Academic Labour Relations Advisor (J0426-0575)

Job Summary
Reporting to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Academic Labour Relations Advisor (“Advisor”) provides effective services and assistance in labour relations to university administrators through the administration of policies, procedures and collective agreements. This includes assisting the Director with analysis and strategic advice to all levels of management regarding academic labour relations issues. The Advisor is responsible for the day-to-day administration of collective agreements and apprises the Director, and Senior Labour Relations Advisor of major issues and significant developments that arise.

Job Description
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides day-to-day administration of academic collective agreements, maintains the official copy of collective agreements and preserves the history, and the record of precedents, pertaining to the interpretation of collective agreements.
• Serves as first line of support to academic administrators seeking guidance on interpretation of collective agreements and regarding workplace issues.
• Supports the efficient operation of various labour-management committees or subcommittees by taking minutes, assisting chairs to develop agendas, and managing scheduling.
• Assumes key role in support of collective bargaining, serving on university’s bargaining team and/or advisory team, and/or in the back room preparing draft proposals, responses, counter-proposals, memoranda of agreement documenting tentative agreements, and the finalization of collective agreements so that they can be posted and printed.
• Supports Faculty Relations office in its handling of grievances, and in its capacity as a receiving office, in respect of reports and complaints filed pursuant to university policies and procedures.
• Advises management on the appropriate strategies to use in dealing with labour and employee relations issues such as discipline, performance problems, etc.
• Participates in the development and delivery of management information sessions relating to various labour and faculty relations topics as well as University procedures.
• Responsible for the management and coordination of special projects as assigned, including, but not limited to, conducting background research, making recommendations and coordinating implementation.
• May be assigned responsibility, solely or in concert with others, involving validation or review of data and preparing reports to unions.
• Fulfills other duties as assigned in support of the Faculty Relations office

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Post-secondary degree in relevant area combined with several years working in a highly unionized Human Resources environment, with a particular focus on Labour Relations matters. Master’s Degree (completed or in progress) in Industrial Relations (MIR) or other relevant post-graduate degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge in areas of human resources and labour relations administration, as well as employment and labour legislation and regulations.
• Solid understanding of university policies and procedures and collective agreements considered to be asset.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the Faculty Relations team, and the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic).
• Demonstrated computer expertise with Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Previous experience with PeopleSoft considered an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Respects diversity and promotes equity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.
• Independent thinker and sound judgment with the ability to problem solve in highly stressful or sensitive situations
• Effective organizational and administrative skills with the ability to cope with multiple demands, manage and execute competing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Excellent English communication (oral and written) and presentation skills, combined with an ability to relay information in a clear and effective manner
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret information, draw conclusions and make recommendations, combined with a strong aptitude for detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated capability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, handle issues with tact, discretion, diplomacy and provide practical insight or advice in a professional manner in confidential or sensitive labour relations issues
• Self-motivated, results-driven and able to work on own, while simultaneously contributing as a team member

DECISION MAKING:
• Makes recommendations in determining the strategy/approach the University will use in grievance meetings, understanding risk or impact to university employees and/or operational decisions.
• Assists the Director and Senior Advisor in determining the best strategy or approach the University will use in resolving disputes, including grievances and other litigated matters
• Interprets collective agreement language and policies of the university and advises academic administrators accordingly (including Deans, Associate Deans, staffing officers, HR managers,

department heads). Understands how interpretations can create precedents and produce long-term consequences for the University.
• Helps determine the content and delivery method of information training sessions in collaboration with the Director and Senior Advisor
• Determines appropriate problem-solving procedures and decides how to best to rectify. Decides if a problem should be referred to others and escalates accordingly.
• Allocates time, prioritizes tasks and determines workflow. Continually assesses and adjusts priorities and manages tasks in a fast-paced, time-sensitive and demanding environment.