PRIMARY PURPOSE
Provides advice and guidance to managers and supervisors in the interpretation and application of the collective agreements and related Letters of Understanding on such topics as discipline, performance management, medical/ rehabilitation placements and other labour relations related issues such as staffing, classification and organizational change management; participates in the collective bargaining process; represents management in the Conflict Resolution process including labour and classification grievances, appeals and/ or expedited arbitrations; and participates in the formulation and delivery of tactical plans to further the corporation’s labour relations objectives, assist in the early identification and resolution of issues and fosters a positive union-management environment for assigned facets of the organization.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Provides advice and guidance to managers and supervisors in the day-to-day interpretation, application, administration and resolution of issues falling under the Unifor, MoveUP (COPE) and CUPE collective agreements including related Letters of Understanding:
Represents management in resolving issues with the unions; analyses identified issues; ensures adherence to the applicable collective agreement, Letters of Understanding, past practice, consistency of interpretation and application, and defensibility of proposed solutions; researches precedents and interprets impacts; identifies concerns and recommends resolutions; ensures consistency of recommendations with all applicable legislation, policies, etc.; refers high impact issues as required,
Liaises with management and researches background information on grievances; writes reports; presents strategies, arguments and obtains management agreement; costs and recommends settlement options; exercises authority to negotiate agreements within management approved parameters; prepares grievance responses; represents the Company at expedited arbitrations and other administrative tribunals such as the Labour Relations Board (LRB) and prepares and provides case for contracted counsel’s presentation including direct and cross examinations of witnesses as well as closing arguments,
Provides advice and guidance in the informal resolution of workplace issues including harassment, staffing selection, performance and attendance management and organizational change prior to these issues becoming formal grievances,
Analyses proposals for exclusion and challenges to the status of specific jobs; prepares cases and negotiates with the union or presents arguments to the Labour Relations Board,
Gathers or coordinates compilation of Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy (FOI/POP) materials; reviews, vetts and recommends release or identifies issues and concerns and recommends and substantiates severing of specific information per the legislation,
Participates in the development of options and provides advice with regard to union issues about potential medical and rehabilitation placements, the duty to accommodate and cross-jurisdictional issues; liaises with the union on various placement issues including negotiating appropriate salary treatments,
Attends a variety of seminars and courses to maintain currency on trends and developments in the discipline.
2. Participates in the collective bargaining process:
Researches and assesses the impact of workplace issues, industry developments, precedents and legislation on the Company; identifies potential trends and developments in grievances, etc.; researches historical practices; conducts cost-benefit analyses,
Participates in the establishment of bargaining strategies and preparation of agendas including analyzing management’s corporate objectives and their relationship to the collective bargaining process,
Analyses and assists management in the development of proposals; identifies and recommends additional agenda items,
May be required to conduct negotiations at component tables (including Letters of Understanding); chairs bargaining sub-committees; analyses union proposals; recommends contract package for component parts for acceptance during bargaining process as applicable and exercises authority to authorize negotiated terms within pre-arranged mandate,
Drafts appropriate collective agreement language; ensures that the intent and application of proposed wording is thoroughly understood by all concerned parties,
Prepares overviews on negotiated settlements for ratification by both parties; proofs agreement; arranges printing and disseminates; conducts post-bargaining information sessions.\
3. Participates in the formulation and delivery of tactical plans to further the Company’s labour relations objectives and develop a positive labour relations environment:
Participates on a variety of joint committees formed to address corporate-wide labour relations issues on either an ongoing or project basis such as spareboard, return to work, relationship enhancement and attendance management,
Liaises with union representatives on an ongoing basis to identify and resolve potential issues or concerns,
Develops and delivers management overviews, manager and supervisor orientation and ad hoc workshops and training seminars on such matters as disciplinary standards, performance review, attendance management and the collective agreement or component parts; identifies new or revised training needs and updates accordingly,
Participates in the research and drafting of proposed corporate policies and procedures to ensure consistency of practice on non-bargained subjects.
4. Performs a variety of administrative functions:
Drafts revisions and updates to various manuals,
Obtains estimates and selects counsel; directs and approves the establishment of retainer letters,
Assigns work and provides functional direction and guidance to the Labour Relations Analyst and Confidential Assistant.
