Director, Labour Relations

Job Summary

The Director, Labour Relations is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing Porter’s labour relations strategy. Reporting to the executive vice president and chief people officer, this role acts as a key advisor to senior leaders on all matters relating to union relationships, collective bargaining, grievance management, arbitration, and labour compliance under Canadian federal law (Canada Labour Code).

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the aviation sector, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record of fostering collaborative labour-management relationships that support operational excellence and team member engagement.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Labour Relations Planning
Develop and implement a long-term labour relations strategy aligned with business objectives and regulatory obligations.
Serve as the lead negotiator in collective bargaining with various bargaining units (e.g., pilots, flight attendants, customer service, and ground crew).
Provide expert advice to executives and managers on labour relations issues, including contract interpretation, discipline, and operational decisions.
Union & Stakeholder Relations
Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives across multiple bargaining units.
Act as the organization’s primary point of contact for union leadership during both routine engagement and during periods of conflict.
Lead regular labour-management meetings and joint consultation committees to proactively address workplace issues.
Grievance & Arbitration Management
Oversee the end-to-end grievance process, ensuring timely investigation, documentation, and resolution.
Represent the company at arbitration hearings or coordinate with external legal counsel as necessary.
Analyze trends and root causes of grievances to recommend policy or procedural improvements.
Collective Bargaining & Contract Administration
Develop bargaining mandates in collaboration with finance, operations, and legal.
Lead the preparation of proposals and counter proposals, manage negotiations, and oversee ratification processes.
Ensure accurate implementation of collective agreements and updates to People and Culture systems, payroll, and operations.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full compliance with the    Canada Labour Code   ,    Canadian Aviation Regulations   ,    Occupational Health and Safety legislation   , and other applicable federal labour standards.
Monitor changes in labour law and industry-specific regulations to mitigate risks and update policies accordingly.
Actively participate in Porter’s Security and Safety Management System (SMS), including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understand, comply and promote the Company Safety Policy.
Labour Analytics & Reporting
Provide regular reports to senior leadership on key labour metrics, risks, opportunities, and trends.
Use workforce and labour data to inform strategic decision-making and negotiations.
Lead labour relations audits and risk assessments.
Team Leadership & Development       Provide training and coaching to People and Culture Advisors and operational leaders on unionized workforce management.

Behavioural Competencies

Concern for Safety:
Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.

Teamwork:
Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.

Passenger/Customer Service:
Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).

Initiative :

Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.

Results Focus:
Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards.

Fostering Communication:
Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus.

Exemplifying Integrity :
Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community.

Ins…