Labour Relations Specialist

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Metropolitan University seeks a Labour Relations Specialist to support its HR Partnership team in navigating complex bargaining and labour relations issues. You will research cases, interpret collective agreements, and help develop consistent administration approaches for OPSEU and CUPE 233 bargaining units.

You will build a centralized knowledge base, track cases, and provide timely insights for university leaders.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in Business, with Human Resources specialization, or related discipline.
• A minimum of four (4) years of HR experience in a large, multi-union organization supporting labour relations activities related to the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation (e.g. Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Employment Equity principles) and policy provisions;
• Lived experience applying EDI lens to all facets of professional responsibilities.
• Experience in Collective Bargaining and managing the administration of Collective Agreements within a unionized environment.
• Experience working with a computerized human resources management system (HRMS).
• Knowledge of employment legislation, including the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Human Rights Code rules and regulations;
• Ability to interpret and apply collective agreements;
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills, mathematical aptitude to support statistical report creation, interpretation and data-driven recommendations;
• Ability to gather and synthesize complex data from multiple sources to initiate reliable reporting and trend analysis to supports complex decision making processes;
• Proficiency in the use of word processing and spreadsheet applications (e.g. Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc), internet browsers, email applications, HRMS and related web based applications, and survey and statistical applications.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze labour relations matters and interpret collective agreements.
• Support bargaining preparation and identify emerging issues.
• Maintain centralized case tracking system and knowledge base for labour relations information.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues, academic leaders, and union representatives.
• Provide information and insights to help navigate complexity and support management decisions.

Skills

EDI lens

Collective bargaining

HR processes

Research & analytics

Data interpretation

Office software

Education

Business degree with HR specialization

Tools

HRMS

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About Human Resources

The HR Strategic Partnerships & Labour Relations unit is a team of human resources experts and innovators who contribute to the achievement of Toronto Metropolitan University's strategic priorities. We partner with our clients to create and deliver outstanding practical and strategic human resource solutions, programs and services that enhance workplace culture, engagement and inclusion. We have embarked on a journey to reimagine HR, as well as modernize and enhance the employee experience.

The Opportunity

What does it take to help an HR Partnership team navigate complex labour relations and negotiation rounds with confidence? It starts with proactively having the right information at the right time, developing compliant and efficient HR processes, and implementing newly bargained processes and items.

As a Labour Relations Specialist, you'll be an important part of the team behind TMU's labour relations work, providing the research, analysis, expertise, and organizational support that helps HR partners and university leaders make informed decisions and build effective relationships with union and academic leadership.

Working alongside the HR Partnership team, you'll research and analyze labour relations matters, interpret relevant collective agreement provisions, and help develop consistent approaches to their administration. You'll bring curiosity and sound judgment to complex questions, researching case law, identifying relevant precedents, and turning information into practical insights that colleagues can use to support their work.

You'll also help build and maintain the knowledge base that allows the Partnership team to work effectively. By maintaining the centralized case tracking system and organizing important labour relations information, you'll ensure that critical history, documentation, and case information can be accessed when it is needed most.

Your work will extend into one of the most important areas of labour relations: collective bargaining. You'll actively support and participate in bargaining for the OPSEU and CUPE 233 bargaining units, helping prepare information, identify emerging issues, and bring forward trends across bargaining units that can inform management planning and decision-making.

You’ll wear many hats in this role. One day you may be researching a complex labour relations question or reviewing case law; the next, you may be supporting bargaining preparation, analyzing trends, organizing case information, or helping a colleague navigate a collective agreement. You'll work collaboratively with HR colleagues, academic leaders, and union representatives, developing relationships and deepening your understanding of the University's diverse and evolving labour relations environment.

This is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and become a trusted source of knowledge behind the University's labour relations work. Your research and analysis may happen behind the scenes, but you work closely with key colleagues within larger HR to help equip the Partnership team with the information and insight they need to navigate complexity, support constructive relationships, and make thoughtful precedent setting decisions.

If you're curious, analytical, organized, and energized by learning something new every day, this is an opportunity to build your labour relations expertise while making a meaningful contribution to the team that supports TMU's leaders and employees.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in Business, with Human Resources specialization, or related discipline.
• A minimum of four (4) years of HR experience in a large, multi-union organization supporting labour relations activities related to the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation (e.g. Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Employment Equity principles) and policy provisions;
• Lived experience applying EDI lens to all facets of professional responsibilities.
• Experience in Collective Bargaining and managing the administration of Collective Agreements within a unionized environment.
• Experience working with a computerized human resources management system (HRMS).
• Knowledge of employment legislation, including the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Human Rights Code rules and regulations;
• Ability to interpret and apply collective agreements;
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills, mathematical aptitude to support statistical report creation, interpretation and data-driven recommendations;
• Ability to gather and synthesize complex data from multiple sources to initiate reliable reporting and trend analysis to supports complex decision making processes;
• Proficiency in the use of word processing and spreadsheet applications (e.g. Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc), internet browsers, email applications, HRMS and related web based applications, and survey and statistical applications.

Additional Information (MAC)

Position Number20004594

Reports ToDirector, Strategic Partnerships and Labour Relations

DepartmentHuman Resources - Strategic Partnerships & Labour Relations

Employee Group MAC

Vacancy TypeThis is a current vacancy

Work LocationHybrid (2 - 3 days working in the office)

Start DateASAP

End DateOctober 1, 2027

Hours of Work36.25

GradeC42

Salary Scale$70,448 - $112,535

Hiring Salary Range$70,448 - $91,492

TA SpecialistClaudiu Filimon

Posting DateSeptember 15, 2026

Application Close DateSeptember 25, 2026

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University’s sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated record of dependability/reliability and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.