Labour and Employee Relations Officer - Full-time

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Program Name: Labour and Employee Relations
Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 75
Work Schedule: Days
On Call: No
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.
Job Summary
The Labour Relations Officer supports the development and implementation of a labour relations strategy and leads various labour relations functions including grievance administration, collective agreement interpretation, employee relations, investigations and response. The Labour Relations Officer is responsible for developing collaborative strategic relationships with unions and VON leadership, advising on collective agreement administration, employee relations matters and providing training, education and support to VON managers.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide subject matter expertise on the interpretation and administration of multiple collective agreements
Provide strategic guidance to management to ensure that policies and practices are in line with applicable legislation (e.g. employment standards) and collective agreements
Support the development of labour relations skills of managers through active training in labour relations matters including discipline, attendance, conflict resolution, grievance handling, and investigations
Support facilitation and resolution of employee conflicts/issues in partnership with the Senior Director of Human Resources/Labour Relations and/or VON leadership
Ensure consistent application of collective agreements and HR policy throughout the organization
Provide support in the handling of medical accommodation cases
Represent the function at National and Regional work groups, task forces, projects, etc. on key organizational initiatives
Lead workplace investigations as delegated
Represent the organization at grievance and arbitration hearings, working on behalf of the organization with legal counsel and other relevant stakeholders
Ensure confidential information relating to clients, work colleagues, suppliers and VON’s operations is properly protected and not disclosed to third parties, unless permitted or required under relevant law or regulation
Comply with all statutory and internal disclosure requirements on a timely basis and ensures to the best of their ability, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information
External and Internal Relationships:
Work with VON National and Regional leadership teams in preparing for collective bargaining; in post-bargaining rollout and training initiatives
Strong collaboration with VON National and Region leadership teams and Human Resources department
Strong interactions and relationships with Union representatives and bargaining lead to promote a co-operative and effective labour relations climate
Maintain professional relationship with employees at all levels
Represent the organization and give direction to outside stakeholders as required on labour/employee matters
Extensive interaction on behalf of VON with legal services, Ministry of Labour, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders


Education, Designations and Experience:
Post secondary degree in labour relations, law or related discipline
Knowledge of labour/management principles, the Canada Labour Code, provincial employment law, Human Rights, statutes and the Labour Relations Board process(es) and collective agreement administration
A minimum of 5 years broad and progressively more senior labour relations experience including participation in collective bargaining (as a member of the bargaining or bargaining support team) and contract administration and interpretation
Familiarity with provincial labour regulations, collective agreements, provincial worker compensation legislation and practice, and various labour organizations
Experience with Nova Scotia and Ontario healthcare unions is an asset
Experience in a health care environment preferred
Skill Requirements:
Ability to work in a fast paced multi-union environment meeting multiple demands and changing priorities
Excellent interpersonal, influencing and verbal/written communication skills
Strong negotiation, mediation, workplace investigation and conflict resolution skills
Relationship management skills, including the ability to quickly earn the trust of internal customers and external clients
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated commitment to on-going learning and professional development
Other:
Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance
Willingness to travel regularly during the day and at times overnight to support sites and attend meetings
Current criminal background check required with possible vulnerable sector screen.
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) maybe required
Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.
Attention Current Employees (Internal Applicants): If you are applying to a unionized position and you are a member of its bargaining unit, please be aware that this posting may remain open beyond the deadline if there are not enough applicants to fill the position(s). If the posting remains open after the initial deadline, VON may close the posting at its’ discretion or a rolling deadline equivalent to the posting period specified in your Collective Agreement will be deemed, and each successive period will be treated as a separate posting for purposes of comparing seniority between candidates.

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