Director Labor Relations

Hiring Salary Range : $ 164000.00 - 198975.00

This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus employee share investment program (ESIP) Pension Benefits Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing all aspects of labor relations in the United States with additional responsibility for a portion of labor relations in Canada. The role consists of collective bargaining collective agreement applications and interpretations and development of strategic initiatives impacting employees while ensuring consistency within and across borders. The incumbent is a strategic advisor to senior leaders on complex business issues. The Director creates a cohesive vision and global approach to keep CNs labor relations liabilities to a minimum.

Participates in Section 6 National Bargaining on behalf of CN under the Railway Labor Act

Meet with key internal stakeholders within various business units to review collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) before they become amendable

Research past agreements arbitration awards and Public Law Board decisions to develop persuasive bargaining positions

Act as CNs lead at the collective bargaining table and present arguments that drive commitment to favorable CBAs for CN business units

Lead collective bargaining in Canada as the chief spokesperson

Work with Vice-Presidents on CBA impediments and risk evaluations pertaining to their groups

Ensure CNs vision is consistently applied so that CBAs are beneficial for both labor organizations and CN and customer disruptions are minimized

Provide strategic advice on CBA terms coordinate with national multi-employer bargaining efforts (e.g. National Carriers Conference Committee) where applicable and plan for upcoming amendable dates

Ensure cohesiveness of CBAs between various groups so that all negative impacts to CN are avoided (work stoppages disputes self-help actions etc.) leveraging the RLAs status quo and cooling-off provisions

Evaluate complex grievances that require quick resolution through keen interpretation of CBA provisions and past practice

Engage with labor organization representatives to understand the foundations and facts of disputes distinguishing between minor disputes (grievances) and major disputes under the RLA

Oversee the preparation and presentation of cases before the National Railroad Adjustment Board Public Law Boards and special boards of adjustment

Manage interactions with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for mediation of bargaining impasses and potential arbitration proceedings

The role is based in Homewood Illinois and has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CNs hybrid work model. The position requires frequent travel across the United States and occasional travel to Canada. The role involves managing priorities and delivering work within established timelines with support from the team to ensure sustainable and effective workload management. The successful candidate will be expected to learn including on their own time applicable Canadian labour laws and relevant legislative statutes if not already known.

Labour Relations

15 years of labour relations experience

o Collective bargaining with specific experience as spokesperson

o Demonstrated experience with collective agreements including creation application and interpretation

o Experience managing employees

o Railway industry experience*

o Human Resources Management*

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Bachelors or Masters Degree in Human Resources Labour Relations or equivalent

Knowledge of CNs Labour Relations policies and procedures

Knowledge of the US Railway Labor Act and the National Labor Relations Act

Knowledge of Canadian legislation such as the Canada Labour Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act*

Ability to research legislation and jurisprudence

Critical thinking and organized

Ability to be a strategic advisor to different levels of internal leaders

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers shareholders employees and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy to the customers and to the communities it serves CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources manufactured products and finished goods throughout North America every year. CNs network connects Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20000-mile rail and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN we are dedicated to building North Americassafest mostinclusiveandsustainable railroad which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often dont apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants even if you dont meet every job requirement listed in a posting we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations) please get in touch with our team at.

As an equal opportunity employer qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.

Required Experience:

Director