Labour Relations Specialist

Position Summary
Interior Health is looking for an experienced Labour Relations Specialist to join our team on a full time permanent basis.

This position offers a flexible work location from within British Columbia.

What we offer:
- Employee & Family Assistance Program
- Employer paid training/education opportunities
- Employer paid vacation
- Medical Services Plan
- Employer paid insurance premiums
- Extended health & dental coverage
- Municipal Pension Plan
- Work-life balance

Salary:
Salary range for the position is $88,990 to $127,923. Interior Health establishes salaries within the minimum and maximum of the salary range based on consideration of the qualifications, experience of the applicant, and an internal equity review of the salaries of other employees.

About the job:
In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, the Labour Relations (LR) Specialist is responsible and accountable for providing leadership in labour relations to the organization and providing strategic and operational labour relations advice within an assigned area in the Health Authority.

Specifically, the LR Specialist is responsible and accountable for consistent interpretation and application of collective agreements, as well as coordination and administration of labour relations practices, initiatives, and activities for Interior Health (IH). The LR Specialist is further responsible for the implementation and continuous improvement of labour relations practices and initiatives that enhance the efficient and effective delivery of health and prevention services within the Health Authority, while maintaining compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.

The LR Specialist is responsible for providing labour relations advice, guidance, support, and direction where applicable or appropriate, through effective partner consultation and engagement.

The LR Specialist promotes and fosters a consultative and problem-solving labour relations approach that contributes to the achievement of the goals and objectives of IH. The LR Specialist provides support to Employee Relations and the senior management team on complex/high-risk cases. In addition, the LR Specialist participates on and or leads HR special assignments, projects, and events that have Health Authority-wide application.

Typical duties and responsibilities:

• Provides labour relations leadership.

• Provides consultation, advice, and assistance to Employee Relations and senior leadership in the interpretation and administration of various collective agreements, employer policies, and other relevant legislation.

• At Arbitrations/Third Party Representations, including but not limited to acting as Lead Counsel (presenting the Employer’s case and Chief Spokesperson duties), advocates, mediates, and negotiates at all levels of arbitrations on behalf of IH.

• Represents the organization on grievances at Step/Stage 3, including case management, Step/Stage 3 meetings, and potential negotiations.

• Represents the organization at external investigations ensuring the organization’s values and integrity are upheld, while minimizing liability risk.

• Represents the organization at Human Rights Tribunals, the Labour Board, and other legal proceedings.

• Negotiates settlements and/or agreements with IH-wide implications.

• Handles and represents the organization on all policy grievances throughout the entire process.

• Advises Employee Relations on difficult, complex, and high-risk labour relations issues and, where appropriate, identifies the existence of such issues to minimize risk to the organization.

• Provides consultation and advice to Employee Relations and senior leadership to minimize risk to the organization of liability exposure based on collective agreement language, employment law, and common law jurisprudence.

• Provides interpretive guidance on collective agreement administration, employment law matters, and arbitration decisions.

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with regional and provincial union representatives and engages them in the advocacy, mediation, and negotiation of contract issues and grievances.

• Collaborates with key partners and HEABC to identify issues in preparation for bargaining.

• Works with HEABC to ensure consistency of Health Authority practice as it relates to labour relations and collective agreement application.

• Researches labour relations issues and provides IH-wide Labour Relations directives both formally and informally. Stays current with emerging Labour Relations trends and common law jurisprudence.

• Provides advice and coordinates all packages related to severance and notice of termination for excluded employees. Deals with any legal issues arising out of excluded termination including lawsuits.

• In alignment with IH’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, employees shall adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times and attend all required training. Employees are responsible to report any identified hazards, unsafe conditions or incidents to the manager or supervisor immediately.

• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

Qualfications
Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

Education, Training, and Experience
• A Bachelor’s degree in an area of HR Management and/or Organizational Behaviour.
• Seven to ten years of recent experience in labour relations in a large multi-union environment.
• A non-related degree, diploma, and experience in combination with a professional designation (CPHR) will be considered.

Skills and Abilities
• Advanced knowledge of Collective Agreements, IH policies and procedures, Human Rights, and labour law.
• Advanced mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• High level problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge and skill in preparing and presenting in third party environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with others at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to think systematically and strategically.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.