Venor is proud to partner with The Halifax Employer Association (HEA)  in their search for an Employee Relations Consultant.

The Halifax Employers Association (HEA) is a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to represent owners, operators, shipping lines and agents, and employers of labour in the longshore industry in the Port of Halifax. The HEA represents its members in collective bargaining and provides them with employee relations advice and guidance and a broad spectrum of general human resources services. The HEA is responsible for the overall hiring and training of employees in the longshore industry in Halifax and is currently seeking an experienced Employee Relations Consultant who has the skill, desire, and drive to assume a leadership role in this challenging position located in Halifax.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

The Employee Relations Consultant will provide timely and accurate advice and interpretation of the Collective Agreement to members of the Association and their managers to ensure the continuous operation of the Port of Halifax. They must be available to be “on-call” on a rotating basis as this industry operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They will develop productive working relationships with Union representatives while representing the Employers in day-to-day labour relations activities. 

Other key roles and responsibilities include:

• Help to formulate and represent management positions and policies in support of a multi-employer organization.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Employers’ strategic position, assist as required in collective bargaining and ensure compliance with the Collective Agreement.
• Act, on behalf of all Employers, in relation to the satisfactory disposition of all grievances including investigation, settlement, and where appropriate, arbitration preparation and support. Ability to present management’s case at Non-Binding Arbitration.
• Administer appropriate attendance and performance management of ILA-represented employees on behalf of the Association. Ensure appropriate investigation and documentation of same.
• Work closely with member companies and foster cooperation amongst the members of the Association in addressing labour issues. Assist members in achieving their business objectives while balancing and protecting the interests of the other members of the HEA and the Port as a whole.
• Monitor the labour supply and identify problem areas. Assist as necessary in the hiring, training, and orientation of new employees. Assist with disability management when required.
• Maintain knowledge of the industry and build strong productive relationships with stakeholders and federal, provincial, and municipal agencies active in the Port of Halifax.
• Be knowledgeable of and ensure compliance with applicable Federal and Provincial legislation including but not limited to the Canada Labour Code, the Employment Equity Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Transport Canada Legislation and Regulations.
• Ensure the effective administration and implementation of policies and practices including Employment Equity, the Employee Safety and Assistance Policy, and related drug and alcohol testing, Health and Safety Policies, the Respectful Workplace Program – Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment and Violence, etc. Conduct investigations as required.
• Other duties as required.

Essential Skills and Requirements:

The successful candidate will possess a university degree, specializing in Labour Relations. A Masters of Industrial Relations or similar designation is strongly preferred, along with 5-10 years of experience in a similar function in a unionized industrial environment ideally in the longshore or shipping industry. You will have strong interpersonal and conflict management skills and the ability to handle stressful and, at times, confrontational situations, as well as experience in collective bargaining and grievance and arbitration administration. Other essential skills and requirements would include:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to be on-call on a rotating basis.
• Ability to think strategically and to plan for future needs.
• Proficient with computers, and software applications including Microsoft Office and other technical devices.
• The ability to manage difficult situations involving staff members, member companies, the union, and employees as they may arise.
• Able to work in all types of weather conditions in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Experience with overseeing training programs is a definite asset.

The Halifax Employers Association (HEA) offers a positive and challenging working environment, a competitive benefits package, and a salary commensurate with experience. An equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from all designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act.

If you feel you are up to the challenge and are interested in this position, please forward your resume to Shardeigh McGillivray at shardeigh@venor.ca & Nada Halaweh at nada@venor.ca