Manager, Labour Relations

LifeLabs is the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada, serving the healthcare needs of Canadians for over 50 years. Our team members are truly centred around our customers, and we know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us.

Consistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, LifeLabs has also been recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. The passion and commitment of over 6,000 diverse and innovative team members unites and motivates us to ensure our customers receive high quality tests and results that they can trust. Agile, customer-centred, caring and teamwork: we live these values every day in what we do to support our customers and healthcare providers, driving forward our vision of empowering a healthier you.

Reports to: Director, Labour Relations

Purpose of the Role:
The Manager, Labour Relations will work collaboratively with Human Resources, People Leaders and Unions across LifeLabs to support the development and implementation of LifeLabs Employee and Labour Relations strategy and plan in Ontario.

The Manager, Labour Relations is a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to business leaders and HR in the application, interpretation, and implementation of collective agreements across LifeLabs’ Ontario business. As a critical part of the LifeLabs Employee and Labour Relations COE, the Manager Labour Relations is responsible for developing communication, learning, tools and guidelines for HR and People Leaders to support the overall Employee and Labour Relations strategy.

This dynamic and high impact position is perfect for someone looking to be involved in all facets of labour relations including acting as lead negotiator. It is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, communication, influence, financial acumen and strategic thinking. The role reports to the National Director, Employee and Labour Relations for LifeLabs.

Accountabilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of LifeLabs’ Labour Relations strategy for Ontario.
• Provide labour relations expertise and advice to business and human resources in addressing initiatives with possible LR impact; advise leaders on risks and provide strategic recommendations that apply business objectives and human resources best practices to address labour relations issues.
• SME for all Collective Agreements in Ontario ensuring understanding and consistent interpretation.
• Prepare and present reports summarizing developments in collective bargaining, changes in legislation, workforce initiatives, grievance and arbitration performance; identify trends, consider broad implications and potential risks across all parts of the workforce and make recommendations.
• Involved with the full cycle of the Collective Bargaining process including serving as Lead Negotiator for bargaining units in Ontario.
• Gather input and conduct analysis to collective bargaining mandates/proposed terms and work in partnership with Finance, Total Rewards and Human Resources to ensure that the collective agreement terms align with LifeLabs financial and human resources objectives and support the People strategy.
• Lead planning and implementation of Labour Councils and involve business leaders and HR appropriately.
• Develop and implement tracking of grievances, arbitrations and ER issues; proactively identify trends, implement metrics and develop and implement reporting and/or dashboards for senior leaders to inform, proactive program development and risk mitigation.
• Lead and develop a grievance management process ensuring alignment in approach and tactics and consistency across HR team.
• Collaborate with the LifeLabs Talent Leader to design and implement initiatives that provide managers with the skills and tools necessary to effectively manage in a unionized environment, increase employee engagement, and develop resilience and adaptability.

Minimum Hiring Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business, Human Resources or Industrial Relations.
• 7 or more years’ experience in a human resources role in a unionized environment with a minimum of 5 years leadership experience in labour relations in a complex unionized environment.
• Experience leading union negotiations, chairing grievance meetings, and preparing complex cases for arbitration.
• Solid knowledge of Human Resources policies and procedures, and employment-related legislation (Labour Relations Act, Pay Equity Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Employment Standards Act, Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis (cost/benefit), interpret information, resolve complex issues and prepare recommendations and proposals that support business objectives
• Proven track record in building strong relationships with executives/senior leaders, with the ability to provide robust recommendations, coach, influence and drive change in pursuit of best practice.
• Understanding of change management principles and experience leading change efforts
• Strong problem identification and resolution skills..
• Excellent communication skills with strong ability to build executive summaries.
• Excellent written/verbal communication, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving.
  
  

This is a hybrid role.

Hiring Range: 92,600 - 118,000

The hiring range has been established, however, the final salary recommendation will be determined based off the level of experience, education requirement, external market conditions and internal equity.

In this position, you will be eligible for Lifelabs annual bonus.

Employee Benefits:

In this position, you will be eligible to participate LifeLabs’ group benefits plan which is available to LifeLabs employees in accordance with the terms and conditions of those plans.

Retirement Savings Plan:

The LifeLabs plans provide members with an easy way to save for retirement. By participating in the plan, you receive contributions made to your account on your behalf from LifeLabs.

Vacation Entitlement:

In this position, you will be entitled to vacation. We promote a healthy work-life balance and expect your full vacation to be taken each year.

Employee Wellness:

LifeLabs offers an award-winning Wellness Program focused on supporting your total health and well-being under our physical, emotional, and financial wellness pillars. We have been recognized in the industry for our focus on mental health supports.

Employee Giving program:

Designed to support any employee who donates, fundraises or volunteers for a Canadian Registered Charity or Non-Profit Organization.

In addition, LifeLabs offers professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs - WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc. - and Optional Health-related Benefits.

We are committed to the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and have taken steps to strengthen our commitment to our team members and customers, to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.

At LifeLabs, we know that we are Stronger Together and that we will benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member offers.

Make a difference - join the LifeLabs team today!

At LifeLabs, we strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where our team members and the communities we serve feel accepted, valued, and respected.

In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.

Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs’. Vaccinations may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be fully vaccinated with the current Government approved COVID-19 vaccinations.