Representative II

Hospital Employees' Union; Courtenay; On-site; CAD 122,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive health care union is seeking a Representative II for its Courtenay office. This role involves complex labour relations work, assisting Local officers with agreements, and advocating for member rights. Candidates should have experience in collective bargaining and a strong commitment to equity and social justice. The position offers a salary of $121,904.64 along with benefits and a pension plan. Applications are due by 4 PM on September 2, 2025.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous vacation time

Compensation based on collective agreement

Qualifications

• Five years as a full-time Union representative with collective agreements experience.
• Commitment to health care sector issues and the labour movement.
• Ability to travel throughout BC and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist Local officers and stewards with collective agreement administration.
• Negotiate settlements to grievances and prepare arbitration cases.
• Present educational seminars to Union members.

Skills

Advocacy

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Conflict Resolution

Time Management

Communication

Education

Degree in Labour Economics, Labour Relations, Human Resources or Law

Tools

Word

Outlook

Excel

Zoom

Job description

Are you a skilled advocate interested in working for a progressive health care union with a large and diverse membership, and a broad social justice mandate?

The Hospital Employees’ Union is looking for experienced labour relations professionals to fill the position of Representative II at its office in Courtenay, British Columbia; and Victoria, British Columbia, as needed.

Reporting to the Director of Membership Services at the HEU Victoria office, the Representative II will perform complex labour relations work and will usually be assigned to provide membership services to a designated group of health care Locals.

The work involves assisting Local officers and stewards with collective agreement administration and enforcement, negotiating settlements to grievances, preparing and presenting arbitration cases or acting as a Union nominee, attending regular and special Local membership meetings, and making representations on behalf of members to various agencies and employers.

Under the general direction of HEU leadership, the Representative II may also be assigned to negotiate essential service levels and administer and coordinate strike activities. Representatives may also present educational seminars to Union members on topics such as unionism, membership rights, labour legislation, and contract interpretation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

·At least five (5) years as a full-time Union representative with experience in administering collective agreements, attending labour-management meetings, and acting as a third-party advocate in the preparation and presentation of arbitrations and Labour Relations Boards cases and applications, OR

• A degree in Labour Economics, Labour Relations, Human Resources, or Law, and at least three years of third-party advocacy experience, OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• A strong commitment to the labour movement and the goals of HEU, and an understanding of issues affecting the health care sector.

·Considerable knowledge of and experience with legislation that affects workplaces and HEU members.

·Considerable knowledge of labour relations, collective bargaining, and established grievance practices and procedures as applied to the representation of employee group interests.

·Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.

·Ability to organize, conduct and address large meetings, and to conduct strike votes and contract ratification meetings.

·Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with other people and organizations in situations involving conflict.

·Effective organizational and time management skills.

·Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

·Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure, maintain detailed records, and able to manage competing priorities and demands.

·Proficient in Word, Outlook, and electronic platforms such as Zoom.

·Proficiency in Excel is preferred.

• Must be legally able to work in Canada (i.e. Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work permit).

·Ability to travel throughout BC, including overnight travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

·A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for work are required.

This is a unionized position. Compensation is based on a collective agreement and includes a 72-hour fortnight and generous vacation time and benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan. The current annual salary for this position is $121,904.64.

About HEU

Since 1944, the Hospital Employees’ Union has advocated for better working and caring conditions, defended public health care, and stood against privatization. We have a long history as a strong, democratic, progressive, socially conscious union committed to social justice and advancing labour and human rights on a local and global level. We identify and challenge historical and systemic inequities and hear, respect, serve, empower, and advocate for each and every member. Together we fight for fairness, solidarity, equity, inclusion, and understanding, knowing that our members’ economic security depends on our success.

HEU is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to being a workplace that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from qualified people of all equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous persons, Black persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, all gender expressions and identities, and sexual orientations.

Interested in working with us? Here is how to apply.

Please send your resume and cover letter by 4 PM on September 2, 2025, to: [e-mail] (subject line: Representative II – Courtenay - Your Name).

Please note that due to the anticipated volume of applications, we will only be responding to applicants selected for an interview.