Advisor, Labor Relations

Overview

Trimac isn't just a transportation company; it's an industry disruptor with a remarkable 80-year legacy of safely delivering products that improve people’s lives across North America. 

Our workplace culture is centered on being safe, respectful, innovative and inclusive. We are committed to maintaining a rewarding work environment that allows employees to experience new opportunities and build their chosen careers. Across the company, we encourage open communication, champion integrity, celebrate individuality and cultivate diverse talents and perspectives. If you’re ready for a challenge that will help drive forward an industry leading team, we invite you to begin your journey with us.

Schedule

• Hybrid model
• Toronto or Mississauga, ON
• Collaborative and fast-paced work environment.
• Opportunities to work on high-impact labour relations initiatives with leadership teams.
• Ability to influence organizational policies and contribute to the development of a positive work culture.
• Ability to travel 25% of the time

Job Details

This role reports to the Director, People Partners, collaborates heavily with the Advisor, Labor Relations, and acts as a trusted advisor on matters related to collective bargaining, compliance with labor laws, grievance handling, and maintaining strong relationships between the company and employees. You will be responsible for advising the company on labor-related issues, handling employee relations concerns, and working closely with both management and union and association representatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for both management and union or association representatives regarding labor relations matters.
• Facilitate positive relationships between the company and unions and associations, ensuring effective communication and resolving issues in a collaborative manner.
• Advise on the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and company policies.
• Provide guidance on union- and association-related matters, including the negotiation of contracts, grievance handling, and dispute resolution.
• Manage and resolve employee grievances in a timely and professional manner, ensuring compliance with company policies and union and association agreements.
• Support the development and implementation of corrective actions when necessary.
• Assist in the preparation for collective bargaining negotiations by researching industry standards, market trends, and legal considerations.
• Support the negotiation of labor contracts, focusing on creating fair agreements that balance employee needs with organizational goals.
• Advise management on the impact of labor agreements and changes in labor laws on the business.
• Stay up to date with labor laws, regulations, and union and association agreements to ensure the company’s practices are compliant.
• Advise leadership on regulatory changes and their potential impact on labor relations policies and practices.
• Coordinate with legal teams to mitigate risks related to labor disputes or potential litigation.
• Provide training to managers and supervisors on labor laws, conflict resolution, and best practices for maintaining positive employee relations.
• Promote awareness of employee rights and labor policies across the organization to foster a respectful and legally compliant workplace.
• Support the development of internal policies and guidelines related to labor relations, employee conduct, and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate in workplace investigations related to labor disputes, allegations of unfair treatment, or violations of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Document findings, prepare reports, and make recommendations for action based on investigation results.
• Ensure confidentiality and fairness in all greivances.
• Collaborate with People & Culture and legal teams to create, review, and update policies on labor relations, employee behavior, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure that labor relations policies align with organizational goals and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide expert advice to managers and P&C leaders on labor relations issues, including strategies for managing unionized employees and handling workplace conflicts.
• Support the leadership team in navigating complex labor-related challenges and fostering a collaborative, productive workforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in labour and industrial relations, human resources, business, or a related field is the standard entry point and preferred
• 3 to 5 years of previous experience in a related field such as human resources, employee relations, or legal compliance
• Experience working with unions, associations, collective bargaining, and employment law
• Knowledge in all relevant employment and labour legislation, including Canadian Federal and Provincial legislation
• Completion of SPHR / CPHR or working towards it is considered an asset

Benefits

We invest in our employee’s growth through training and development programs. We offer a comprehensive benefits package such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and many more health and wellness benefits
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays
• Paid time off for volunteer activities to help give back to our communities
• Pension Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement Program to achieve your educational goals
• Continuous learning and career development

Who You Are

• Able to build relationships and work collaboratively within a team environment
• Expert ability to deal with problems and manage conflict
• Exceptional knowledge of US and Canadian Federal, state & provincial labor laws, collective bargaining, and union relations
• Exceptional ability to manage difficult situations and conversations
• Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills
• Expert advisory skills
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to mediate between conflicting parties
• Exceptional pragmatism and tenacity necessary to deal with ambiguity and transformation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Advanced computer skills including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and experience working with a Human Resources Management Software
• French bi-lingual preferred

Safety Commitments

• We make safety a part of every decision
• We make safety personal
• We have the courage to intervene