Specialist, People Relations

The Opportunity

Alectra is committed to putting our people first in providing a positive employee experience and a safe work environment. Our Hybrid Workplace policy allows for an effective balance for employees with the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment; a combination of Remote / In-office work based on operational requirements. 

Position Purpose:

The Specialist, People Relations is responsible for delivery and operationalization of the Alectra Labour Relations Strategy. This position establishes and maintains highly collaborative working relationships with business and operations leaders, managers, employees, and the Union, providing advice and expertise to support the Labour Relations Strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Provides direction, coaching and leadership on the interpretation of the collective agreement, resolution of employee issues and grievances while maintaining positive labour and employee relations and consistently practices/processes Alectra wide.
• Supports and contributes to the labour relations strategy which cultivates trust, accountability, individual participation and commitment.
• Focuses on development and continuous improvement of labour relations through proactive and constructive interactions with union representatives and employees
• Provides advice, training, and communications to the People Operations team and business leaders on employee relations matters, grievances, contract interpretation, administration, disciplinary matters, Employment Standards, Human Rights, and all necessary statutory obligations.
• Manages the grievances through the Grievance Review Board (GRB); coordinates with both Management and Union representatives to schedule the GRB; ensures GRB administration and settlement decision are tracked and implemented accordingly.
• Coordinates mediation and arbitration requirements stemming from GRB proceedings.
• Supports in the development of written responses to grievances; manages the facilitation of the GRB; monitors implementation and ensures compliance with terms of collective agreement; and provides reference documents and statistical data concerning labour relations related legislations.
• Serves as the liaison for the Alectra Labour Relations Function and People Services Department with the Union, other business units, departments, external boards, commissions, committees, and government departments. Negotiates and resolves sensitive labour issues.
• Assists with the facilitation of safe return-to-work arrangements, as required.
• Maintains knowledge and conducts research of human resources, labour and employee relations trends, practices and legislation in the public and energy sectors affecting the employee environment, policies, or procedures.
• Participates in risk assessment and incident investigation initiatives.
• Provides technical expertise in the planning, design and implementation of projects and key initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline or automate processes to continuously improve service delivery.
• Ensures compliance to legislative, regulatory, and Health & Safety policies, procedures, and standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education & Specialized Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline
• CHRL Designation preferred.
• Specialized knowledge and capability in the Labour Relations field and extensive experience in a unionized environment
• Up-to-date knowledge of the Ontario Labour Relations Code, Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act and all other applicable legislation.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications 

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years in a business-related HR consultant/generalist role including HR, ER and LR functions in both union and non-union environments.
• Experience in a unionized utility environment is required. 

Skills/Abilities/Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with senior and middle management business leads.
• Advanced interpersonal skills including conflict management and managing difficult situations including confidential issues with diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Solid problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to provide practical and/or innovative solutions to complex issues.
• Strong written and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical information in an organized and concise way.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple projects and initiatives within established timelines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must hold and maintain a valid class “G” driver’s license. 

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for this position and meet the qualifications, please submit your resume by visiting our Careers page at https://www.alectra.com/careers.

Alectra is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a recruitment process that respects the dignity and independence of all candidates. Alectra will consult with all applicants who request accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs, to the point of undue hardship.

In accordance with Alectra’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, as a condition of employment, successful job applicants must provide written proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to their start date. This requirement is subject only to valid human rights-based requests for accommodation to the point of undue hardship.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career with Alectra. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.