Labour Relations Specialist, People Services

Labour Relations Specialist, People Services
  Full-Time, Contract (Approximately 1 year)
 London, Ontario
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 -

The Labour Relations Specialist will be part of the People Services team, predominantly implementing labour relations decisions on staff issues, priorities, systems, processes and performance indicators.

This role is responsible for supporting the Manager of Labour Relations in building and maintaining a constructive Union-Management relationship and assisting with the next round of collective bargaining. This includes supporting the collective bargaining process, advising leaders (Coordinators, Managers and Directors) and working with Union officials on the interpretation and application of the collective agreement, as well as supporting the grievance process.

This position supports the development and updating of relevant People Services policies, working with the Human Resources Generalists and Managers, as well as the Manager of Labour Relations and Director of People Services on relevant staff issues, and ensuring a common understanding and interpretation of policies and of the collective agreement. 

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

 
 WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $28.86 per hour (Level 1 of the Analyst Grid);
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8, $36.99 per hour
  • Internal applicants will be placed on the grid based on their seniority
• What your hours will be - 70 hours bi-weekly; Scheduled Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
• What your benefits will be - 9% in lieu of benefits
• Your pension plan - Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

• Ensures a strong working knowledge of the CMHA TVAMHS Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and assists leaders and staff to appropriately interprets clauses within the CBA.
• Acts as a resource to ensure compliance with the CBA, serving as a liaison to educate leaders with the initial goal of resolving disputes between employees and management.
• Supports and participates in professional consultations and grievance meetings to address complaints resulting from disputes with unionized employees over the CBA, program procedures, policy challenges, and the interpretation of work contracts.
• Maintains accurate and organized records of labor relations activities, negotiations, grievances, and resolutions.
• Ensures that labour-related grievances are compliant with the collective agreement and labour laws, supporting logistics and scheduling of related investigations and meetings within appropriate timelines. 
• Collaborates with People Services leaders and Coordinators / Managers / Directors to develop and implement solutions that align labour relations actions with the organization's mission and goals.
• Supports the updating, researching and communication of labour-related policies and procedures relevant to reflect best practices, legislative changes, and organizational needs.
• Supports disciplinary actions, as directed, in a professional, fair, and effective manner.
• Recommends, supports and/or develops and delivers training programs for leaders to enhance their understanding of labour relations and related issues and to build confidence in their ability to manage effectively in a unionized environment.
• Prepares information as directed and participates as part of the CMHA TVAMHS Bargaining Team by gathering documentation and providing accurate note-taking to support union negotiations.

• Collects labour-related data and metrics to assist with identifying trends. 
• Assists with the compilation of HR metrics (ie. vacancy rates, absenteeism rates, turn-over rates, etc.) including analyzing, reporting and identifying trends for leaders to address these issues.
• Researches current trends in collective bargaining agreements and stays up-to-date on changes to Ontario employment legislation, labour relations legislation, regulations and industry standards, and provides guidance and recommendations to support the Manager of Labour Relations ensure compliance. 

• Provides support to members of the leadership team on matters of reinforcing culture, setting goals, developing policy, and implementing strategic objectives to affectively achieve their goals, as requested or assigned.
• Assists leaders to ensure they communicate changes, etc. with union in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Participates in discussions and supports leaders to determining appropriate, fair, and dignified disciplinary actions when required.
• Develops protocols for leaders with the purpose of building confidence in their ability to participate in a meeting that involves the union. 
• Provides support to leaders to prepare them for meetings that involve the union.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity and a positive work experience for all employees by providing input into organizational policies and structures to eliminate barriers and foster inclusion for all.

• Works collaboratively with the Manager of Labour Relations, HR Managers and Generalists, sharing workload (when necessary), working on projects together, etc. 
• Builds strong working relationships with Union President, Union Stewards, and the Union Staff Representative through timely, effective, clear, and respectful communications.
• Supports relationship management with compliance agencies, as directed.
• Arranges, attends and keeps accurate records of Labour Management Relations Committee (LMRC) meetings, including communicating agreed-upon action items and collaborating with relevant committee members to finalize minutes. 
• Attends and keeps accurate records of Labour Relations meetings with relevant consultants, attorneys, and other consultants who provide specialized human resources knowledge and/or resources, as directed. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We Require the Following Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, administration, or relevant area (Primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process, i.e. original degree/diploma/certificate or official transcript)
• Experience working within a Unionized environment, specifically on Labour Relations, either on Union or Employer side 
• Demonstrated experience facilitating or mediating complex and contentious discussions in a workplace environment, or related to Employment, Labour and/or Human Rights law
• Valid Driver’s Licence, adequate insurance and access to a vehicle to carry out job duties
• Ability to attend work regularly

 We Prefer the Following Qualifications:

• CHRP designation, or actively working towards a similar designation such as a Q.Med.
• Human Resources Management Certificate
• Three years’ experience in a similar role
• Experience in MS Office and HRIS programs
• Strong working knowledge of interpreting CBAs, labour relations legislation, best practices for working in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Human Rights legislation, Labour Relations Act, and other relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of grievance and progressive discipline procedures, as well as alternative dispute resolution including negotiation, mediation and arbitration 

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – April 15, 2025:

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team. 

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]