Labour Relations/Human Resources Advisor

Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) • Ottawa, ON

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Manager Labour Relations, and as a member of the Labour Relations and Human Resources teams, the HR Advisor, Labour Relations provides advice to management on internal labour/employee relations matters within a unionized environment and supports the operational and strategic goals and objectives of the PSAC. The position has primary responsibility for providing comprehensive labour relations/legal advice and support services in representing the interests of the employer in staffing, policy development, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution in accordance with numerous collective agreements, policies and across all provincial, territorial and federal legislations.

Requirements

• Completion of a law degree from a recognized university, called to the bar and a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial law society.
• Experience representing the employer in adjudication before Boards of Arbitration, the Ontario Labour Board, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Human Rights Tribunal, Pay Equity Tribunal, and other forums for dispute resolution.
• Two (2) to Four (4) years of experience working in an Employee/Labour Relations role in a unionized workplace.
• Knowledge of several Human Resources disciplines, including job analysis and design, recruitment, staffing, compensation, attendance management, learning and development, pension/benefits administration, employee orientation, feedback process, diversity management and organizational design.
• Knowledge of the political and operational inter-relationships within a large national union organization and a thorough understanding of the sensitive political and social issues between an employer union and its internal bargaining agents.
• Strong knowledge of legal research methodology and mechanisms to develop alternative dispute resolution approaches.
• Strong knowledge of the principles of employment equity, human rights obligations and accommodation in the unionized workplace.
• Knowledge and understanding of Labour Relations initiatives and activities that are impacting upon the PSAC and the broader labour movement.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of labour management strategies, interpretations, positions and approaches to provide advice on internal union matters.
• Knowledge of the structure, mandate and mission of the PSAC as well as the broader political and legislative context in which it functions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret federal, provincial and territorial labour legislation, board decisions, case law, and arbitral jurisprudence and negotiate effective solutions to complex legal issues.
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to provide specific Labour Relations advice, training and communicate complex information for the intended audience using various methods.
• Highly developed written skills to prepare information bulletins, analysis, grievance responses and reports.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict, build credibility and trust between parties and support/promote union-management partnerships.
• Strong analytical, research, evaluative and problem-solving skills to interpret complex legal issues to ensure compliance between legal imperatives. collective agreements and internal policies, directives and guidelines are met.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet firm deadlines.
• Second language skills as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level indicated above.
• Excellent judgment, political acuity and demonstrated problem solving, consultative, persuasive and conflict resolution skills to provide sound direction and advice on a variety of complex labour relations issues to all levels of management and staff.
• Effective interpersonal skills; dependability, reliability and flexibility.
• Ability to work in a political organization with often competing priorities as well as a commitment to union and social justice issues.
• Availability to travel as required.
• A combination of education, experience, and demonstrated performance may substitute for formal academic requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Valid federal SLE results may be accepted.
• PSAC welcomes applications from candidates with diverse and international experience.

Responsibilities

• Providing comprehensive labour relations/legal advice and support services in representing the interests of the employer in staffing, policy development, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution in accordance with numerous collective agreements, policies and across all provincial, territorial and federal legislations.
• Managing all levels of the grievance process in accordance with the applicable collective agreements, including researching legal precedents, gathering evidence, providing advice, attending grievance hearings and drafting responses.
• Providing specific Labour Relations advice, training and communicate complex information for the intended audience using various methods.
• Preparing information bulletins, analysis, grievance responses and reports.
• Dealing effectively with conflict, build credibility and trust between parties and support/promote union-management partnerships.
• Interpreting complex legal issues to ensure compliance between legal imperatives, collective agreements and internal policies, directives and guidelines are met.
• Providing sound direction and advice on a variety of complex labour relations issues to all levels of management and staff.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• a health care spending account (HCSA)
• up to $7,500 per year for mental health services
• Flexible work arrangements — with dedicated workstations for hybrid staff.
• Defined and secure pension plan — shared 50/50 between you and us.
• Three (3) weeks’ vacation to start, plus extra paid leave for appointments, moving, personal days, sick days, or whatever you need.
• Professional development support to help you grow.
• An annual recreation allowance of $800 because your wellness matters.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree