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Labour & Employment Relations Advisor

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Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.

We are one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara. Brock has been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity compiled by Forbes and Statista. We are an inclusive, welcoming community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities.

Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

Post End Date:

April 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM

This job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Administrative Professional (Employee Group)

*Please Note: This is a 12-month fixed term contract with benefits.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Manager, Labour and Employment Relations, this position provides critical advice and expertise in assigned areas of responsibility, with a view to creating and maintaining constructive and principled relationships with the University’s unions (including union leadership) and non-union employees. This is accomplished by interpreting relevant policies, legislation and collective agreements in order to properly advise stakeholders.

The Labour and Employment Relations Advisor will:

Advise supervisors, managers and the Office of People & Culture (HR) colleagues on the interpretation of relevant policies, collective agreements, legislation (e.g. Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, etc.) and other terms and conditions of employment, ensuring that all relevant legislated, collective agreement and policy driven obligations of the University are met;
Act as the first point of contact in the Office of People & Culture for employee and labour relations issues, responding as necessary and escalating to management where appropriate;
Support the resolution of complaints and grievances by conducting investigations, as well as grievance hearings and preparing materials for arbitration as required and assigned;
Coach and advise supervisors and managers on issues related to employee performance management, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, policies and collective agreements;
Act as a member of the University’s bargaining committee for assigned union groups (subset of nine total) during the collective bargaining process, which includes conducting research, analyzing data, preparing proposals;
Participate in the resolution of issues related to (or that may lead to) discipline and dismissal, including conducting workplace investigations as assigned.

Key Skills and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources, or Labour (Industrial) Relations or a related field;
Demonstrated experience in labour relations and relevant experience in human resources;
Knowledge of applicable employment legislation and an in-depth knowledge of managing the administration and application of collective agreements and policy interpretation;
Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution, including successfully resolving issues via complaint and grievance processes; ability to diffuse escalating situations and put people at ease;
Competent in use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, web applications and internet search engines;
Exceptional interpersonal skills, including effective verbal/written communication skills, adept listening skills along with facilitation, negotiation and influencing skills;
Ability to establish and maintain sound working relationships across the University;
Ability to confidently handle contentious matters with sensitivity, confidentiality, and balance;

Preferred or Asset Skills:

CHRP designation.

Salary and Total Rewards:

Job Grade M, Salary Scale $68,600 - $117,600*
Target Hiring Range: $68,600 - $77,000
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract position that includes:
Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact talent@brocku.ca  if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.

Average salary estimate

$93100 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$68600K

$117600K

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What You Should Know About Labour & Employment Relations Advisor, Brock University

Brock University is seeking a dedicated Labour & Employment Relations Advisor to join our team at the St. Catharines Main Campus. As an integral part of the Office of People & Culture, you will report to the Manager of Labour and Employment Relations, bringing your expertise to foster positive relationships with our unions and non-union staff. Your role will involve interpreting policies and collective agreements, providing guidance to managers, and resolving complaints and grievances. You'll be the go-to person for supporting the resolution of workplace issues, which includes conducting investigations and preparing materials for arbitration. We're looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, combined with demonstrated experience in labour relations and human resources. You’ll need strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to handle sensitive matters with care. At Brock University, we value an inclusive workplace, so we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. You will have access to a flexible work schedule and comprehensive benefits, along with opportunities for professional growth. If you're eager to contribute to a vibrant academic community and eager to make a difference in employment relations, consider joining us at Brock University, where we break through barriers and ignite possibilities together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Labour & Employment Relations Advisor Role at Brock University

What are the responsibilities of a Labour & Employment Relations Advisor at Brock University?

As a Labour & Employment Relations Advisor at Brock University, your primary responsibilities include providing expert advice on policies and collective agreements, assisting managers and HR colleagues, resolving employee grievances through investigations, and participating in the bargaining process. Each day, you will be vital in fostering positive employee relations and ensuring compliance with legislation and university policies.