Lead, Labour & Employee Relations Specialist
Algoma University
Location: Brampton, ON or Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Department: People & Culture
Reference # MG-17922
About Algoma University
Since its establishment in 1965 as Algoma University College in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma University has increasingly assumed a national leadership role in supporting the university sector’s response to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. Algoma’s Special Mission is guided by the 7 Grandfather Teachings and Honouring Commitments, and is twofold in nature:
a. to be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a focus on the needs of Northern Ontario; and to
b. cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities in keeping with the history of Algoma University and its geographic site.
With campuses located in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins, the tri-campus model that has emerged at Algoma University leverages the unique strengths, opportunities and broader community needs of each geographic location. Through this model, Algoma provides students with rich experiential learning experiences and research opportunities across liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.
Algoma University is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful learning community; one that values the opportunities to learn from and with students, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world. Currently, Algoma University is home to over 5,000 students representing over 50 different countries, more than 430 full-time and part-time faculty and over 150 support staff and administrative personnel.
Lead, Labour & Employee Relations Specialist
The Specialist, Labour and Employee Relations is a key member of the People & Culture team and will play a strong role in the University’s goal of enhancing and maintaining a positive work environment for all employees. Reporting to the Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience, the Labour and Employee Relations Specialist will support employee/labour relations within the institution. This role works within the People & Culture Department on sensitive matters affecting our community. They gather, maintain documents and records required for collective agreement, contract and policy development, administration, investigation and negotiation. The Labour and Employee Relation Specialist has a strong focus on developing positive relationships with internal community stakeholders, while contributing to a strong culture of mutual respect. The People & Culture Team plays a key role in Algoma’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and decolonizing and Indigenizing our policies and procedures.
This position is responsible for conducting research, data collection, developing analytical tools, preparing summary reports and maintaining files related to internal complaints, grievances, awards and settlements and external decisions, in order to make informed recommendations to Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience. This position requires high sensitivity to confidential matters, and the incumbent must take appropriate measures to maintain integrity.
Key Responsibilities
A. Labour & Employee Relations (70%)
- Manages routine labour relations and human resource inquiries related to policies, procedures and collective agreements: refers complex matters to the Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience.
- Support relationship building with all administrative and unionized groups,
- Provide support and guidance to management officers to ensure best practices are followed and collective agreements are correctly interpreted and applied.
- Support the implementation of a restorative mediation approach to problem solving to continue the enhancement of maintaining healthy and positive relationships across the institution.
- Support employee and labour relations matters on some issues including performance management, progressive discipline up to and including termination, workplace investigations, grievance management and resolution.
- Ensure grievances, appeals, discipline, and arbitration are appropriately directed, tracked, and monitored with adequate follow-up.
- Initiate research and compile necessary data to assist with the generation of reports and department planning.
- Support the preparation of, and participate as needed in Arbitrations and in Collective Bargaining sessions.
- Working with both academic and operational leadership to ensure all collective agreement deadlines are met.
- Utilize all collective agreements, policies, procedures, regulations and initiatives, and legislative requirements to support effective people management.
- Maintain ongoing awareness of all changes to federal and provincial legislation pertaining to labour and employee relations.
- Provide training, as required, on all applicable collective agreements.
- Develop and maintain effective liaison with staff and faculty unions including active participation on their respective Joint Consultative Committees (JCC) as required.
B. General Human Resource Management (25%)
- Provide general problem solving solutions to help maintain healthy and positive working relationships across the institution.
- Collects data, conducts surveys, interviews and other research related to human resource management strategies and policies
- Occasionally participates in human resource activities such as recruitment, training and development and onboarding
- Assists with preparation of plans, policies, documents and reports including EDI reports, organizational charts, labour agreements and human resources.
C. Other duties (5%)
- Support other team initiatives and other duties, as assigned
Lead, Labour & Employee Relations Specialist Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related discipline, a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation would be considered an asset.
- A minimum of five years of experience in the Labour Relations field in a unionized environment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience required.
- This position requires sound judgment, attention to detail, adaptability, and an ability to work under challenging time constraints and varying conditions. Sound understanding of people management.
- Demonstrated experience using a consultative and collaborative approach in building relationships.
- Demonstrated excellence in both verbal and written communications
- Experience working with Indigenous communities, with demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, understanding, and being is considered an asset.
- Extensive knowledge of various employment laws and practices such as but not limited to: the Employment Standards Act; Labour Relations Act; Ontario Human Rights Code; Occupational Health and Safety Act; Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- Critical thinking, conflict management and project management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with the myriad of individuals and organizations.
- Ability to maintain privileged and confidential information.
- Ability to handle multiple assignments and prioritize activities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in the use of computer applications for collaboration.
How To Apply
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking the 'Apply Now' button below.
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Mark know.
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified candidates from equity-seeking groups, (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons) who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. The successful candidate, as a condition of employment, will be required to provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
Algoma University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca.
