Labour Relations Officer - Edmonton

There is a vacancy for a Regular Full Time Labour Relations Officer in the Provincial Office of the United Nurses of Alberta. The position will have an estimated start date of January 6, 2025. Interested internal and external applicants should express their interest by email to: personnel@una.ca by no later than December 6, 2024.

The Labour Relations Officer classification with the United Nurses of Alberta is the working-level union representative employed with a public sector trade union. Reporting to the Manager of Labour Relations, the Labour Relations Officer is responsible for providing a wide range of union services to the locals and members of the union. We are proud to advocate for an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce for our members and we are committed to the same in our workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to social justice and better workplaces for all to apply.

SKILLS, ABILITY AND TRAINING

• While the classification of Labour Relations Officer does not require a university degree, formal post-secondary education in one or more of the following areas is desirable: (a) industrial/labour relations; (b) nursing, (c) social sciences [especially economics, political science or law] (d) management studies.
• Skill in negotiating and grievance handling is essential.
• Incumbents must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Incumbents must be familiar with Canadian labour law and in particular conversant with the provisions of the relevant Alberta labour legislation. Familiarity with the Health Professions Act and other health-care-related legislation is an asset.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• The incumbent must display tact, maturity, good judgement, and the ability to empathize with people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds.
• The incumbent must be committed to the principles of trade unionism, and must be familiar with topical issues within the Canadian labour movement.
• The incumbent must be prepared to work irregular hours on an occasional basis and to travel throughout Alberta.
• The incumbent must possess a valid Alberta driver’s license.

DUTIES

• Under the general direction of and as assigned by the Manager of Labour Relations, Labour Relations Officers:
• Provide a full range of union services to assigned Locals and their members. In particular, the
• Labour Relations Officer may be assigned any or all of the following:
• Interpret collective agreements with members, locals and Employers;
• Assist locals and members in filing grievances;
• Attend grievance meetings as required at various steps in the grievance procedure;
• Participate in the appointment of nominees to arbitration boards;
• Prepare and present the union's case before arbitration boards as assigned;
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of proposals for collective bargaining;
• Participate in the planning and preparation necessary before the commencement of collective bargaining;
• Act as spokesperson on behalf of locals at the bargaining table;
• Participate in the ratification and/or strike meetings as assigned;
• Assist the local executive in the efficient administration of the local;
• Attend meetings of locals and districts as assigned;
• Prepare and present, or assist in the preparation and presentation of briefs to relevant groups where so assigned.
• Co-ordinate or participate in organizing campaigns.
• Contribute to and participate in the organization and delivery of the union’s education program.
• Contribute material for publication in the United Nurses of Alberta publications.
• Contribute to the planning activities of the union by recommending to the Manager of Labour
• Relations objectives and plans within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Attend assigned committee meetings of the Executive Board Committees as assigned and provide assistance as required.
• May be required to assist in research, preparation of briefs, reports or other projects as assigned.
• May perform other duties as assigned.