Academic Labour Relations Advisor

COVID 19 On-Campus Requirements

Prior to May 1 2022 the University required all students faculty staff and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1 2022 but the University may reinstate them at any point.

About Queens University

Queens University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research faculty administration engineering & construction athletics & recreation power generation corporate shared services and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women racialized/visible minorities Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples persons with a disability persons who identify in the LGBTQ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Come work with us!

Applicant Guidance & Information

At Queens we are committed to helping people achieve their best. Whether you are beginning your career at Queens or seeking your next opportunity we are here to support you. Visit our Applicant Resources for guidance on applying showcasing your skills and experience and preparing for interviews.

Disclaimer: As part of the application process at Queens University our recruitment system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) as defined under the Ontario Employment Standards Act to ask job-related questions and confirm eligibility for hire. All final hiring decisions are made using non-AI related processes.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director Faculty Relations the Academic Labour Relations Advisor (Advisor) provides effective services and assistance in labour relations to university administrators through the administration of policies procedures and collective agreements. This includes assisting the Director with analysis and strategic advice to all levels of management regarding academic labour relations issues. The Advisor is responsible for the day-to-day administration of collective agreements and apprises the Director and Senior Labour Relations Advisor of major issues and significant developments that arise.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides day-to-day administration of academic collective agreements maintains the official copy of collective agreements and preserves the history and the record of precedents pertaining to the interpretation of collective agreements.
Serves as first line of support to academic administrators seeking guidance on interpretation of collective agreements and regarding workplace issues.
Supports the efficient operation of various labour-management committees or subcommittees by taking minutes assisting chairs to develop agendas and managing scheduling.
Assumes key role in support of collective bargaining serving on universitys bargaining team and/or advisory team and/or in the back room preparing draft proposals responses counter-proposals memoranda of agreement documenting tentative agreements and the finalization of collective agreements so that they can be posted and printed.
Supports Faculty Relations office in its handling of grievances and in its capacity as a receiving office in respect of reports and complaints filed pursuant to university policies and procedures.
Advises management on the appropriate strategies to use in dealing with labour and employee relations issues such as discipline performance problems etc.
Participates in the development and delivery of management information sessions relating to various labour and faculty relations topics as well as University procedures.
Responsible for the management and coordination of special projects as assigned including but not limited to conducting background research making recommendations and coordinating implementation.
May be assigned responsibility solely or in concert with others involving validation or review of data and preparing reports to unions.
Fulfills other duties as assigned in support of the Faculty Relations office

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Post-secondary degree in relevant area combined with several years working in a highly unionized Human Resources environment with a particular focus on Labour Relations matters. Masters Degree (completed or in progress) in Industrial Relations (MIR) or other relevant post-graduate degree preferred.
Strong knowledge in areas of human resources and labour relations administration as well as employment and labour legislation and regulations.
Solid understanding of university policies and procedures and collective agreements considered to be asset.
Works collaboratively with other members of the Faculty Relations team and the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic).
Demonstrated computer expertise with Microsoft Office specifically Word Excel and PowerPoint. Previous experience with PeopleSoft considered an asset.
Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
Respects diversity and promotes equity inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.
Independent thinker and sound judgment with the ability to problem solve in highly stressful or sensitive situations
Effective organizational and administrative skills with the ability to cope with multiple demands manage and execute competing priorities and meet deadlines
Excellent English communication (oral and written) and presentation skills combined with an ability to relay information in a clear and effective manner
Strong research analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret information draw conclusions and make recommendations combined with a strong aptitude for detail and accuracy
Demonstrated capability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders handle issues with tact discretion diplomacy and provide practical insight or advice in a professional manner in confidential or sensitive labour relations issues
Self-motivated results-driven and able to work on own while simultaneously contributing as a team member

DECISION MAKING:
Makes recommendations in determining the strategy/approach the University will use in grievance meetings understanding risk or impact to university employees and/or operational decisions.
Assists the Director and Senior Advisor in determining the best strategy or approach the University will use in resolving disputes including grievances and other litigated matters
Interprets collective agreement language and policies of the university and advises academic administrators accordingly (including Deans Associate Deans staffing officers HR managers

department heads). Understands how interpretations can create precedents and produce long-term consequences for the University.
Helps determine the content and delivery method of information training sessions in collaboration with the Director and Senior Advisor
Determines appropriate problem-solving procedures and decides how to best to rectify. Decides if a problem should be referred to others and escalates accordingly.
Allocates time prioritizes tasks and determines workflow. Continually assesses and adjusts priorities and manages tasks in a fast-paced time-sensitive and demanding environment.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queens is strongly committed to employment equity diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black racialized persons Indigenous people women persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at .