Labour and Employee Relations Specialist

ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
   

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Acts as primary contact for day-to-day inquiries on labour/employee issues providing advice and guidance on the interpretation and administration of collective agreements and any employee relations matters.
• Upholds good communications and cooperative working relationship with labour representatives, fosters positive and proactive labour meetings, and makes recommendations for improving and increasing communications with Union partners.
• Provides guidance, advice, and support on a broad range of employee and labour relations matters such as dealing with complaints, performance management, discipline, termination, absenteeism, etc.   As appropriate, reviews findings and recommendations with the Lead, Employee and Labour Relations.
• Leads employee relations investigations, prepares reports and supporting documentation as required, and makes recommendations for appropriate action to be taken.  Leads the implementation of approved action plans.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant policies and legislation.
• Manages/coordinates required labour and employee relations documentation; follows up on outstanding documentation, ensuring that records are complete and in accordance with Regional standards and procedures.
• Participates in grievance, arbitration, conciliation, and mediation proceedings and assists in the preparation of required documentation.
• Provides support to Employee Health & Safety Unit on investigations and matters related to employee accommodation and sick leave.
• Assesses/identifies emerging business or people trends and recommends appropriate solutions to the Lead, Labour & Employee Relations.
• Acts as an agent of change, enabling talent building, organizational effectiveness, ongoing development and cultural transformation; is a catalyst for honest conversations and cultural change.
• Liaises with internal and external partners to discuss and share employee and labour relations best practices.
   

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Degree from a recognized university with specialization in Human Resources or Labour Relations or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience directly related to labour and employee relations, in complex public or private sector unionized work environments. 
• Strong HR generalist background with extensive labour relations experience dealing with grievances, mediations, arbitrations, investigations and contract negotiations.
• Excellent knowledge of employment and labour law in Ontario including relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations. 
• Ability to demonstrate the Region’s core competencies.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. As an alternative, you can apply via e-mail to careers@york.ca .

All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.