Labour Relations Officer Job in Burnaby V5C 6P5, British Columbia Canada
The British Columbia Nurses' Union (BCNU) protects and advances the health, social and economic well being of our members and our communities.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Labour Relations Officer (LRO) is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the collective agreement provisions for assigned bargaining unit(s) located throughout British Columbia. The LRO identifies issues of concern to BCNU members and shares the organizing of campaigns with stewards and members around workplace and social issues which promote the economic, social welfare and occupational interests of the general membership in accordance with BCNU policies and objectives.
Responsibilities include:
- Advising stewards on the interpretation of the collective agreement, past practice, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a labour relations context.
- Initiating, presenting and resolving issues or grievances at step three of the grievance procedure, presenting the union's case at troubleshooters, and presenting cases at arbitration and labour board hearings.
- Assisting the Coordinator in preparing for negotiating the Provincial Collective Agreement. May be required to negotiate first contracts and renewal contracts for bargaining units outside the Provincial Collective Agreement.
- Participating, as required, in the organization and certification of new members and groups. May provide assistance to the Organizing department.
- Providing work direction to assigned secretarial staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful applicant must have:
- Demonstrated understanding of and ability to utilize and implement the organizing model by working in an empowering manner with union members and stewards. Good group facilitation skills including flip-charting and analyzing discussions and ability to assess and develop campaign plans. Ability to motivate members and stewards to take action on union issues. Ability to assist stewards in identifying arguments for written presentations to hospital, community and regional boards and other bodies.
- Extensive and progressive experience (3 - 5 years) processing grievances at progressive stages and presenting grievances to management, facilitative group meetings, with demonstrated experience of organizing membership campaigns, and/or public rallies, and/or group grievances and/or media events.
- College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Industrial Relations and/or Nursing program or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to explain contract issues to members in writing is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret collective agreement language and argue a strong case for the redress of problems. Good knowledge of nurses' employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy and public health care.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required which results in effective communication with Supervisors, Managers, Government and Union Officials, Counsel and Labour Relations personnel. Demonstrated ability to work well with members, elected officers and co-workers.
- Ability to travel throughout the province on short notice and/or relocate to an office. A valid driver's license is required.
Labour Relations if a challenging field and requires dedication and some flexibility. The BCNU provides a supportive work environment and offers competitive wages and benefits.