Labour Relations Advisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current public sector industrial relations, labour relations, strike/ business continuity planning, case law, collective agreements, employment legislation, and job evaluation and compensation issues, normally acquired through a Bachelor or Master’s degree in labour/ industrial relations or other related field, plus progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Pay Equity Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Human Rights Code. Knowledge of Regional job functions, occupations, and structures.
• Ability to analyze and understand financial implications of proposals, perform cost calculations, and present same in understandable formats. Ability to conduct fair, objective investigations and recommend consistent remedial action per collective agreements.
• Facilitation, negotiation, human relations, and communication skills to foster and maintain relations with unions; advise and persuade all levels of staff; mediate disputes, resolutions, and agreements; participate in/ chair negotiations; represent the Region's interests clearly, using political acumen (including at arbitration hearings); conduct training/ information sessions; represent the Region and liaise with police, security, and legal counsel during injunctions; use logical, clear, concise language to present and defend the Region's position and ensure others' understanding; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, interpret, and write collective agreement language, letters of understanding, reports, discipline letters, and memos. Ability to read, understand, and educate others on current and proposed labour legislation and regulations.
• Ability to analyse market conditions, union proposals, and procedures for collective agreement administration, and understand/ make decisions on collective agreement interpretation, contract negotiations, and grievance meetings.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work extended hours during and following contract negotiations, often at off-site locations.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.
• Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and to promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We invite all interested individuals to apply and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
• persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions
• For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please contact talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca , or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400. Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process: Region of Waterloo may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency during the recruitment process. However, applications will also be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. AI does not make final hiring decisions. Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).