Senior Advisor, Employee Relations

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Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $99,845 - $124,806

Number of positions to be filled :1

Final date to receive applications :10/16/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.

We’re proud to offer a workplace that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of Canadian society. At VIA Rail, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous Vacation, Parental, and Personal Leave
• Hybrid Work Options (role-dependent)
• Unlimited Access to Telemedicine Services
• Train Travel Privileges for You and Your Family
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Participation in Social Initiatives & Employee Resource Groups

The Senior Advisor, Employee Relations supports and progresses labour relations within the organization. As a labour expert, you will assist the Human Resources team and their client groups on a wide variety of labour relations issues. You will share your experience and knowledge with the intention of growing our leaders’ day-to-day management and labour relations capabilities. You will create and support strong relationships with our Unions and act as VIA Rail’s spokesperson during Collective Agreement negotiations.

• Act as the primary expert counsel support for Human Resource Business Partners (HRBPs) and our managers on all matters relating to employee relations matters for both unionized and management employees.
• Develop and deliver training for HRBPs and managers on various labour relations topics and management best practices with aim of improving their capabilities.
• Develop processes, procedures and job aids to assist HRBPs and managers in employee relations matters.
  Act as Spokesperson for collective bargaining and responsible for changes or amendments to the collective agreements.
• Ensure the consistent interpretation and application of collective agreements as well as current employment law issues for management.
• Assist in the negotiation and implementation of local agreements.
• Manage litigation files with the various authorities concerning executives and professionals.
• Support all policies and procedures including grievance responses, attendance management, duty to accommodate, harassment and workplace violence, disciplinary investigations and assessment of discipline.
• Build and support the relationship with our various Unions with aim of creating more collaborative labour relations.
• Proactively support resolution of disputes through meetings with Union Representatives, mediation/arbitration and preparation of files for arbitration.
• Acts as the Employee Relations Representative for corporate projects and change management initiatives.
• Monitors developments in employee relations and effectively communicates information to HRBP s and manages as needed to support and protect the organization.

• Bachelor‘s degree in Industrial Relations or Human Resources Management or extensive practical experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in collective bargaining as asset.

• Proven ability to act as a strategic partner to meet the Corporation’s needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Business acumen and strong ability to manage stress.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, relationship-building and persuasion skills.
• Ability to adapt to change and to changing priorities.
• Self-reliant professional.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English and French.
• Strong…