EXCLUDED SR. LABOUR RELATIONS CONSULTANT, BCGEU
REGULAR/FULL-TIME/HYBRID
Position: Regular/Full-Time/Hybrid
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Director, Human Resources
Location: BURNABY, BC
Salary: $144
Deadline:
To be considered for this role, applications MUST be submitted online.
Join one of BC’s Largest Unions:
Be part of the labour movement with great employee benefits and a healthy work/life balance!
BCGEU thanks all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada and are residents of the Province of BC.
THE ORGANIZATION
The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with over 90,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sector. We trace our beginnings back to the early 1900s when provincial government employees formed an association to address their working conditions. Since then, our union has organized thousands of workers outside the government service. We’re continuing to grow.
The BCGEU believes that every worker is entitled to union representation and free collective bargaining without discrimination. Collective bargaining rights are human rights.
We strive to eliminate barriers to members’ involvement and inclusion in union activity. All people are entitled to enjoy human rights, political freedom, quality public services, democratic government, and a sustainable environment, in a just society. The BCGEU commits to social justice, equality, workplace safety, decent wages and working conditions. We will pursue social, economic, and political justice as those are the goals upon which the labour movement was founded.
BCGEU offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. But a job is more than a pay cheque. We also offer our staff the opportunity to work together to make a difference. When employees go home at the end of the day, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped provide justice and fairness for British Columbians. And while they’re here, employees can take advantage of many opportunities:
In-house training, and training at other institutions, for courses related to employees’ current positions or to prepare them for advancement within BCGEU.
Wellness programs including programs to help employees quit smoking, free flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch-and-learn lectures and seminars.
Recognition programs including long-term service awards
An active Social Club that organizes special events like seasonal parties and arranges group discounts to other events.
Participation in community and charitable events.
** Please note: Eligibility for benefits offered is based on employment status **
Position Summary
Job Summary:
The Senior Labour Relations Consultant will play a pivotal role in fostering positive labour relations within our organization. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, this role is responsible for leading complex labour relations initiatives, representing the employer at grievances and arbitrations, and guiding the organization through collective bargaining and negotiations for the renewal of two collective agreements. This individual will also design and implement policies and procedures that align with collective agreements and applicable legislation, ensuring compliance and promoting organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in labour relations, a proven ability to navigate complex legal and organizational landscapes, and exceptional communication and leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Grievance & Arbitration Management
Represent the organization in all grievance and arbitration processes, including preparing cases, coordinating with legal counsel when required, and presenting before arbitrators.
Facilitates and advises on conflict resolution processes and legal proceedings, including those related to grievances, disputes, job action, mediation, arbitrations, and investigations, as well as board, tribunal, and provincial court matters.
Negotiates resolutions and settlements, prepares formal documentations and ensuring the implementation of legal decisions
Collective Bargaining & Negotiations
Lead the collective bargaining process for the renewal of two collective agreements, developing strategies, conducting negotiations, and finalizing agreements.
Collaborate with union representatives to maintain positive working relationships while safeguarding the organization’s interests.
Prepare and present regular updates and reports to senior leadership on labour relations activities, risks, and outcomes.
Policy Development & Legal Compliance
Design, implement, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with collective agreements, legislative requirements, and organizational goals.
Monitor compliance with collective agreements and legislation, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.
Carry out legal and other labour relations research, and advises on appropriate application to day-to-day labour relations activities, bargaining and initiatives.
Advisory & Training
Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and leaders on labour relations issues, including contract interpretation, discipline, performance management, and dispute resolution.
Develop and deliver training for managers and leaders on labour relations topics, including contract administration, conflict resolution, and effective communication with unionized employees.
Labour Relations Strategy & Emerging Trends
Stay informed of emerging trends and changes in labour law, collective bargaining practices, and labour relations strategies to ensure organizational readiness and compliance.
Analyze and advise senior leadership on risks and opportunities related to labour relations activities and policies\
Key Success Factor:
Ensure compliance with collective agreements and labour legislation, addressing potential issues proactively.
Successfully manage grievance and arbitration cases with a focus on resolving disputes in a timely and effective manner.
Lead and support successful collective bargaining efforts, resulting in positive agreements for the organization.
Provide clear, concise, and timely advice to leadership on complex labour relations issues.
Foster positive relationships with union representatives and other internal stakeholders.
Education & Relevant Experience:
Law degree (LLB or JD) with a focus on labour law or equivalent relevant legal training
Minimum 5 to 7 years’ experience in human resources, with strong emphasis on labour relations in a large, complex, multi-union environment
Extensive experience representing employers in grievances and arbitrations within a unionized environment.
Proven expertise in leading collective bargaining negotiations, including developing strategies and proposals for collective agreement renewals.
Experience designing and implementing policies and procedures in alignment with collective agreements and relevant legislation.
Advanced knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and techniques of labour relations, with emphasis on conflict resolution and related legal proceedings, collective bargaining, and collective agreement interpretation
Strong background in labour relations, including dispute resolution, union engagement, and managing complex cases.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Labour Relations Expertise: In-depth knowledge of labour relations principles, including grievance handling, arbitration, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution.
Policy Development: Ability to design, implement, and communicate HR policies and procedures that align with collective agreements and relevant legislation.
Legislative Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of labour legislation, employment standards, and legal precedents that impact unionized workplaces.
Negotiation Skills: Exceptional ability to develop and execute bargaining strategies, ensuring productive negotiations and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Representation Skills: Demonstrated ability to represent the employer effectively in grievance and arbitration proceedings, including preparing submissions, gathering evidence, and presenting cases.
Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.
Leadership and Collaboration: Proven ability to lead and collaborate with internal teams, union representatives, and external stakeholders to foster productive working relationships.
Analytical Skills: Strong capability to analyze complex labour relations issues and develop innovative, legally sound solutions.
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and quality.
Conflict Resolution: Expertise in managing sensitive issues, including providing advice to managers and leaders on labour relations matters to mitigate risks and resolve disputes effectively.
If you are a highly skilled labour lawyer with a passion for navigating complex labour relations landscapes, driving effective negotiations, and fostering organizational growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Indigenous candidates are welcome to connect with an Indigenous team member in our organization to discuss the recruitment process and our workplace, please contact mele.rana@bcgeu.ca to arrange a call.
How to Apply:
Please review the attached job description for a complete list of duties, qualifications and competencies. To be considered for this competition, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume clearly identifying how they meet the qualifications necessary for this position. This information will be used as part of the selection process.
Please include only one attachment with your application. If you need to include both a cover letter and a resume, combine them into a single file before uploading. Please reference the Position Title and the Job ID in the subject line when submitting your application.
Please Review the Job Description Prior To Applying
If you are passionate about what you do and want to use your expertise to engage in meaningful and challenging work, please apply to join our team today at recruitment@bcgeu.ca.
Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected
At BCGEU, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities and Disabled People, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@bcgeu.ca.
