Manager, Ontario Labour Relations

NAFOR; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 93,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Toronto is seeking a Manager, Labour Relations to drive the Employee and Labour Relations strategy. In this role, you'll lead negotiations, counsel business leaders, and ensure alignment with collective agreements and legislation. The ideal candidate has experience in a unionized environment and is skilled in communication and strategic thinking. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

Group benefits plan

Professional development reimbursement

Retirement Savings Plan

Vacation entitlement

Wellness Program

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a human resources role in a unionized environment.
• Experience leading union negotiations and preparing complex cases for arbitration.
• Strong knowledge of Human Resources policies and employment-related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations and advise business leaders on collective agreements.
• Track grievances and arbitration to guide senior leaders.
• Develop tools, guidelines, and training to support Labour Relations strategy.

Skills

Labour Relations Expertise

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or Industrial Relations

Job description

Overview

In this role you will be the go-to expert on collective agreements, making sure everyone’s on the same page (literally). You will lead negotiations, advise business leaders, and keep your finger on the pulse of legislation and workforce trends. You will also track grievances and arbitration, helping guide senior leaders. In addition, you will help managers navigate the union landscape with finesse, ensuring a harmonious workplace that aligns with LifeLabs’ goals.

The Position

The Manager, Labour Relations will work hand-in-hand with HR, People Leaders, and Unions at LifeLabs to shape and execute the Employee and Labour Relations strategy in Ontario. As the go-to expert on collective agreements, you will advise business leaders and HR on how to apply and interpret these agreements effectively. You will be a key player in the Employee and Labour Relations team, creating tools, guidelines, and training to support the overall strategy. This role is perfect for someone who loves being in the thick of labour relations, from leading negotiations to building strong collaborations. It’s a chance to flex your communication skills, strategic thinking, and financial savvy. You'll report directly to the National Director, Employee and Labour Relations, making a real impact on the business. View additional details at www.nafor.com/lifelabs

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of LifeLabs’ Labour Relations strategy for Ontario
• Provide labour relations expertise and advice to business and human resources in addressing initiatives with possible LR impact; advise leaders on risks and provide strategic recommendations that apply business objectives and human resources best practices to address labour relations issues
• SME for all Collective Agreements in Ontario ensuring understanding and consistent interpretation
• Prepare and present reports summarizing developments in collective bargaining, changes in legislation, workforce initiatives, grievance and arbitration performance; identify trends, consider broad implications and potential risks across all parts of the workforce and make recommendations
• Involved with the full cycle of the Collective Bargaining process including serving as Lead Negotiator for bargaining units in Ontario
• Gather input and conduct analysis to collective bargaining mandates/proposed terms and work in partnership with Finance, Total Rewards and Human Resources to ensure that the collective agreement terms align with LifeLabs financial and human resources objectives and support the People strategy
• Lead planning and implementation of Labour Councils and involve business leaders and HR appropriately
• Develop and implement tracking of grievances, arbitrations and ER issues; proactively identify trends, implement metrics and develop and implement reporting and/or dashboards for senior leaders to inform, proactive program development and risk mitigation
• Lead and develop a grievance management process ensuring alignment in approach and tactics and consistency across HR team
• Collaborate with the LifeLabs Talent Leader to design and implement initiatives that provide managers with the skills and tools necessary to effectively manage in a unionized environment, increase employee engagement, and develop resilience and adaptability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business, Human Resources or Industrial Relations. We want to hear from you regardless of your education if you can do the job.
• Significant experience in a human resources role in a unionized environment with leadership experience in labour relations in a complex unionized environment
• Experience leading union negotiations, chairing grievance meetings, and preparing complex cases for arbitration
• Solid knowledge of Human Resources policies and procedures, and employment-related legislation (Labour Relations Act, Pay Equity Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Employment Standards Act, Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis (cost/benefit), interpret information, resolve complex issues and prepare recommendations and proposals that support business objectives
• Proven track record in building strong relationships with executives/senior leaders, with the ability to provide robust recommendations, coach, influence and drive change in pursuit of best practice
• Understanding of change management principles and experience leading change efforts
• Strong problem identification and resolution skills
• Excellent communication skills with strong ability to build executive summaries

About LifeLabs

LifeLabs is the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada, serving the healthcare needs of Canadians for over 50 years. Our team members are truly centred around our customers, and we know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. Consistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, LifeLabs has also been recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. The passion and commitment of over 6,000 diverse and innovative team members unites and motivates us to ensure our customers receive high quality tests and results that they can trust. Agile, customer-centred, caring and teamwork: we live these values every day in what we do to support our customers and healthcare providers, driving forward our vision of empowering a healthier you. With its recent acquisition by Quest Diagnostics, LifeLabs is now poised to broaden its offerings and accelerate its growth. LifeLabs will retain its brand, Canadian headquarters, and management after the acquisition is closed. Quest will provide LifeLabs with new expertise, innovations and resources to strengthen the services provided by LifeLabs'.

Reports to

National Director, Employee and Labour Relations

Location: This is a hybrid role.

Salary Range

$93,000 - $136,000. The hiring range has been established, however, the final salary recommendation will be determined based off the level of experience, education requirement, external market conditions and internal equity. In this position, you will be eligible for LifeLabs annual bonus.

Employee Benefits

In this position, you will be eligible to participate LifeLabs’ group benefits plan which is available to LifeLabs employees in accordance with the terms and conditions of those plans. LifeLabs also offers professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs (WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc.) - and Optional Health-related Benefits.

Retirement Savings Plan

The LifeLabs plans provide members with an easy way to save for retirement. By participating in the plan, you receive contributions made to your account on your behalf from LifeLabs.

Vacation Entitlement

In this position, you will be entitled to vacation. We promote a healthy work-life balance and expect your full vacation to be taken each year.

Employee Wellness

LifeLabs offers an award-winning Wellness Program focused on supporting your total health and well-being under our physical, emotional, and financial wellness pillars. We have been recognized in the industry for our focus on mental health supports.

Employee Giving program: Designed to support any employee who donates, fundraises or volunteers for a Canadian Registered Charity or Non-Profit Organization.

DEI, Accommodations and Vaccines:

• We are committed to the ongoing development of our DEI program and have strengthened our commitment to our team members and customers, to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves. At LifeLabs, we know that we are Stronger Together and that we will benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member offers. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where our team members and the communities we serve feel accepted, valued, and respected.
• In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter at [e-mail] or email [e-mail].
• Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs. Vaccinations may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be fully vaccinated with the current Government approved COVID-19 vaccinations.

Make a difference - join the LifeLabs team today!

Click here to apply online