Manager, Employee Relations

at  Seaspan ULC

The Manager, Employee Relations plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing Seaspan’s labour and employee relations strategies within the Marine Transportation division. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Employee Relations this role is responsible for driving effective grievance resolution, ensuring compliance with collective agreements, and supporting the collective bargaining process. The Manager works closely with senior leaders, union representatives, and other key stakeholders to address labour relations matters and foster productive relationships across all levels of the organization. This role will contribute significantly to maintaining a collaborative and legally compliant labour relations environment while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

• Takes a lead role in formulating the company’s stance on complex labour relations issues and collective bargaining matters, working closely with senior leadership to ensure alignment with corporate strategies.
• Manages and oversees the grievance resolution process, including timely and accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with collective agreements and legal standards.
• Leads discussions with union representatives to resolve grievances and provide guidance to management teams on contract interpretation, disciplinary actions, attendance management, and performance management.
• Acts as a key point of contact for labour relations matters within the Marine Transportation division, offering expert advice on the implementation of labour and employee relations strategies.
• Supports the collective bargaining process by coordinating research, developing bargaining strategies, and assisting in preparing proposals.
• Represents the company in bargaining sessions, mediations, grievances, and arbitrations, effectively advocating for the company’s interests.
• Partners with legal counsel to address complex employee issues, including grievances, arbitrations, and disputes, ensuring the company’s positions are well-supported.
• Continuously monitors developments in federal and provincial labour laws, employment standards, and arbitral jurisprudence, advising senior management on the impact of these changes.
• Develops and implements training and communication strategies to support the company’s approach to labour relations, including creating tools and procedures that enhance managers’ capabilities in handling labour relations challenges.
• Cultivates strong working relationships with union officials and business agents, working proactively to address potential issues and contributing to a collaborative, solution-oriented environment.
• Promotes continuous improvement within the employee relations function by identifying opportunities for process enhancements and automation, ensuring more efficient and effective operations.
• Supports senior leaders by ensuring accessibility of key labour relations information, contributing to better decision-making and fostering a fair and consistent application of policies.