Director, Labour and Employment Law

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!Job Summary

The Director, Labour and Employment is responsible for advising on Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resources (HR) legal issues in Canada and the United States (U.S.). This includes collective bargaining, grievances and arbitration, human rights, occupational health and safety, workers' compensation, accommodation, privacy, performance management, terminations, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and litigation. The position leads the Counsel, Labour and Employment (Canada), the Counsel, Labor and Employment (U.S), the Counsel, Privacy (U.S. and Canada) and the Workers Compensation Group (Canada). Furthermore, the position works closely with HR and LR teams, as well as other internal stakeholders to support CN's strategic objectives.

Main Responsibilities General Labour and Employment Advice 

·       Ensure internal clients receive timely and strategic advice on labour or employment-related legal matters under Canadian and the U.S. employment and labour legislation

·       Develop and implement strategies to minimize legal risks and ensure compliance with labour and employment laws and regulations

·       Oversee representation of labour and employment matters before various courts, tribunals, and arbitrators, as well as in mediations and negotiations

·       Research and monitor developments in labour and employment law and best practices as well as provide training and updates to internal clients and colleagues

·       Review and draft policies, procedures, and agreements related to labour and employment matters

·       Manage external counsel and legal fees in accordance with CN's policies and budget

·       Collaborate with other members of the Legal department and external stakeholders on cross-functional projects and initiatives

Oversee Canadian and the U.S. Labour, Employment and Privacy Counsel 

·       Delegate and oversee the work of the Labour, Employment and Privacy Counsel teams in the U.S. and Canada

·       Develop a team, including identifying and addressing skill gaps, providing mentorship and coaching, and creating opportunities for professional development

Oversee the Workers’ Compensation Team 

·       Lead the Workers’ Compensation team in Canada 

·       Develop a team, including identifying and addressing skill gaps, providing mentorship and coaching, and creating opportunities for professional development

Working Conditions

The role is performed in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within Canada.

Requirements Experience

Labour and Employment

·       Minimum 8 years of labour and employment law experience, either in-house or as external counsel

o   Experience providing general labour and employment law advice including advice related to the Canada Labour Code and applicable statutes in the U.S.

o   Experience advising on internal complaints and to third party agencies

o   Experience advising a federally regulated entity with a large, unionized population*

o   Experience working in the transportation, trucking, or railroad industry*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)

·       Member of good standing of a provincial Law Society

Competencies

·       Considers environmental impacts in every decision and action

·       Collaborates with others and shares information

·       Sets direction and inspires others

·       Communicates with impact

·       Demonstrates agility and drives change

·       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

·       Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes

·       Seeks and values all perspectives

·       Demonstrates active listening

*Any skills/attributes for these above would be considered as an asset

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·       Knowledge of Microsoft Office

·       Awareness of evolving applicable laws

·       Familiarity with legal research tools, including Bloomberg, Lexis, or Westlaw 

·       Knowledge of CN Operations*

*Any knowledge for these above would be considered as an asset

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.