Labour Relations Manager

Objective & Overview:

The Labour Relations Manager is responsible for providing expertise in the areas of contract interpretation and employment/labour law, as well as providing leadership in the development of a strategic plan for collective bargaining.  The incumbent is also responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating policies and programs, consistent with corporate objectives in the areas of Labour/Employee Relations and Human Resources for the Lafarge Canada organization.

Responsibilities

Safety:

• Demonstrates a commitment to a safe work environment. Understands the organization’s safety objectives and supports these efforts visibly. 

Negotiations and Labour relations:

• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic approach to collective bargaining across Eastern Canada in support of operational objectives.  
• Negotiate collective agreements on behalf of the Company specifically including the following duties: acting as chief spokesperson, researching industry trends and analyzing labour cost competitiveness, developing and presenting bargaining mandates in conjunction with the business unit managers, executing contractual documents, and initiating appropriate activities related to collective bargaining.
• Represent the company with all regulatory authorities related to labour/employee relations, human rights and employment standards including grievance arbitration, labour board applications, human rights complaints and employment related lawsuits.
• Manage and improve the information transfer from the country to ABS & ADC and back to the country for payroll processes.  
• Interpret and summarize all collective agreements and submit to the ABS for payroll purposes. 

Coaching and training:

• Develop and implement management training programs in the area of labour and employee relations in support of local human resource strategies and operational objectives.
• Work closely with the business unit and senior management team to provide value-added advice and guidance on employee relations and general human resources issues.
• Provide coaching and development for Labour Relations Intern.

Advice and Counsel:

• Provide support to the HR managers on projects, and analytical research work in such areas as compensation, labour comparisons, and organizational planning presentations.
• Provide expertise and support to line managers on terminations including developing severance packages for approval, and conducting exit interviews, as required.
• Provide labour relations expertise on business development assignments.

Investigation and consequence management:

• Conduct internal investigations in accordance with the Lafarge Canada policies.  
• Provide guidance to the Operations on Consequence Management process.
• Manage the employee termination process ensuring compliance with applicable provincial regulations, legal precedents, and/or collective agreements.

Specific Accountabilities: 

• Develop and maintain proactive relationships with employees at all levels, Union representatives and industry professionals in the field of labour and employee relations
• Develop bargaining strategy and act as spokesperson in negotiations, and successfully conclude negotiations in accordance with approved mandates
• Develop and implement proactive employee relations practices and training that support operational objectives and facilitates human resource planning
• Manage grievance Arbitrations and other legal matters such as Human Rights, Employment Standards, WCB Discrimination and Privacy complaints.
• Demonstrate a commitment to a safe work environment. 
• Support the Human Resources Group in delivering efficient and supportive human resources strategies and services to the Business Operations.

Dimensions:

• Number of official labour jurisdictions: 4 provincial
• Number of employees:  2700 (at peak season) (2177 FTE equivalent)
• Number of separate collective agreements: 70
• Number of unions: 16 (with multiple provincial divisions)
• Product Lines: Aggregates, Cement, and Ready Mix
• Travel Requirements: 60%

Qualification Profile

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor Degree, preferably in Commerce (Business), Labour Relations, or HR Management
• 7 -10 years’ experience in Human Resources and Labour Relations 
• Demonstrated progressive experience in employee and labour relations through collective bargaining and employee relations management.
• Specific experience in administering and negotiating Collective Agreements is required, preferably in a multi-union industry setting.
• Experience as a human resource generalist and a professional human resource certification (i.e. CHRP) would be considered assets.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of Canadian Labour and Employment laws in Canada along with Ontario and Québec.
• Solid understanding of payroll, and compensation & benefits in and unionized environment
• Strong problem solving & analytical skills with a focus on collaboration
• Bilingual (English & French) communication skills would be an asset

Competencies:

• Business Acumen
• Conflict Management
• Drive for Results                
• Managerial Courage
• Political Savvy                    
• Strategic Agility

We thank you for your interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  Lafarge is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages the applications from women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Lafarge Canada Inc. welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. In Ontario, our organization/business is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.