Labour Relations Advisor (Permanent)

Summary of Duties

• Work with Principals, Managers and Senior Staff to research the facts regarding grievances;
• Represent the Board at meetings with union officials to resolve arbitrations, before the hearing;
• Draft responses to grievances;
• Represent the Board at mediation and arbitration hearings on unresolved/unsettled grievances;
• Liaise with internal and/or external legal counsel to prepare for hearings;
• Liaise with the Employee Relations Officers in support staff on issues arising from grievances and arbitrations;
• Make decisions on when and whether matters should be settled and on the language which is to be included in any settlement documents including consideration of the full cost to TDSB of any settlement;
• Work with the Co-ordinating Superintendent in preparation for and at Collective Bargaining. This includes research, preparation of Board bargaining proposals, analysis of Union bargaining proposals, etc.;
• Act as spokesperson and/or member of bargaining team(s);
• Provide in-service to stakeholder groups (Superintendents, Principals, Senior Managers and Managers); and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in related field (e.g. Industrial Relations, Human Resources) with five years progressively responsible labour relations experience in a complex, unionized environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Sound knowledge of employment and labour law;
• Successful labour relations experience including experience as a spokesperson in collective bargaining;
• Demonstrated knowledge of labour relations, (grievance and arbitration process), negotiations and employment legislation (Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc.);
• Highly developed analytical/interpretive and problem solving skills;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) to prepare Board responses on a wide variety of issues and communicate them to a variety of stakeholders (e.g. management, union representatives);
• Strong facilitation, conflict resolution, problem solving, negotiation and presentation skills;
• Strong leadership and team building skills;
• Excellent project management skills and time management skills;
• Proven ability to prepare accurate reports and summaries; and
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail, internet, and employee information systems.

Special Requirements

• Travel across TDSB to various meetings.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends sometimes with no notice. Periodically this may be for extended periods including weekends.

Assets: