Manager, Labour Relations

Manager, Labour Relations

Human Resource Services and Staff Well-Being

Grade 8 $121,638 to $136,907

A bout the Board

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to learning, equity, engagement and innovation. We are guided by our vision, Growing Together, the mission that every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future, and our values of Compassion, Dignity, Trust, and Joy to guide our daily work and ensure that we honour the unique identities and needs of all. Proudly serving a community of approximately 50,000 students in the City of Hamilton and surrounding area, HWDSB operates across 80 elementary schools, 13 secondary schools and 1 Adult Learning Centre, in addition to providing support and service to approximately 8,800 staff members. As the Board’s new Manager of Labour Relations, you will play a vital role in advancing the Board’s mission by acting as a trusted advisor and facilitator of change with the Board Trustees, Executive Council, school principals and vice-principals, managers, supervisors, union leaders and association chairs.

Staff Wellness

At HWDSB, staff wellness is a priority. We are committed to co-creating and fostering an environment where staff feel safe, valued, and supported. We are continuously striving to support the needs of our diverse community and actively work to foster and maintain a culture of human rights.

Our holistic Staff Wellness program has been designed to support employee’s well-being in all dimensions of health. As one part of this comprehensive program, all staff as well as their dependents have access to free and confidential supports through our Employee and Family Assistance Provider (EFAP), in addition to many other program components.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Manager Human Resource Services and Staff Well-Being, and grounded in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Manager of Labour Relations will join a dynamic, collaborative, and high-performing team of human resource professionals who are committed to the execution of strategies that advance organizational and employee effectiveness and performance. Serving as the Board’s spokesperson in labour negotiations, you are an experienced self-motivated leader who will develop and implement creative labour relations strategies and provide expert consultation related to collective agreement interpretation, employment legislation, investigations, job evaluation, grievance and arbitration processes, and all aspects of collective bargaining.

A key priority for HWDSB is seeking leaders - like you - who are committed to furthering reconciliation and Indigenous Cultural Safety. You are equally committed to using your positionality, power and privilege to engage in the active dismantling of all forms of discrimination and oppression acting as a change agent, you will empower others through empathy, respect and optimism while consistently challenging and confronting inequity and exclusion within current employment practices and actions.

**Duties include but are not limited to**:
Manage day to day functions related to the efficient operation and coordination of labour relations in accordance with Board policies, collective agreements, and legislative requirements.

Collaborate with the Human Rights and Equity Advisor and the Human Rights Office on various matters to implement policies and procedures and dismantle all forms of discrimination and oppression.

Facilitate and lead staff employment progressive discipline/investigations matters with all internal and external collaborators.

Responsible for compensation job evaluation maintenance plans in accordance with collective agreements and legislation requirements

Design and execute proactive labour relations strategies that support the Board’s strategic directions and priorities.

Lead a team of process experts to provide exemplary customer service for all staff and individuals who rely on the Human Resource Services division.

Build and maintain collaborative and productive working relationships with union partners that support student achievement and staff well-being.

Supervise all aspects of the grievance administration processes; identify and monitor key labour relations issues affecting the Board including the collection, analysis and interpretation of various statistical data.

Represent the Board at arbitration hearings, tribunals and the Labour Relations Board

Plan and coordinate all processes related to collective bargaining.

Act as spokesperson at designated collective bargaining tables.

Design and facilitate labour relations training for internal staff.

Support the creation of innovative solutions and implementation plans in collaboration with other divisions of Human Resource Services.

University degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or other related discipline with CHRL/CHRE designation preferred.

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