Job Description & How to Apply Below
Overview The Director of Labour Relations is a senior leadership role responsible for the AUPE’s collective bargaining strategy, oversight of negotiations, and the planning and implementation of essential services. The position brings together the Negotiations and Essential Services functions into a unified Labour Relations Department, with a mandate to coordinate strategically and deliver strong outcomes for members. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as a key strategic advisor to senior leadership and elected officials, playing a central role in securing strong collective agreements, navigating complex labour relations environments, and ensuring legislative compliance.
Through collaborative leadership, deep labour relations expertise, and principled advocacy, the Director strengthens members’ rights, enhances organizational capacity, and advances AUPE’s priorities in an evolving political, legal, and economic landscape.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Impact
Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for AUPE’s Labour Relations Department.
Build an integrated, high-performing team aligned with union values and organizational priorities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and elected leadership on labour relations strategy, risk, and opportunities.
Contribute to long-term organizational planning, policy development, and governance initiatives.
Represent AUPE in high-level discussions with employers, government bodies, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.
Collective Bargaining & Negotiations
Lead and oversee AUPE’s collective bargaining strategy across sectors and bargaining units.
Provide strategic direction to staff negotiators regarding bargaining mandates, settlement strategies, and risk management.
Guide the development of evidence-based proposals informed by research, member priorities, and labour market trends.
Oversee research and analysis of employer strategies, economic conditions, and sectoral developments.
Support and guide dispute resolution processes, including mediation, arbitration, and strike preparation.
Lead and manage complex, high-stakes labour relations matters requiring senior-level expertise.
Ensure consistency, quality, and alignment across bargaining tables and agreements.
Essential Services Planning & Implementation
Provide executive oversight of essential services negotiations and agreements.
Direct AUPE’s essential services strategy to ensure legislative compliance while protecting members’ right to meaningful job action.
Advise union leadership on legal, operational, and strategic implications of essential services designations.
Coordinate internal planning and preparedness for labour disputes.
Balance public interest obligations with union leverage and member protections.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting essential services and strike activity.
Labour Relations Governance & Compliance
Ensure organizational compliance with applicable labour legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Oversee collective agreement administration, grievance handling, and arbitration processes.
Provide strategic oversight on precedent-setting cases and legal matters.
Establish and maintain best practices in labour relations risk management.
Strengthen internal policies, systems, and frameworks reporting effective labour relations operations.
People Leadership & Capacity Building
Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of labour relations professionals.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
Build organizational capacity through coaching, succession planning, and professional development.
Promote inclusive leadership practices and respectful workplace culture.
The Person The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic insight, labour relations expertise, and values-driven leadership.
Qualifications & Experience
Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related discipline.
Significant senior-level experience in labour relations within a unionized environment, preferably within the labour movement.
Extensive experience leading…
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