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Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director Labour & Employee Relations, the Senior Labour & Employee Relations Advisor provides counsel and guidance to the University community on a variety of human resources/labour relations issues and develops strategies, policies and programs that foster the effective management of human resources in a labour relations climate that permits a stable and productive work force. In addition, the Senior Labour Relations & Employee Relations Advisor participates in the negotiation of University collective agreements. The incumbent is a key participant in the grievance resolution process and makes recommendations on and takes part in cases/grievances that proceed to an administrative tribunal.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Ensure that University collective agreements and personnel policies are interpreted and applied correctly and consistently.
- Participate in finalizing the wording of collective agreement and personnel policies with union and staff association representatives.
- Provide strong professional and functional advice and guidance to all levels of management (including senior management) on contract interpretation and conduct information sessions for faculties/departments/units on a variety of labour relations issues.
- Work with union representatives to develop creative problem-solving initiatives, nurture healthy labour relations and negotiate settlement of grievances, disputes, severance, terminations and draw up agreements for signature.
- Prepare files for arbitration/labour commission hearings. Research, prepare and structure information for use in labour collective bargaining/contract negotiations.
- Keep abreast of developments in labour relations and in the negotiations of collective agreements in the university and government sectors in Québec.
Minimum Education & Experience:
- Undergraduate degree
- Five (5) years' related experience
- Experience in collective agreements negotiation
Other Qualifying Skills And/Or Abilities:
- More than 5 years related experience strongly preferred.
- CHRP, ORHRI designation required.
- Strong knowledge of relevant labour legislation (Labour Code, Labour Standards’ Act, etc.) and understanding of collective agreements and their application.
- Labour & Employee Relations experience in a highly unionized environment.
- Superior organizational and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to receive and transmit information effectively and accurately, interacting with all levels of University management, lawyers, arbitrators, union representatives, and external bodies.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and multitask to meet multiple deadlines in a fast paced constantly evolving environment.
- Proven ability to respond to a high volume of questions and requests and to process information of an often complex nature.
- Strong problem-solver with demonstrated ability to influence positive outcomes.
- Ability to work autonomously and in a team with particular attention to discretion and sensitivity to work involving confidential information.
- Proven ability to work autonomously in a PC environment using word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, e-mail and systems such as Minerva and Banner.
- Strong English and French (spoken, written and read) are required for this role for efficient verbal and written communication with internal and external parties.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
(MPEX Grade 07) $90,170.00 - $112,710.00 - $135,250.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-HRM3C - Labour & Employee Relations - Senior Professional/Manager
33.75 (Full time)
Senior Director, Labour and Employee Relations
Position End Date (If applicable):
2025-11-24
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.