Employee Labour Relations Consultant

Reporting to the Manager, Labour & Employment Law, 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:                 

• Provides expert advice, support, and consultation on a broad range of employee and labour relations matters to management staff.
• Provides 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.
• Performs thorough employee and complaint investigations; obtain relevant documentation and data by conducting interviews; take the necessary steps to resolve issues.
• Acts as a subject matter expert regarding employee case management, attendance, discipline, and terminations.
• Provides guidance and support to human resources team on legal questions related to human resources matters and legislative interpretation.
• Assists with preparation for contract negotiations by conducting research to develop data and recommendations to support negotiations strategies and objectives.
• Assists with policy drafting, review, and rollout.
• Liaises with department management and designated union representatives to foster active and constructive communications and working relationships.
• Develops and conducts workshops and engagement sessions on labour relations and related issues to increase Managers’ competency in managing labour relations matters.
• Assists with meetings with union officials for the purpose of dealing with union complaints, grievances, and arbitrations, taking appropriate actions to ensure management rights are upheld and preparing responses as required.
• Maintains a thorough awareness of trends in employee and labour relations.

REQUIREMENTS:                           

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Business, Law, or related discipline.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience consulting on employee labour relations matters in a unionized environment. 
• CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) considered an asset.
• Experience in a unionized environment with a focus on Employee Labour Relations.
• Experience with interpretation of collective agreements, contract administration, and grievance/ arbitration preparation.
• 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.

 Toronto Hydro has implemented a mandatory vaccination requirement for all its employees. Proof of full vaccination will be required upon receiving a conditional offer of employment.  Toronto Hydro will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to disability or any other ground protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.