Employee & Labour Relations Specialist

Maple Lodge Farms, Canada’s largest and most trusted chicken provider is looking for a Employee & Labour Relations Specialist

Interested in joining Canada’s largest poultry processor? At Maple Lodge Farms, we’re not only passionate about our chickens, but our people, too. We operate to the latest in technological, health and safety, and quality standards. With rapid expansion over the years, and continued innovation and investment in growth, we’re looking for committed, team players to join the Maple Lodge family. As a proudly family-owned Canadian company, we’re passionate about what we do. If you’re a committed team player, we would love to have you as part of our Human Resources team.

**What you will get to do**:

- Manages day-to-day operations of labour relations matters including interpretation and compliance of CBA, performance management, employment legislation and any related internal policies and procedures.
- Participates in and coordinates labour relations related procedures such as grievance meetings, arbitrations, and mediations. Prepares/assists in the distribution of related documentation in consultation with Operations team.
- Responsible for updating the grievance report and provide metrics.
- Responsible for arbitration preparation by combining all the necessary background information.
- Supports operations team on employee relations matters, including but not limited to step 1 grievance meetings, short/long-term absenteeism and terminations.
- Receives and investigates all employee and labour relations complaints, including workplace violence and harassment, CBA/ESA violations and human rights complaints.
- Prepares labour relations related documentation, including, minutes of settlement, disciplinary letters and terminations for union employees.
- Provides excellent customer service while developing and maintaining cooperative and positive working relationships with all key stakeholders
- Promotes equality and diversity as part of the company culture.

**Your education & experience matters to us**:

- Minimum two to five years’ experience in a similar role within a unionized environment required
- Experience in agri-food or food processing preferred
- In-depth working knowledge of HR related legislation, including but not limited to the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA); Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA) etc.
- Ability to influence and challenge.
- Proven ability to handle confidential and contentious issues;
- Demonstrated competency in several aspects of HR (i.e. succession planning, performance management, labour relations, coaching, etc.);
- Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and effective multi-tasking is essential
- CHRL or equivalent work experience.

**Culture & work environment**:

- This position is on-site working with a great team, with occasional visits to the plant.

**Accessibility statement**:
**In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants are required to make their needs known in advance.**

**REQUIREMENTS**:

- Minimum two to five years experience in a similar role within a unionized environment required
- CHRL or equivalent work experience.
- Experience in agri-food or food processing preferred

In the 1830s, the May family began raising chickens on a farm outside what is now Brampton, Ontario. They became a pillar of the community, and their proud tradition of hard work, agricultural wisdom, and humble family values inspire and guide us to this day.