Labour Relations Officer – Independent Bargaining (2 Positions)

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 – Independent Bargaining
Regular Full-Time
Reporting To: Coordinator, Labour Relations
Posting #: USW-033-24
Bargaining Unit: USW 2009
Pay Grade: 5
Starting: November 2024
Position Overview
Under the direction of a Coordinator, this position is responsible for negotiating Collective Agreements that cover BCNU members at smaller, independent worksites, including private long-term care facilities, provincial jails, and First Nations’ health centres.
The incumbent will be the lead BCNU spokesperson at these independent negotiation tables, so the position requires exceptional relationship management, communications, and negotiations skills, and the ability to quickly establish credible, robust, and collaborative partnerships.
Key Responsibilities

Responsible for negotiating independent collective agreements in accordance with the contract renewal dates.

• Negotiate first contracts and renewal contracts for independent bargaining worksites.
• Supports stewards and/or worksite members on the bargaining processes of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a labour relations context for preparations and negotiations in bargaining.
• Advises members to connect with Labour Relations Officers to assist with resolving issues or grievances under their independent collective agreement.
• Supports Labour Relations Officers in understanding or interpreting collective agreement language in the independent agreements when grievances or issues arise.
• Presents the union’s case at third party hearings at the Labour Relations Board, as required.
• Assists the Labour Relations Coordinator/Manager/Director with project work, as required.

Identifies and addresses issues of concern to BCNU members.

• Shares the organizing of campaigns with stewards and members around workplace and social issues which promote 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, mentors, and advises BCNU stewards and members on how to address their negotiation concerns and determine what mix of campaigns and utilization of the BC Labour Relations Board will best address the negotiation issues.
• Participates in the development and delivery of education courses for BCNU members and stewards as required.

Assists the Coordinator by providing input and support to the Provincial Bargaining Committee.

• May be required to assist in conducting ratification votes, strike votes, and certification votes.
• Provides support and information for bargaining.

May provide assistance to the Organizing department.

• Participates, as required, in the organization and certification of new members and groups.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.
• Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST HAVE:

1. Direct experience leading a table at collective bargaining negotiations including extensive and progressive experience (3-5 years) in collective bargaining and labour relations.
2. 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.
3. Demonstrated ability to interpret collective agreement language. 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.
4. Demonstrated excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required which results in effective communication with employer representatives, supervisors/managers, union officials, counsel and labour relations personnel.
5. Ability to develop and foster robust positive working relationships with Employer negotiators, members, staff, council, and other unions.
6. Ability to understand and interpret collective agreements, LOUs, mid-contract modifications, arbitration awards, regulatory and other legislative provisions.
7. Knowledgeable and supportive of Indigenous culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
8. 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

• Negotiate first contracts and renewal contracts for independent bargaining worksites.
• Supports stewards and/or worksite members on the bargaining processes of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a labour relations context for preparations and negotiations in bargaining.
• Advises members to connect with Labour Relations Officers to assist with resolving issues or grievances under their independent collective agreement.
• Supports Labour Relations Officers in understanding or interpreting collective agreement language in the independent agreements when grievances or issues arise.
• Presents the union’s case at third party hearings at the Labour Relations Board, as required.
• Assists the Labour Relations Coordinator/Manager/Director with project work, as required