Labour Relations Specialist

J.D. Irving, Limited; New Brunswick; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wood products company in New Brunswick is seeking a Labour Relations Specialist to join their HR team. This role entails supporting positive union-management relations, managing grievance processes, and ensuring compliance with collective agreements. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and at least five years of experience in labour relations. This position provides an opportunity to positively impact employees and contribute to an effective workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in labour relations and grievance management.
• Experience in an industrial environment is considered an asset.
• Ability to influence change effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance to managers regarding employee issues.
• Monitor attendance and workplace conflict trends.
• Manage the formal grievance process efficiently.

Skills

Exceptional communicator

Problem-solving abilities

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Master’s degree in industrial relations or law

Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Job description

At Grand Lake Timber Sawmill, Chipman, NB, we are proud of our legacy in sustainable forestry and high-quality wood products. As part of our continued commitment to fostering a respectful, collaborative, and productive workplace of over 350 employees, we are seeking a Labour Relations Specialist to join our Human Resources team.

Reporting to the HR Manager, the Labour Relations Specialist will play a key role in supporting positive union-management relations, ensuring compliance with collective agreements, and promoting a culture of fairness and accountability.

We are looking for an energetic team player to join our HR Team, who has a genuine passion for making positive impacts on employees and the communities where we live and work. The Labour Relations Specialist supports the business by interpreting and administering the collective agreement, maintaining a productive relationship with the Union, managing the grievance process, providing training and development to supervisors on company policies and labour relations best practices, assisting with progressive discipline practices, resolving complex labour relations issues and conducting workplace investigations in conjunction with Industrial Security Ltd.

The ideal candidate has the ability to build relationships with the management team, employees at all levels of the company, the union and its representatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in Human Resources Management or a related field or equivalent education
• Master’s degree in industrial relations or law degree considered an asset
• A minimum of five years’ experience in labour relations, grievance management, conducting workplace investigations and administering collective agreements.
• Be an exceptional communicator with the ability to influence change.
• Proven problem-solving abilities accompanied by sound judgement with demonstrated effective decision making ability.
• Experience in an industrial environment considered an asset.
• Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to day support, guidance and advice to managers and supervisors with respect to employee issues, performance management, progressive discipline, and attendance management.
• Monitor and analyze key business trends related to attendance, overtime, workplace conflict, grievances and prepare recommendations to support effective business operations.
• Maintain records related to discipline and grievances to ensure fair and consistent approach within the workplace.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with the Union and the workforce.
• Assist managers and supervisors with the interpretation and administration of the collective agreement
• Assist managers and supervisors in understanding the Company’s responsibilities under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, Industrial Relations Act, Employment Standards Act and other company policies and procedures as required.
• Manage the formal grievance process to ensure the timely and effective resolution of all matters.
• Investigate and respond to employee complaints and concerns, ensuring compliance with collective agreements and legislation.
• Provide ongoing coaching to managers on supervisor effectiveness including the delivery of training sessions as required.