A willingness to travel throughout the province, carry a valid driver's license, and access to a vehicle to attend off site BCNU business when required.

Why work at BCNU?

BCNU speaks up and speaks out for safe, quality, public health care. We pride ourselves in providing protection, representation, and services to all members and in supporting our employees. Our organizational values are rooted in respect, integrity, and collaboration, guiding us in building a workplace culture where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. We recognize and prioritize cultural and psychological health and safety. As part of our dedication to equity and justice, we honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and are actively engaged in advancing Indigenous-focused initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and extended health and dental benefits package
• Municipal Pension Plan
• Hybrid work environment
• Education and professional development opportunities