Labour Relations Advisor

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Labour Relations Advisor provides expertise, advice and support to management staff and union representatives concerning a broad range of labour relations and employment issues. As a key member of the Human Resources team, the incumbent is expected to provide significant input into the development of various employment policies, services and programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Labour Relations Advisor fosters a positive labour relations environment by proactively discussing issues with management staff, employees and union representatives and serving as a resource in all matters relating to labour relations.  The incumbent provides advice concerning the interpretation of the City’s collective agreements, labour law, legislation and employment practices, and contributes to a positive workplace by ensuring consistent application of collective agreements, policies and programs throughout the organization.  In conjunction with the Director, the incumbent ensures that the City’s employment practices meet legal, statutory and regulatory obligations.

Key responsibilities include assisting managers to deal effectively with performance and attendance management issues, conducting disciplinary investigations and making recommendations concerning appropriate disciplinary penalties. In conjunction with the Director, the Advisor assists in facilitating resolutions to interpersonal conflicts, human rights complaints and allegations of bullying and harassment by assessing situations and either conducting or coordinating third-party investigations and interventions, writing reports, making recommendations, and implementing decisions resulting from such undertakings. 

The Advisor is responsible for managing the grievance process and attends grievance hearings, writing responses, and when appropriate, negotiating settlements with the union to resolve grievances.  The incumbent researches and prepares for third-party hearings, provides assistance to legal counsel and represents the employer at hearings as required. Along with the Director, the incumbent attends labour management meetings and follows up on related action items.

The Labour Relations Advisor provides critical input into the collective bargaining process, conducts research, monitors monetary settlements within the municipal and provincial sectors, prepares language proposals, and develops costing scenarios.  The incumbent participates as part of the City’s bargaining team, contributes to strategy discussions, attends negotiation sessions, serves as the official note-taker, and assists with logistics and other preparations.

As part of the Human Resources team, the Labour Relations Advisor participates in the research, development, implementation and communication of various employment policies, programs and procedures.  The incumbent is expected to remain current on legal precedents, evolving legislation and industry best practices.

The Labour Relations Advisor liaises with all levels of management staff, unionized employees, and both internal and external union representatives.  The incumbent is privy to highly confidential and sensitive information and is expected to conduct themselves with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.  The incumbent is expected to keep the Director of Human Resources apprised of significant, highly sensitive issues.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Employee Relations, Human Resources, or a related field.

• CPHR designation is preferred.

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in labour relations, ideally gained in a local government setting.

• Considerable knowledge of applicable labour laws and legislation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Considerable knowledge of the BC Labour Relations Code, Human Rights Act, Employment Standards Act, and WorkSafe BC legislation.

• Sound understanding of human resources policies and practices, policy and program development, change management fundamentals, and current human resources issues.

• Thorough knowledge of collective agreements, applicable legislation and regulations, and principles of union/management relationships. 

• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting the provisions of collective agreements.

• Highly developed negotiation and mediation skills using tact, diplomacy and persuasion.

• Strong time management and organizational abilities, the ability to manage a demanding workload, and effectively meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated judgement with the ability to problem-solve under pressure and facilitate problem-solving processes.

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in building and maintaining positive, professional working relationships.

• Ability to work independently and interdependently as a team member.

• Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of HR issues using tact, professionalism and empathy, effective listening and persuasive abilities.

• An advanced level of written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate in a manner that promotes understanding and cooperation.

• Proficient Microsoft software (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint) and knowledge of electronic records management systems.

• Ability to approach work and relationships in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.

Come live, work and play in paradise! Located along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Powell River is a contemporary hub that balances abundant, natural beauty and a surplus of adventures with growing industry sectors in technology, retail, and tourism. Located just a 90-minute ferry away from Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla'amin First Nation, Powell River offers a mix of urban and rural living in a temperate climate. It’s known for an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, a vibrant arts community, and four seasons of recreational adventures to explore.

Are you looking for a more relaxed lifestyle away from the hustle of the City? Are you a strong communicator with the ability to influence and persuade others?  If you have a knack for proactive conflict resolution and navigating employee relations concerns, then we want to hear from you! The City of Powell River has an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled, dedicated professional to join our team as a Labour Relations Advisor. We offer competitive compensation, relocation assistance, extended health and dental benefits, superior pension plan contributions and much more! 

Labour Relations Advisor Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, you will play a lead role in providing expertise in a broad range of employment and labour issues within a complex unionized environment. Having a solid understanding of union management relationships, you’ll help to ensure consistent interpretation of collective agreements and compliance with labour laws, regulations, and workplace policies. A skilled communicator and negotiator, you’ll lead the way through employee grievances and concerns, approaching each situation with an open mind to find resolutions that consider all involved. Your ability to facilitate open dialogue and understanding will be essential as you work to find common ground amidst differing perspectives. 

Ideally, you hold a Bachelor's degree in Labour Relations, Human Resources, or a related field along with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in employee relations, ideally gained in a local government setting.  A CPHR designation is an asset. Considerable knowledge of applicable labour laws and relevant legislation is required, as is the ability to influence and persuade others and apply creative solutions to complex workplace issues. 

The successful applicant must be willing to relocate to Powell River; relocation assistance is available. This is a full-time permanent position with annual salary range of $84,456 - $96,900. This posting will remain open until filled.

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