July 5, 2022

We’re Hiring! Labour Relations Officer – 2 Positions

2 Positions:
Permanent Full Time.
Temporary Full Time until 20 June, 2023 with the possibility of extension.

The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNUNL) is the official trade union for registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in Newfoundland and Labrador. We represent over 5,300 members in forming a strong, unified voice for nurses working in Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, RNUNL 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, RNUNL has worked to improve the health care system and enhance the livelihood, safety and well-being of our membership. Each action taken by RNUNL 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. The RNUNL stands stronger today than it ever has, and 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 over 5,300 front line registered nurses and nurse practitioners 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. Within this position, you’ll be looked upon as a creative problem solver with 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 while maximizing resources to achieve organizational goals while maintaining accountability and integrity to our members and their 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 and assisting senior executive in collective bargaining. 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 working 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:

  • Thorough knowledge of the provincial health authorities governing employer/employee relations in the public service and other jurisdictions where members are employed
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in interpreting and applying relevant legislation and collective agreements
  • Strong representational and 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 a lot of 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, influencing 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)

Please submit your resume and cover letter, clearly demonstrating how you meet the required qualifications to David Hammond, Manager of Business Services at info@rnunl.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Click here to view the job posting.