Senior Specialist Labour Relations in Ottawa

The Senior Specialist Labour Relations is responsible for leading all Labour Relations activities within their assigned area of responsibility while providing specialist advice and guidance to business partners, support groups, and Local and Regional Operations management on the interpretation, application and administration of various Collective Agreements, labour legislation, National policies, directives and corporate initiatives. This role maintains productive labour-management relationships with local, regional and national bargaining agent representatives within the framework of collective agreements and applicable legislation.

This role undertakes grievance resolution beyond the first level including the preparation and presentation of grievances at arbitration. They are accountable for developing and leading the action plan implementation and contingency planning related to the creation and maintenance of effective labour/management relationships conducive to operational, administrative and service efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

• Delivers specialized Labour Relations Services in accordance with various Collective Agreements (CA’s), various Federal Regulations, and National policies, in a highly labour intensive, mechanized, fast changing and politically sensitive environment, consisting of a large number of employees represented by a variety of unions and bargaining agents.
• Provides specialist advice and guidance to operational, regional and corporate stakeholders on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, labour relations policies, directives and corporate initiatives. Assists in the development, maintenance and implementation of national labour relations interpretations, strategies and policy positions to ensure consistency across the Corporation.
• Provides proactive advice, guidance and support to business partners in the interpretation, application, and administration of CA’s along with changes to collective agreement(s), national policies, and various federal regulations in order to support local business improvement initiatives.
• Consults with local and/or regional union/management representatives on matters relating to working conditions, disciplinary issues and conflict resolution. Fosters a productive employee relations environment through the effective administration of CA’s, building relationships with Unions and Association representatives.
• Administers the grievance management system (GMS). Approves the content of 1st level grievance replies and ensures that proper documentation is collected and retained in the GMS system. Handles grievance procedures after the 1st level in a timely and effective manner to ensure speedy resolution of employee problems or concerns.
• Integrates and monitors the business processes for local and regional consultations, grievance management, arbitration, WCB appeals within the operating area. Links with Head Office ensuring the universal application of Head Office developed policy.
• Conducts trend analysis of issues grieved within area responsibility. Collaborates with Corporate Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP) to develop and implement interventions with local operators.
• Participates in the development and implementation of national labour relations initiatives, policy changes, operational transformations, collective bargaining activities and strategic projects. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with local, regional and national bargaining agent representatives and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepares and presents grievances on all issues (excluding terminations) arising out of the collective agreement on behalf of Canada Post in the regular arbitration procedure. This includes preparing the presenting complex legal argument(s) relevant to the case and the requirement to remain current on the evolution of jurisprudence on matters that could impact the workplace environment.
• Supports legal counsel in the preparation and presentation of grievances at Formal Arbitration on behalf of the Corporation on matters such as termination of employment and National Policy Grievances. Recommends acceptance or rejection of settlement offers subject to the Corporation’s financial decision-making matrix and a risk assessment of liability. Drafts and executes binding settlement documents on behalf of the Corporation.
• Facilitates and delivers training on Labour relations topics to local client groups. Interprets workplace legislation and regulations including the Canada Labour Code, Provincial Workers Compensation Acts, The Government Employees Compensation Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and provides advice and guidance to local operators to mitigate future risks and grievances.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for advice to local operators on major disciplinary matters including the investigation, assessment of facts. Provides a recommendation on any disciplinary outcome in accordance with the Corporation’s Disciplinary Guidelines, and the Team Leader’s Guide to Labour Relations. Reviews accuracy of evidence, assesses risk, and provides recommendations on termination cases considering prevailing relevant formal case law.
• Supports HRBP’s on the handling of minor disciplinary infractions and the application of the Corporation’s Disciplinary Guidelines. Monitors to ensure compliance in the capture of relevant information and documentation in the Corporation’s Consequence Management System.
• Maintains a network of internal and external contacts, including labour organizations, professional associations and industry counterparts to regularly benchmark and remain current on emerging trends, developments, legislative changes and best practices related to labour relations programs, policies and strategies.

Qualifications

• Completed post-secondary school education in Industrial/Labour Relations OR a combination of equivalent professional experience and training (including equivalent knowledge and ability in Labour/Industrial Relations). Masters of Industrial Relations is an asset.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant functional experience OR 1 to 3 years of relevant functional experience with commensurate applicable education. One or more years of experience in a unionized environment an asset.
• Knowledge of Labour Relations, Human Resources, Mail Operations, Collection and Delivery, Marketing and Retail Operations is an asset.
• Knowledge of labour/management principles, the Canada Labour Code, the Canada Labour Relations Board process, Canada Post collective agreements, Canada Post Health and Safety programs, the Worker’s Compensation Process and the Canada Post Act is an asset.
• Familiarity with provincial labour regulations, collective agreements and various labour organizations is an asset.
• Sound organizational, analytical, judgement and decision-making skills with proven abilities in problem solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Proficient computer skills and competent with Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong communication, analytical, and customer service skills.

Other Information

• Hybrid - Four days in Office.
• This position may be considered a Safety Sensitive position and has additional requirements under Canada Post's Substance Use Policy.
• Canada Post will represent Canada’s diversity and provide a safe and welcoming workplace that embraces and celebrates our differences. We are committed to employment equity and encourage applications from women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities and visible minorities.
• Canada Post is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you are contacted by Canada Post regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you have any restrictions that need to be accommodated. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.