Job Posting: Director of Labour Relations

Location: St. John's, NL
Status: Permanent, Full-Time
Posting Date: 18-June-25
Application Deadline: 15 July-25
Standard Hours: 35 hours per week
Starting Annual Salary: $115,000

Benefits
Paid Professional Development Opportunities
Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Public Service Pension Plan)
Wellness Allowance
Group Insurance Plan

About Us

The Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is the recognized bargaining agent for more than 5,800 registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) throughout the province. While rooted in collective bargaining, RNU has grown into a dynamic and proactive organization that advocates strongly for a high-quality, publicly funded health care system, the vital contributions of RNs and NPs, and the rights and well-being of patients, clients, and residents of the province.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement comprehensive labour relations strategies aligned with RNU's vision and goals.

Advise the executive team and Board of Directors on strategic union matters, offering insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making and advance the union's objectives.

Foster collaborative relationships with members, employers, and other unions to advance RNU's interests

Collective Bargaining and Labour Relations

Guide and support the Provincial Negotiation Team and Chief Negotiator, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Oversee grievance handling, arbitration processes, and promote consistency in contract interpretation.

Monitor legislative and labour relations trends to shape RNU's advocacy and policy direction.

Team Leadership and Development

Provide high-level oversight and mentorship to the LRO team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

Manage staffing, workload distribution, and professional development across the team.

Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and lead training initiatives to enhance team capability.

Member Representation and Advocacy

Direct the handling of complex arbitration, mediation, and tribunal cases, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with legal standards.

Ensure timely support for members by assigning and guiding LROs on challenging files.

Maintain compliance with employment laws and update internal protocols accordingly.

Qualifications

Education

Holds a J.D. or LL.B. and licensed to practice law in a Canadian jurisdiction; OR

A degree in industrial relations, human resources, or related field.

A Master's degree in Labour or Employee Relations and/or a CPHR designation is considered an asset.

Experience

7-10 years of experience in labour law, labour relations, or employment law within a unionized environment.

Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing professional teams and overseeing complex negotiations.

Proven expertise in grievance handling, arbitrations, mediations, and representing parties before labour boards or tribunals.

Familiarity with relevant labour legislation, including NL's Labour Relations Act and Human Rights Act.

Strong policy development, legal risk assessment, and strategic advisory skills.

Experience in the healthcare sector, particularly with unionized nursing professionals, is a strong asset.

Why Join RNU?

At RNU, we represent over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners who deliver care across Newfoundland and Labrador. We are a progressive, member-driven organization that values diversity, inclusion, and advocacy. Guided by four pillars-Protect, Advocate, Champion, and Negotiate-we work to ensure nurses have the support and representation they need to thrive.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé in PDF format to:
[email protected] by July 15th, 2025. Please quote "Director of Labour Relations" in your subject line. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Join our team and be part of an exciting journey with the RNUNL!

The Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.