Labour Relations Officer (3 Positions)

2 positions Permanent Full Time

1 position Temporary Full Time for one year (with the possibility of extension)

The Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador

229 Major's Path, St. John's, NL

Closing Date: April 17, 2024

Starting Salary: $91,955

Benefits: In accordance with the NAPE Collective Agreement Local 7018 (KM_C754e-20220414163422 (nape.ca))

The Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is the official trade union for 5,900 registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, RNU has transformed from an organization focused mainly on negotiating contracts into a union that champions to protect the health care system, the role of the RN, NPs, and the rights of patients, clients and residents. Through advocacy and research, RNU has worked to improve the health care system and enhance the livelihood, safety and well-being of our membership. Each action taken by RNU has been a step forward to a better life for our membership and for patients, clients and residents. Our history is one that is strong and rich, influenced by many challenges and triumphs. RNU stands stronger today than ever., Tomorrow will, no doubt, bring continued growth and achievements benefiting RNs, NPs and the health care system.

Our Labour Relations Officers are responsible for the provision of labour relations advice and advocacy to more than 5,300 RNs and NPs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Labour Relations Officers are responsible for the full spectrum of labour relations, including mediation-arbitrations, facilitating workshops and providing mentorship and oversight to shop stewards. As a Labour Relations Officer, you’ll be looked upon as a creative problem-solver who has the ability to assess problems in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions. The successful applicant must anticipate and adapt to changing priorities and environments, displaying resilience in times of uncertainty. Labour Relations Officers develop networks, build connections and trust in relationships with employers and union representatives. We lead and contribute to conditions that support teamwork, collaboration, consistency and excellence. We strive to maximize resources to achieve organizational goals, while maintaining accountability and integrity to our members and the RNU Board of Directors.

The successful applicant will be responsible to provide sound advice in the field of labour relations including collective agreement interpretations, grievance administration, preparing and presenting case files for mediation/arbitration. The ideal applicant should hold a strong working knowledge in all aspects of human resources including recruitment and retention, occupational health and safety, compensation and benefits, policy and development, disability case management and the government's job evaluation system. Applicants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with solid organizational and time management capabilities. Applicants should be familiar with MS Office applications in a Windows-based network environment. Ability to travel is a must. This is a unionized position with applicable compensation and benefits.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, specializing in human resources, employee relations, labour relations, or law.
• Registered nurses with extensive union experience will be considered equivalent and are encouraged to apply.
• Two years related experience working in an advocacy/union environment applying the terms of a collective agreement.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and related experience will be considered.

Knowledge and Experience Required:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in interpreting and applying relevant legislation and collective agreements.
• Strong advocacy skills
• A demonstrated ability and experience in representing members at grievance and adjudication/arbitration hearings.
• Experience handling complaints and grievances, interpreting collective agreements and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to counsel members on their employment rights and responsibilities; to conduct interviews, meetings and information sessions; to prepare briefs, arguments, reports and correspondence; and to resolve problems.
• Ability to manage a caseload with autonomy while still collaborating, sharing expertise and drawing on the expertise of colleagues.
• Demonstrated understanding of the union legal framework and commitment to union principles.
• The successful candidate must be able to travel and possess a valid driver's license.

Competencies sought:

• Exceptional communication, influencing, creative thinking and relationship building skills.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and dispute resolution skills.
• Works well under pressure, high sense of urgency and prioritization skills.
• Initiative, client focus and results oriented.
• Demonstrated computer skills (MS Office).