Manager, Labour Relations

Job Description

Are you a dynamic Human Resources leader with experience leading labour relations activities in a unionized workplace with multiple collective agreements? Do you have the ability to mentor, influence, consult and problem solve to provide effective labour relations guidance in a complex and changing environment? Are you passionate about exceptional health care and driven by a desire to help others?

If so, take a look at this rewarding career opportunity working alongside a supportive and collaborative team of over 9,000 regulated health care and other professionals. We are amid a momentous time for health care in Ontario as we move to a more connected health care system through the Ontario Health Teams model of care.

Ontario Health at Home is looking for an experienced leader in Labour Relations to provide guidance, support and expert level advice to local HR teams across the province on employee and labour relations matters while ensuring compliance to relevant legislation, Ontario Health at Home policies and procedures and collective agreement/s. The Manager, Labour Relations provides strategic leadership for complex issues including the interpretation of multiple collective agreements, collective bargaining, grievances/arbitration, mediation, employment/human rights legislation, disciplinary matters, contingency planning, and workplace investigations. In addition to providing advanced labour support to the organization and building upon current best practices, the position provides strategic HR support to organizational wide committees, projects and policy development. The role also leads the collection, maintenance, monitoring and analysis of Labour Relations information, including tracking of grievances and disputes resolutions.

What do we offer?

We know wellness is supported with work-life balance. In an inclusive culture committed to support your passion for continuous learning, growth and innovation, we offer:

• Attractive comprehensive compensation packages and benefits
• Valuable development opportunities
• Membership in a world class defined benefit pension plan
• Hybrid work model (subject to change)
• Flexible work location - this position can be located at any of the Ontario Health at Home offices

What will you do?

• Provides expert-level knowledge and experience through specialized and strategic advice/consultation regarding complex employee and labor relations issues, including the interpretation of Collective Agreements, policies and employment legislative requirements.
• Provides coordinating support for bargaining from preparation to ratification.
• Develops and implements recommendations regarding compliance with common emerging themes related to legislated areas, e.g. collective agreement interpretation and administration, employment law and training design requirements.
• Mentors, coaches and provides leadership to colleagues, developing recommendations, implementing solutions and ensuring quality in service delivery.
• Interprets and administers collective agreements with respect to provincial initiatives including OHTs and other models of care.
• Provides coaching regarding staff complaints and grievances and assists with investigations of complaints/grievances, ensuring Due Process is followed.
• Documents investigations and recommends appropriate disciplinary action as necessary.
• Assists in leading the grievance process through research, grievance preparation, drafts grievance responses and minutes of settlement including mediation, arbitration and legal consultation.
• Works in conjunction with local HR Directors and/or legal counsel in the preparation of grievance cases for Arbitration related to sector wide /common issues.
• Prepares for and participates in meetings with representatives from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Labour and other related Ontario regulatory bodies.
• Tracks and maintains bargaining activity across the sector, including supporting local and centralized bargaining process including monitoring status.
• Tracks and monitors employee relations activities to ensure analysis of risks and mitigation strategies to support successful transition to OHTs.
• Anticipates potential disputes and surfaces possible mitigation strategies as required.
• Reviews key metrics to measure employee relations success and develops solutions to enable positive outcomes in alignment with modernizing healthcare.
• Navigates between non-union and bargaining unit employees to provide guidance and advice for terminations and performance issues.
• Provides leadership for the collective bargaining process, developing proposals to maximize operational needs.
• Maintains records of collective bargaining items for preparation and proposal development.
• Provides guidance and information on benefits programs as they relate to Labour Relations.
• Provides coordinating support related to Contingency Planning for all relevant work disruption activities.
• Manages complex and sensitive workplace situations, including terminations and complicated equity concerns.

What must you have?

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Labour Relations or Human Resources focus is preferred or a degree in a related field with a post graduate diploma/certificate in Human Resources Management (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Certified Human Resources Professional designation and/or CEBS/CCP certification an asset
• 5 to 7 years of recent related experience in Human Resources, with at least 2 years recent and related experience specializing in Labour Relations in a unionized environment
• Full understanding and demonstrated working knowledge of relevant legislation, (e.g. Employment Standards Act, Ontario Labour Relations Act, The Ontario Human Rights Code)
• Proven negotiation and collective bargaining experience
• Expertise in the interpretation and administration of collective agreements
• Experience in leading grievance and arbitration processes and managing workplace investigations
• Ability to coach, influence, mentor, consult and problem solve to provide effective labour relations guidance
• Expertise in managing conflict situations in complex scenarios, with an ability to recognize differing perspectives that will impact business unit and corporate wide outcomes
• Demonstrated tact and sound professional judgment when responding to matters concerning sensitive information
• Excellent analytical and interpretation skills in order to ensure compliance between the collective agreement and internal policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a dynamic team of professionals in an ever-changing, fast paced customer focused environment
• Ability to deal with highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential manner
• Good facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to present technical data in non-technical terms to different audiences
• Experience in developing and conducting employee / labour relations training is an asset
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate requirements, policies and programs to employees and management
• Highly effective interpersonal skills with proven ability to build strong, trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders often under challenging circumstances
• Sensitive to working in a culturally diverse environment and ensuring differences are respected
• Change management skills to identify support needed to achieve objectives
• Adept in the use of MS Office applications
• Ability to communicate in French or another language is an asset

We have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to start date.

Who are we?

We are Ontario Health at Home, ready to serve every person in Ontario. We partner with patients and caregivers, family physicians, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, service providers and Ontario Health Teams, to deliver responsive, accessible, integrated, patient-centred care.

Why join us?

If you’re interested in driving excellence in care and service delivery, and seeking an unparalleled opportunity to lead and learn, partner and connect, care and be cared for, this is your home.

Salary

$108,339 to $129,362 annually

Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Commitment

Ontario Health at Home is committed to a culture of equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism. We are committed to attracting, engaging and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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