Employee & Labour Relations Specialist

Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries is a not-for-profit organization that has been caring for families in the GTA since 1826. We operate ten cemeteries, nine funeral centres and four cremation centres, all serving the distinct needs of the local communities where they are located. As a community partner and environmental steward, we constantly strive to set innovative standards for our industry, guided by new trends, and advancements in technology without compromising our long-held values. We are a collection of amazing people who recognize that what they do every day is genuinely meaningful to the families we serve.

We are looking for an Employee & Labour Relations Specialist to join our team at our Head Office in East York.

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Provide a link between labour and management in terms of interpretations of the collective agreements and maintain information communications with the business agent for the union.
• Prepare the annual Health and Safety Plan and ensure the Health and Safety program is meeting the Ontario Health & Safety Act requirements.
• Assist in negotiating the collective agreement upon renewal.
• Research, write and communicate corporate policies.
• Participate in projects as required.
• Provide expertise and facilitate employment terminations and off boarding activities.
• Perform other sundry duties as assigned.
• Partner and leverage external counsel as required.
• Confirm compliance with legislation such as Human Rights, Pay/Employment Equity, Employment Standards and the Labour Act, the Occupational Health & Safety Act, as well as the Collective Agreement and other relevant internal policies/procedures
• Advise managers on how to handle specific situations such as discipline and clarify the potential impacts on the workplace.
• Represent the corporation at arbitration hearings.
• Partner with managers to formulate, document, and offer plans related to employee performance issues, including performance improvement plans and accommodation plans.
• Perform fact finding investigation activities (interviews, document review, consultation) and assist managers with responses to grievances and/or complaints for both unionized and non-union employees.
• Interpret and apply labour/employee rights legislation governing the workplace.
• Identify chronic labour relation issues and recommend solutions.

Hours/Days of Work:

• 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday
• Occasional overtime may be required due to business needs

Qualifications:

• Intermediate proficiency of Windows and MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook
• A valid Ontario “G” driver’s licence, acceptable driver’s abstract and vehicle for site visits
• Adaptability, flexibility and agility to multi-task and prioritize.
• Extensive knowledge of various employment laws and practices such as the Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• Experience working with ADP Workforce Now is an asset
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain the highly confidential nature of human resources work.
• Strong team player with the ability to work with various departments
• Degree / Diploma / Certificate in Human Resources, Labour/Industrial Relations or other related disciplines; or equivalent combination of work experience, training and education
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, advise, and partner with stakeholders at various levels of the organization
• Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, especially in relation to conflict resolution
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and make recommendations on employee/labour relations related data
• Ability to negotiate and influence diverse stakeholders regarding challenging organizational issues
• At least three years’ experience in a comparable role

The Mount Pleasant Group is committed to providing equitable opportunities to all applicants and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. We will provide accommodation in recruitment as needed. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.