Manager of Labour Relations

AUPE is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Manager of Labour Relations to lead and oversee the organization’s labour relations functions.

General

• This role requires an experienced labour relations professional who exercises sound judgment and operates in an efficient and consistent manner.
• Experience working within a dynamic union environment, ideally within a member-driven union.
• Strong understanding of the Alberta Labour Relations Code, PSERA and other employment related legislation and regulations.
• Responsible for managing LR department workflows and overseeing grievance processes, and alternate workplace dispute resolution mechanisms.
• As assigned by the Executive Director, the Manager of Labour relations will be responsible for managing other departments that work closely the LTR department such as Resource Centre, Research, and Education.
• Responsible for aligning labour relations initiatives with other departments consistent with the union’s broader strategies, goals, and priorities.
• This position reports to the Director of Labour Relations.

Scope & Key Activities

Labour Relations

• Provide leadership and oversight on grievance handling, arbitration preparation, and dispute resolution processes.
• Offer guidance and interpretation of collective agreements, policies, and applicable legislation to staff and union representatives.
• Manage and approve daily and annual leaves of staff, overseeing payroll timesheets, and ensuring coverage of responsibilities of absent staff.
• Lead in the recruitment, succession planning, employee orientation, development and performance management of all staff assigned departments.
• Managing AUPE member complaints.
• Administrative Professional employee management and workflows.
• Engage in consultation/negotiation with senior level employer-management on behalf of AUPE around issues such as grievance procedures, and secondment process for union business.
• Identify and develop tools, resources, and best practices needed to strengthen the efficacy of LR advocacy across AUPE.
• Responsible for assessing grievance files and making respective recommendations to the Director of Labour Relations.
• Managing workflow of SMSO and MSO staff in delivering LR advocacy and other LR related support and functions to AUPE’s membership.
• Work collaboratively with the management team to develop and execute strategies and deliver outcomes as set out by AUPE’s leadership.

Research

• Oversight of the union’s general research functions including.:
• supporting collective bargaining.
• analysis and critique of public policy/legislation;
• providing research support to other AUPE departments based on organizational priorities; and
• providing input and feedback for Union stakeholder consultations.
• Oversight of research work monitoring and analyzing labour market trends, economic conditions, and legislative developments impacting members.
• Responsible for the development of reports, briefing notes, and quantitative and qualitative insights for leadership.
• Ensure research outputs are timely, accurate, and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Work closely with the Director of Labour Relations as it relates to the Grievance Review Board.

Education

• Oversee the design, development, and delivery of member education programs in alignment with AUPE’s strategic plan.
• Oversee the planning and scheduling of in-person, virtual and on-line member courses.
• Ensure training content reflects current labour relations practices, union priorities, and member needs.
• Evaluate and continuously improve education programs to ensure effectiveness and relevance.
• Oversee the planning, development, and execution of AUPE’s annual labour school.
• Lead the coordination and delivery of all AUPE conferences.

Member Resource Centre

• Responsible for the creating and maintaining a reliable and responsive member phone call intake system.
• Monitor member service levels and intake volumes and prepare reports as required

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• Manage resource centre staffing levels to support organizational needs.
• Develop and maintain RC staff training and development plans ensuring high service levels are maintained.

About AUPE

AUPE is the largest public sector union in Alberta and represents approximately 103,200 jobs across the province in four sectors including: healthcare, education, government services, and agencies, boards and commissions. AUPE represents roughly:

• 20,800 direct employees of the Alberta provincial govern