Employment Relations Officer

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), a national union representing over 80,000 professionals and scientists across Canada, is seeking an Employment Relations Officer to join our team at our National Capital Region office in Ottawa. PIPSC/IPFPC is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our goals and objectives. We strive to create a work environment that is welcoming to everyone regardless of their gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, and nationality, particularly equity deserving groups, such as members of the IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with disabilities.

All qualified candidates will be considered; however, in support of achieving a diversified workforce we encourage applications for this opportunity from candidates belonging to one of the employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Metis or Inuit), peoples of colour or persons with a disability. Consideration will be given to a qualified candidate who, at the time of application, voluntarily indicates being part of these groups.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Under the direction of the Director, Labour Relations Services, reporting to the Regional Manager, and functional supervision of the Team Lead, the Employment Relations Officer provides labour relations advice and representation to the Institute and its members on a range of workplace matters.
• The position supports members, groups of members, and stewards by interpreting and applying applicable legislation, collective agreements, policies, and employment-related frameworks.
• The Employment Relations Officer manages labour relations cases and represents the Institute and its members in formal and informal processes, including grievances, mediation, arbitration, complaints, and other dispute resolution mechanisms.
• The role conducts research and analysis, prepares documentation for proceedings, and provides advice on labour relations issues while supporting member education and steward development.
• The position collaborates with colleagues across the Institute to ensure consistent delivery of labour relations services to members.

Major responsibilities:

• Represent and advise the Institute, and support members, groups of members, and stewards in accordance with applicable federal and provincial legislation, collective agreements, policies, directives, and guidelines on a full range of labour relations and employment matters.
• Provide advice and representation to the Institute and its members in formal and informal labour relations processes, including grievances, mediation, arbitration, facilitation, complaints, conflict coaching, and proceedings before third-party tribunals.
• May contribute to the development of Institute positions on group-wide labour relations issues and may participate in and represent the Institute on public service–wide labour-management committees, national working groups, and other national, regional, or local committees and forums.
• Negotiate agreements and settlements on behalf of the Institute, individual members, or groups of members in relation to a broad range of labour relations matters.
• Collaborate with colleagues across sections to support Institute-wide initiatives, coordinate approaches to emerging labour relations issues, and advance members’ interests.
• Conduct research and analysis of jurisprudence, applicable legislation, employer policies, and collective agreements to support case preparation, policy interpretation, and the provision of labour relations advice.
• Provide advice, guidance, and information to the Manager and to internal and external stakeholders on labour relations issues, including complex or sensitive matters affecting members.
• Conduct appropriate research and prepare documentation, evidence, and briefing materials required for formal proceedings and assigned labour relations cases.
• Provide advice and assistance to members and stewards who represent the Institute on formal committees and representational forums; support the development and coaching of stewards in their roles as workplace representatives.
• Develop and deliver presentations, training sessions, tools, and resources to enhance member knowledge, promote effective communication and best practices, and support the development of a knowledgeable steward network.
• Ensure that all relevant member case information and documentation are accurately created, updated, and maintained in the Institute’s data management systems in accordance with established procedures.
• Contribute to corporate knowledge and communications by preparing articles, case summaries, reports, and other materials related to labour relations matters.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams assigned to special projects and work collaboratively with employees in other sections.
• May be requested to undertake other related duties on a periodic basis.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• Education / Experience: Completion of a university degree in industrial/labour relations, in law, or in a related discipline. Requires three (3) to five (5) years of progressive and related experience in labour relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Language requirement: Fluency in both official languages (French and English) is an asset; English is required.
• Skills and experience required: A thorough knowledge of the authorities governing employer/employee relations in the federal public service of Canada and other jurisdictions in which institute members are employed.
• Experience in the labour relations field, in handling complaints and grievances, interpreting collective agreements and in representing individuals before third parties such as arbitration boards.
• Ability to advise and counsel members on their employment rights.
• Strong representational and advocacy skills; demonstrated ability and experience in representing members at grievance hearings.
• Experience in adjudication/arbitration hearings and at union management consultation meetings.
• Ability to conduct interviews, meetings, information sessions and prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to manage a workload with a lot of autonomy while continuing to collaborate, share expertise and draw on the know-how of colleagues.
• Demonstrated understanding of the union legal framework and commitment to union principles.

Compensation Package

• Salary Range: $113,886 to $142,356 (G7)
• Group Benefits: Health, Dental
• Vacation: 4 weeks per year, plus other generous paid leave
• Paid Time Off: December 27th to 31st