Manager, Labour Relations

Are you an experienced Manager of Labor Relations with a talent for navigating complex employee relations and fostering a fair, respectful workplace? Do you excel at managing union relationships, interpreting collective agreements, and providing strategic guidance that supports both employees and organizational goals? If you thrive in dynamic settings and want to be part of a growing team and company, we want to hear from you!

The Universal Group, recognized as one of Canada’s best-managed companies in 2023, has an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Labor Relations to join our Human Resources team. Reporting to the Director, Labour Relations and Human Resources Operations, the Manager serves as a trusted and expert resource for managers and employees, offering guidance on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, workplace policies, and labour laws, over multiple provincial jurisdictions including BC, ON, and QC. This position is responsible for overseeing and handling workplace investigations, employee grievances, participating in collective bargaining processes, and promoting best practices in labour and employee relations to ensure compliance, consistency, and fairness across the organization.

What you will be responsible for:

1. Labour Relations
   • Interpret and provide advice on the application of collective agreements to ensure compliance and consistency in labour relations practices.
   • Lead investigations of routine and complex workplace issues including allegations of bullying and harassment.
   • Respond to employee and union grievances, working collaboratively with managers and union representatives.
   • Participate in collective bargaining preparation and negotiations.
   • Develop and deliver training to managers on labour relations principles and effective communication.
   • Draft and revise Company policies that promote the intended workplace culture.
   • Act as a facilitator in labour disputes, providing a neutral perspective.
   • Prepare and maintain accurate records related to grievances and labour relations issues.
   • Collaborate with the HR team on complex employee relations matters.
   • Stay informed of labour relations trends and provide proactive advice.
2. Employee Relations
   • Enhance compliance with workplace policies and labour laws.
   • Lead and support the Human Resources program life-cycle.
   • Drive leadership development to enhance management capability.
   • Assist the HR Department with special projects.
   • Provide support in any other areas incidental to Labour Relations and Human Resources functions.

What you get from us:

• Extended healthcare benefits available after probation.
• Opportunity to work for a large, growing company with room for promotion.
• An RRSP matching plan.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Hybrid office: regular work-from-home days.

What we need from you:

• Must be bilingual in French and English.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labour Law, or a related field.
• Masters degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in labour relations in complex unionized environments.
• 2-3 years experience in delivering full-suite HR functions is preferred.
• Expertise in interpreting collective agreements and labour laws.
• Strong conflict and relationship management skills.
• Highly organized with analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills in complex environments.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team.

Why Universal Group?

The Universal Group is driven by our purpose to provide Peace of Mind to both our clients and team members. Our people embrace our core values of being ‘Passionate, Authentic, and Driven’ in everything we do.

The safety of our team members and the public is what drives us every day.

The Universal Group is an industry leader in traffic control services, traffic management planning, and more. We manage projects from conception to completion.

For more information about the company, please visit our Indeed Profile!

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Universal Group is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics.

Apply today; we can’t wait to hear from you. Come grow with us!

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