Description

SENIOR EMPLOYEE & LABOUR RELATIONS ADVISOR

Reference #: 2024-40

Strong. Proud. Uplifting.

At Ornge, we believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Each day, we connect communities with critical care across Ontario, Canada. In the air and by land, our teams deliver equity in emergency response, uplifting the lives of those in our care.  

We’re excited to onboard individuals who bring energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism to our growing group of difference-makers and life-changers. 

Discover Ontario, Canada, and an exciting career with Ornge.

Position Available:       Senior Employee & Labour Relations Advisor

Position Status:Full Time

Location:5310 Explorer Drive, Mississauga

Reporting To:Director, Employee and Labour Relations

Hours of Work:       Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Position Summary:

The Senior Employee & Labour Relations (ELR) Advisor develops strong partnerships with assigned client groups, functioning as a senior business partner, coach, and consultant with a strong focus on labour relations (LR). They prioritize consistency and compliance in HR policies, procedures, and programs, ensuring alignment with corporate standards. Additionally, the Senior ELR Advisor delivers high-quality HR services while overseeing diverse HR projects, programs, and initiatives within the organization.

Responsibilities:

Partners:

• Partners with assigned client group to provide modern HR guidance in its day-to-day activities.
• Acts as a trusted advisor on people issues to their client.
• Leads complex change and transformation programs related to LR/HR.
• Anticipates business challenges and proactively plans, in collaboration with HR team, LR/HR activities to support the change.
• Understands business strategy and provides consultative support to drive key people priorities (assess, present findings/solutions, test, iterate and measure).
• Analyzes people trends and issues for client group; effectively use information to provide recommendations on how to continuously improve employee productivity.
• Partners with key stakeholders and leaders to communicate and drives People programs across their client group.

Labour Relations:

• Provides support, guidance and interpretation to managers and employees on LR issues such as collective agreements, employment contracts, working conditions and employment regulations and laws that govern Ornge.

• Independently manages employee and labour relations cases and questions.
• Manages relationships with external bargaining agent representatives
• Conducts research, provides solutions and interpretations on LR matters.
• Monitors, organizes, and facilitates all aspects of the grievance process including preparation of cases that are moving forward to arbitration.
• Coordinates and participates in all aspects of local joint union and management meetings.
• Leads collective bargaining including researching trends, surveying stakeholders, preparing proposals/mandate submission with appropriate costing, reviewing wording and language, and recommends changes or clarifications.
• Aids in drafting and finalizing bargaining proposal packages.
• Supports the bargaining committee with administrative functions.
• Formats and reviews newly negotiated Collective Agreements for sign off and printing and facilitates the process to ensure final printing and distribution.
• Participates in working groups for implementation of new collective agreements and training on new processes.
• Prepares reports, graphs, tables and documentation related to areas of responsibility.
• Supports the broader HR team to ensure compliance with collective agreements, including but not limited to job posting/selection criteria, sick leave/disability management, compensation, accommodations, etc.

Workplace Complaints and Grievances:

• Acts as Ornge’s representative for assigned client group in administrative tribunals and during other legal proceedings concerning labour relations matters in settling disputes, grievances (at all steps) and the arbitration and mediation of grievances.
• Monitors, organizes, and facilitates all aspects of the grievance process including preparation of cases that are moving forward to arbitration.
• Investigates and resolves issues of employee concerns or conflict in an appropriate and timely manner including harassment, human rights, code of conduct, conflict of interest, disciplinary and performance.
• Supports the scheduling of grievance meetings, records minutes from grievance meetings.
• Assists with case management of issues referred to arbitration, including but not limited to collection of evidence.
• Conducts and supports workplace complaints/issues investigation that have varying levels of complexity and sensitivity and recommends corrective action as required; ensures follow-up if necessary.
• Ensures detailed and accurate account of investigations within a case management process.
• Designated Harassment, Discrimination and Violence Investigator.

Performance Management and Employee Development:

• Provides guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees on the management of the performance evaluation process, mid-year review, and probationary process.
• Provides advice and makes recommendations on performance management cases.
• Supports managers and employees in the development of performance improvement plans and performance development plans.
• Reviews, analyzes performance ratings, comments, identifies development trends and potential training gaps, recommends action plan to address findings.
• Identifies, ensures appropriate and timely follow-up of actions required to ensure their completion of the performance review.
• Provides managers with guidance and coaching on performance issues and builds and maintains effective relationships with management and employees.
• Provides support and advice on conflict resolutions.
• Provides guidance and support with attendance management.

HR Policies, Procedures and Programs:

• Offers guidance on employee policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment laws and widespread understanding among stakeholders.
• Provides counsel to managers and employees regarding the application and interpretation of HR programs and policies, encompassing various HR domains beyond LR.
• Monitors shifts in employment legislation, delivering regular updates to management on emerging trends and best practices.
• Contributes to the research, analysis, and review of policies, procedures, and programs related to labor/employee relations, alongside broader HR functions.
• Spearheads the development of new tools, procedures, and awareness training sessions, facilitating the dissemination of updated LR/HR policies and programs.
• Collaborates with HR professionals and management to formulate and execute strategies aimed at enhancing employee morale, engagement, and productivity across the organization.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Administration or Human Resources.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Labour Relations or Industrial Relations.
• 5-6 years of experience working in a unionized HR environment.
• Experience in consulting with, supporting and influencing senior and executive leadership.
• Conflict resolution and mediation experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Experience working in a unionized environment with experience in workplace/disciplinary investigations, attendance management, performance management, etc.
• Experience with employee/labour relations practices, trends, and preparation of reports.
• Experience with collective agreements, employment contracts, and working conditions.

At Ornge, we are:

• Community connectors
• Equity in healthcare
• Strong in our convictions
• Proud of the services we provide
• Uplifting in our mission, values, and services 

You can expect us to be:

• Promoters of diversity
• Champions of inclusion and accessibility
• Committed to your career advancement 
• A tight-knit culture 
• Competitive in pay, benefits, vacation time, and more

A bit about you:

• You’re driven by the desire to make a difference
• Excited by problem solving, you excel at in-the-moment decision making
• Teamwork has always been where you thrive 
• You’re ready to put your skills into action in a fast-paced environment 

What’s next:

• If you’re ready to uplift lives, we invite you to apply on-line no later than May 20, 2024.
• Your resume will be reviewed and only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
• If you require a disability accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at 647-428-2005 and request the HR Department to provide your contact information.  Accommodation is available under the Human Rights Code and in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.  A Human Resources representative with contact you within 48 hours.

Are you ready to pursue a career that has a profound impact on communities across Ontario, Canada? Join us.

Ornge. Lives uplifted.