Labour Relations Officer

Labour Relations Officer

Human Resource Services and Staff Well-Being

Immediate start date

**Salary**: $93, 347 to $105, 064

About 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.

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 Manager, Labour Relations, the Labour Relations Officer will be an integral part of a highly collaborative and consultative team that is committed to promoting a consultative and solution focused approach to labour relations. Grounded by the Ontario Human Rights Code, you will provide senior level professional advice and assistance with respect to labour & employee relations matters in a complex and muti-faceted unionized environment with a diverse group of internal and external partners.

The Labour Relations Officer will assist in promoting collaborative, harmonious relations between the Board and its employees through the negotiation, administration, and interpretation of collective agreements, as well as through fair and objective investigations, resolution of issues and disciplinary matters. The opportunity would be well suited for a practical and adaptable self-starter who thrives in environments of change who is committed to furthering reconciliation, Indigenous Cultural Safety, and dismantling all forms of discrimination and oppression.

**Duties include but are not limited to**:
Act as a lead/resource in the collective bargaining process, represent as a spokesperson at designated bargaining tables, conduct relevant research, coordinate key labour relations issues, provide expertise to facilitate the bargaining process and consider organizational implications.

Interpret and administer nine (9) collective agreements across a varied range of employee groups.

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.

Provide timely and accurate advice regarding labour relations, employment legislation, conflict resolution, grievance administration, investigations, policies and best practices to senior management, principals, and supervisory staff.

Establish and maintain positive and collaborative working environments by fostering effective working relationships with union officials and a variety of internal and external partners.

Act as a lead and provide resources in the administration of all steps of the grievance/arbitration process in accordance with the relevant collective agreements.

Lead workplace investigations related to misconduct, discrimination, harassment, violations of Board policies and procedures, legislation, and child protection complaints.

Maintain currency in legislation, conduct research and interpret case law, arbitration awards, and Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario decisions while assessing and identifying industry trends.

Provide one to one or group training with solid presentation and facilitation skills.

**Qualifications**:
University Degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management or equivalent as determined by the Board.

Professional designation (e.g. CHRP/CHRL or equivalent)preferred/in process of/willing to obtain.

Workplace investigations certificate required/in process of/willing to obtain.

Alternative Dispute Resolutions Certificate considered an asset.

Minimum five years of progressive labour relations experience in a complex multi-union and public sector environment, preferably in the education sector.

Comprehensive knowledge of labour relations, human resources practices and processes, negotiations, grievance arbitrations, investigations, human