Labour Relations Specialist

at  Athabasca University

Reporting to the Director, Labour Relations, the Labour Relations (LR) Specialist provides specialized, professional support on a broad range of employee/labour relations activities including but not limited to: collective agreement interpretation, implementation and compliance, conflict resolution, investigations, policy implementation and compliance, interpretation, classification and serves as management’s primary contact for grievances. The LR Specialist advises, coaches, guides and trains AU team members, supervisors, senior management and Human Resources (HR) professionals.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Resolves issues with the university’s union partners in a proactive manner in consultation with the Director, Labour Relations. This includes active case management of labor relations related files with AU senior management including identifying remediation options and the production of university grievance responses.
• In conjunction with the Director, Labour Relations, coordinates all aspects of appeal, grievance, arbitrations, harassment and human rights claims processes, including input into recommendations on dispute resolutions.
• Conducts investigations and coordinates the discipline process, including the preparation of required materials, research, meeting management and coordination with external 3rd party investigators (if utilized)
• Facilitates effective labour relations negotiations including terms of collective agreements, compensation strategies by researching current trends and precedence, review of literature and decisions, through discussions with peers in other organizations and consultations with legal counsel.
• Prepares proposals and materials for negotiation; analyzes collective agreement language; schedules meetings as needed; documents discussion/agreements; communicates the approved Board of Governors bargaining mandate with the negotiation team and leads the proposal creation and finalization of revised collective agreements. Coordinates and documents management positions in advance of negotiations.
• Participates on negotiation teams. Responsibilities may include but not limited to: taking minutes, being a member of the committee, drafting/reworking proposals and chairing when required
• As a member of the HR team and working collaboratively with the HR Client Partners, provides specialized, professional consultation, coaching, advising and training on employee and labour relations to AU team members,supervisors, managers, and the HR Client Advisory team. This includes consultation on performance improvement, employee disciplinary issues, and adherence to and interpretation of the University’s collective bargaining agreements.
• Participates in a variety of union/management committees as set out in the Collective Agreements and as directed by the Director, Labour Relations.
• Identifies the need for, develops, conducts and as required participates in specialized training and presentations in regards to labour relations generally to include but not limited to: managing in a unionized environment, performance management, classification, grievances, investigations, and policy and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The qualified candidate must possess a post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business or related field; and a minimum five (5) years of human resources experience including at least three (3) years in a Labour Relations role. An equivalent combination of education and experience in Labour Relations and Human Resources may be considered.
• Experience working in a post-secondary environment and a CPHR designation is preferred.
• Experience in union bargaining and negotiation is a requirement.
• A solid understanding of AU collective agreements, processes, policies and procedures is desired. Demonstrated success in developing effective working relations with managers and union representatives.
• Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and negotiation skills are essential.
• Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing recommendations and reports is required.
• Experience in job evaluation/classification in a unionized environment would be considered an asset.
  A detailed job descriptioncan be viewed at: Labour Relations Specialist
  For further information regarding this position, please contact Tim Vanderpyl, Director, Labour Relations at tvanderpyl@athabascau.ca

Please refer the Job description for details