Labour Relations Consultant

at  British Columbia Institute of Technology BCIT

BCIT’s Human Resources department is seeking a temporary, full-time (1.0 FTE) Labour Relations Consultant. This position participates in the development and implementation of labour relations strategies, practices, standards and initiatives aimed at promoting a positive labour environment. Develops and maintains relationships with unions, develops bargaining strategies and proposals, facilitates conflict resolution processes and legal proceedings, administers collective agreements, and provides consultation on sensitive labour relations matters. Advises on and carries out labour relations practice in compliance with policy, collective agreements, legislation and jurisprudence.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Supports the Manager, Labour Relations in development and implementation of effective labour relations strategies, practices, standards, and initiatives that promote a positive labour environment.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues, the other senior HR practitioners and leaders to support a strategic, integrated, and broad approach to all program planning, development and delivery. Engages in a collaborative and supportive team approach with all other HR functions.
• Participates in the development of an effective labour environment to establish and foster productive, collaborative relationships between management, employees, unions, and other stakeholders. Represents the Institute’s legal and business interests while liaising with union representatives.
• Provides consultation on complex labour relations matters including disciplinary action, and advises on resolution of sensitive issues involving legal interpretations and preparation of legal opinions. Keeps Manager, Labour Relations informed of strategies and approaches being taken.
• Develops bargaining strategies, participates on the Institute’s bargaining committees and facilitates bargaining processes. Contributes to development of the Institute’s bargaining proposals and assessment of union proposals.
• Facilitates and advises on conflict resolution processes and legal proceedings, including those related to grievances, disputes, job action, mediation, arbitrations, and investigations, as well as board, tribunal, and provincial court matters. Negotiates resolutions and settlements, and prepares formal documentation. Faciliates implementation of legal decisions.
• Administers collective agreements, ensuring appropriate and consistent interpretation and application of all provisions as well as related legislation and jurisprudence pertaining to a diverse range of complex labour matters.
• Carries out legal and other labour relations research, and advises on appropriate application to day-to-day labour relations activities, bargaining and initiatives. Includes liaison with government and other employers and industry representatives, and participating on external committees.
• Drafts labour relations policies and processes, and takes action to identify and mitigate risks and leverage opportunities as they emerge. Advises on and carries out all labour relations practice in compliance with policy, collective agreements, legislation and jurisprudence.
• Provides technical guidance to other labour relations staff in development roles.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in labour law
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation preferred
• Minimum 5 to 7 years’ experience in human resources, with strong emphasis on labour relations in a large, complex, multi-union environment
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Advanced knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and techniques of labour relations, with emphasis on conflict resolution and related legal proceedings, collective bargaining, and collective agreement interpretation
• Advanced knowledge of the relevant employment, labour, and human rights legislation and related statutes and jurisprudence.
• Advanced relationship management skills with ability to develop productive, collaborative relationships between management, employees, unions, and other internal/external stakeholders
• Advanced communication, interpersonal, negotiation, investigation, and conflict resolution skills
• Advanced analytical skills and ability to apply sound judgment in problem solving, evaluating courses of action, and recommending action on complex labour relations matters