Labour and Employee Relations Specialist

Labour and Employee Relations Specialist

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POSITION: Labour & Employee Relations Specialist

REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Labour & Employee Relations

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

LOCATION: North Bay

REFERENCE:

SALARY: $88,868 - $104,546

WHO WE ARE: Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is an Agency of the Province of Ontario that provides efficient and vital transportation services. We are a modern, forward‑thinking organization focused on providing safe and reliable transportation services. ONTC has a rich history of over 120 years and strong connections to the communities we serve. With over 1100 skilled professionals, we work together to enhance transportation services and ensure that they are sustainable for future generations.

We offer a dynamic workplace culture, along with a competitive salary, excellent benefit package, a defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, paid personal leave days and discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT: The Labour & Employee Relations Specialist provides expert guidance to HR teams on labour and employee relations matters, ensuring compliance and positive workplace relationships. Responsibilities include interpreting collective agreements, conducting case law research, supporting grievance arbitration, and contributing to the collective bargaining process.

MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with contractual timelines and prepare evidence for related meetings in collaboration with managers and the Senior Manager, Labour & Employee Relations
• Collect and summarize case law research to support grievance resolutions
• Collaborate with unions and management to resolve grievances early and assist in preparing documentation for meetings
• Gather information from HRBPs and management for grievance meetings, take accurate notes, and compile all related documentation
• Assist in planning and preparation for collective bargaining, including gathering compensation data and drafting proposals
• Attend bargaining sessions with the Senior Manager, record minutes, and prepare updated collective agreements following negotiations
• Provide guidance on employment matters affecting bargaining unit employees, ensuring fair and consistent application of discipline
• Research and recommend best practices on leaves, performance, disciplinary matters, and legislative interpretation
• Support HR teams by reviewing policies and assisting in the development and delivery of labour and employee relations training
• Maintain trackers and databases for grievances, discipline, and investigations; analyze trends and prepare reports
• Participate in Labour Management meetings and take and distribute minutes
• Assist in educating management teams on negotiated contract changes
• Prepare documentation and assist in investigations, arbitration, and tribunal hearings, instructing legal counsel as required
• Gather information on workplace misconduct, harassment complaints, and tribunal submissions

REQUIREMENTS:

• University degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or Paralegal Studies
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation preferred
• Minimum 3 years of progressive HR experience with demonstrated success in labour relations, including grievance handling, collective bargaining, and conflict resolution
• Working knowledge of pensions, employee benefits, and workers’ compensation
• Strong understanding of HR functions, policies, and practices
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for preparing bargaining documents, reports, and presentations
• Experience with HRIS, labour relations case management systems, and grievance tracking databases
• Skilled in data analysis and reporting tools (Excel pivot tables, Power BI) to identify trends and support decision‑making
• Comfortable using virtual collaboration platforms (MS Teams, Zoom) for meetings and negotiations
• Valid driver’s license considered an asset
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and union representatives
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability…