Employee Labour Relations Consultant

Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations, the Employee and Labour Relations Consultant provides consultation services, support, and leadership to Toronto Hydro and its subsidiaries on all matters relating to Labour and Employee Relations. The incumbent also acts as a subject matter expert relating to the interpretation and application of Toronto Hydro’s Collective Agreements, assists with arbitration and grievance preparation, and assists with preparation for contract negotiations.

The incumbent is expected to behave ethically and follow the established code of business conduct, policies and internal control procedures, laws and regulations governing Toronto Hydro.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:                                           

• Provide expert advice, support, and consultation on a broad range of employee and labour relations matters to management staff
• Provide expert advice and guidance regarding the administration, interpretation, and application of Toronto Hydro’s collectives agreements, and the handling of complaints and/or grievances for both union and non-union staff
• Perform thorough grievance and complaint investigations; obtain relevant documentation and data by conducting interviews; take the necessary steps to resolve issues
• Act as a subject matter expert regarding employee case management, attendance, disciplines, and terminations
• Assist with preparation for contract negotiations by conducting research to develop data and recommendations to support negotiations strategies and objectives
• Liaise with department management and designated union representatives to foster active and constructive communications and working relationships
• Develop and conduct workshops and engagement sessions on labour relations and related issues to increase Managers’ competency in managing labour relations matters
• Assist with meetings with union officials for the purpose of dealing with union complaints and grievances, taking appropriate actions to ensure management rights are upheld and preparing letters as required;
• Maintain a thorough awareness of trends in employee and labour relations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in Business, HR, or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years’ experience on matters related to interpreting collective agreements, contract administration, and grievance and arbitration preparation
• CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) considered an asset
• Masters in Industrial Relations (MIR) preferred
• Experience in a unionized environment with a focus on Employee / Labour Relations
• A history of successful, positive, union-management relationships, and demonstration of a cooperative and consultative approach to achieving goals and objectives and resolving issues
• Expert knowledge in collective agreement interpretation and administration, including preparing for arbitrations and grievances
• A working knowledge of labour and employment law
• Ability to work both interdependently and independently; self-motivated
• Broad working knowledge of all aspects of human resources management
• Conflict management, negotiation, and mediation skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills, including information seeking skills, ability to gather and synthesize data, and systems analysis skills
• Strong relationship and consulting skills; ability to manage complex interpersonal relationships
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation, facilitation, and active listening)
• A well-developed business acumen
• Skill in policy development and interpretation
• Excellent project and time management skills