Employee & Labour Relations Associate

Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations (ELR), the ELR Associate contributes to the ELR team by providing support in the development, implementation and evaluation of effective employee and labour relations strategies. The ELR Associate supports the team in the areas of performing research of relevant jurisprudence, preparing costing on ESA and common law entitlements, supporting project management and conducting preparatory work for bargaining, grievances and other proceedings (i.e. HRTO, arbitration).

Under the guidance of the Manager, the Associate will maintain a small union-specific portfolio (for unionized groups) and a program specific portfolio (for non-union staff) and will act as subject matter expert and engage in coaching, mentoring and training that supports and reinforces a strategic HR delivery model.

Specific Accountabilities

• Manage and promote positive, interest-based union relationships on behalf of the Hospital

• Chair Labour Management and Grievance Committees

• Research jurisprudence and best practice as required and outline the risks, liability costing, options and recommendations to help inform direction/decision making regarding discipline, termination, severance packages, program transfers, labour disputes, and grievance resolution.

• Provide support in the preparation of files proceeding to mediation, arbitration and other legal proceedings, including completing grievance investigations.

• Prepare costing for termination and severance packages as assigned.

• Support the collective bargaining process.

• Conduct research and assist in the development of labour/employee relations strategies to address resourcing budget strategies related to reorganization, staffing model restructure, scheduling and redeployment of staff.

• Respond to inquiries related to collective agreement interpretations, policies, and a broad range of general employee and labour relations issues, based on evidence based legal research and arbitral jurisprudence.

• Draft Minutes of Settlement/ Letters of Understanding to resolve issues and promote collaborative labour relations.

• Support the development and implementation of fulsome employee/labour relations educational programs through a variety of mediums.

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration or related field required

• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation preferred

• 5 years of ER/LR experience in a multi-site, highly unionized public sector environment

• 5 years of collective agreement interpretation, negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution experience

• 1-2 years of experience in providing ER/LR and/or HR support and advice to internal clients

• Broad understanding of hospital operations across the organization to inform discussions at collective bargaining and creative problem solving of operational issues

• Knowledge of fundamental ER/LR practices and principles

• Demonstrated excellence in effective communication and interpersonal skills within a professional environment

• Ability to effectively conduct root cause analysis and create appropriate solutions

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills with attention to details and accuracy

• Sound knowledge and experience working with relevant legislation, common law, and collective agreements including Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Labour Relations Act

• Influencing and collaboration skills, across levels and various business functions

• Ability to organize and establish priorities within multiple projects and tasks, demonstrated ability to meet project and task deadlines and adjust quickly to changing requirements

• Proven ability to foster a culture of continuous process improvement