Labour Relations Officer - DTA (3 positions) USW-001-25

at  BC Nurses Union

The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 48,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
Job Title: Labour Relations Officer – DTA (3 positions)
Regular Full-Time
Posting #: USW-001-25
Bargaining Unit: USW 2009
Pay Grade: 5
Starting: February 2025
Posting Period: January 16 to 25, 2025
Position Overview
Responsible for the maintenance, enforcement and interpretation of collective agreement provisions for assigned bargaining unit(s) located throughout British Columbia; identifying issues of concern to BCNU members. Provides leadership and mentorship, while working closely in collaboration with Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) representatives in the duty to accommodate (DTA) process. This role will focus heavily on Human Rights and Accommodation principles, case law and related language of the collective agreement.
Key Responsibilities

Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, enforcement and interpretation of collective agreement provisions for assigned bargaining unit(s).

• Advises EDMP Representatives on the interpretation of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a disability management context.
• Navigates and/ or negotiates accommodations for BCNU members.
• Initiates, presents and resolves issues or grievances.
• Presents the union’s case at third party.
• Presents cases at arbitration and labour board hearings.
• Negotiates local agreements on matters such as shift schedules and scheduled daily working hours, mergers, and displacements.

Identifies and addresses issues of concern to BCNU members.

• Promotes the economic, social welfare and occupational interests of the general membership in accordance with BCNU policies and objectives, particularly in relation to collective agreement issues.
• Develops skills, mentors, and advises EDMP Representatives, stewards and members on how to address their workplace concerns in relation to disability management and determine what will work to best address those issues.
• Participates in the development and delivery of education on the DTA process to members, staff and advocates as required.

Assists the Team Lead and Coordinator in preparing for negotiating the Provincial Collective Agreement.

• May be required to negotiate DTA agreements and contract language for bargaining units outside the Provincial Collective Agreement.
• Provides support and information for bargaining.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.

Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST HAVE:

1. Extensive and progressive experience (3 - 5 years) as an active steward/advocate processing grievances at progressive stages and presenting grievances to management, facilitating group meetings, with demonstrated experience. External applicants with equivalent experience may be considered.
2. Experience in the area of DTA or human rights advocacy is an asset.
3. College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Industrial Relations program and/or Nursing or an equivalent combination of education and experience as described below. Completion of BCNU provided labour relations training programs preferred.
4. Demonstrated ability to interpret collective agreement language and argue a strong case for the redress of problems. Ability to explain contract issues to members in writing. Good knowledge of nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy and public health care.
5. Good group facilitation skills including flip-charting and analyzing discussions, ability to assess and develop educational programs and materials, and ability to motivate members and EDMP Representatives to take action on union issues in relation to disability management.
6. Demonstrated excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required which results in effective communication with supervisors, managers, government and union officials, counsel and labour relations personnel. Demonstrated ability to work well with members, elected officers, BCNU management and co-workers.
7. A willingness to travel throughout the province on short notice. A valid driver’s license is required.

Required Competencies

• Functional/Technical Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Negotiating
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Management
• Decision Quality
• Political Savvy
• Member Focus
• Knowledgeable about Relevant Legislation (including Jurisprudence, Regulations, Acts, & Standards of Practice as appropriate for the role)
• Labour Management Relations
• Management of the Collective Agreement
• Collective Bargaining
• Enforcing the Collective Agreement
• Composure
• Listening
• Written Communication
• Approachability
• Compassion
• Timely Decision Making
• Informing
• Intellectual Horsepower
• Patience
• Priority Setting
• Time Management
• Creativity
• Managing Diversity
• Planning
• Strategic Agility
• Understanding Others

Why BCNU?
BCNU values, respects and protects diversity. We take pride in representing a diverse membership and staff. We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace with opportunities for career development and professional advancement as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.
If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we’d like to hear from you

• Advises EDMP Representatives on the interpretation of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a disability management context.
• Navigates and/ or negotiates accommodations for BCNU members.
• Initiates, presents and resolves issues or grievances.
• Presents the union’s case at third party.
• Presents cases at arbitration and labour board hearings.
• Negotiates local agreements on matters such as shift schedules and scheduled daily working hours, mergers, and displacements