Labour Relations Manager (Prairies)

WHO IS LAFARGE?
As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Lafarge is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are becoming a net-zero company, with our people and communities at the heart of our success. We are driving circular construction as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. It’s all thanks to our 7,000 talented people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.

WHO ARE LAFARGE PEOPLE?
Lafarge people are passionate about finding better ways to build. They embrace innovation and improvement with a pioneering spirit. They work as trusted partners, creating better solutions and experiences for their customers, communities, and colleagues.

Position Summary:
The Employee and Labour Relations Manager- Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) is responsible for providing leadership in the development and implementation of labour and employee relations strategies within their scope of responsibility and markets.  The Manager is a member of the Western Canada Human Resources Team, partner to the Employee and Labour Relations Manager (BC & PNW) with whom the portfolio is shared,  and advisor to the Human Resources Managers on employee and labour relations matters within the prairie provinces. 

The Employee and Labour Relations Manager (Prairies) is responsible for providing expertise in the areas of contract interpretation and employment/labour law, as well as advising on disciplinary matters and supporting the collective bargaining process. 

In partnership with the Employee and Labour Relations Manager (BC & PNW), the incumbent is also responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating policies and programs, consistent with Corporate objectives in the areas of Labour/Employee Relations and Human Resources for the Western Canada Organization.

Structure:
Reports to the Head of HR

Responsibilities:

For Lafarge businesses operating in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba:

• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic approach to employee and labour relations across the assigned markets in support of operational objectives.
• Negotiate and oversee collective bargaining on behalf of the Company for Lafarge Canada business located in the prairies with specific responsibility: acting as chief spokesperson, researching industry trends and analyzing labour cost competitiveness, developing and presenting bargaining mandates in conjunction with the business unit managers, executing contractual documents, and initiating appropriate activities related to collective bargaining.
• Represent the Company when dealing with all regulatory authorities related to labour/employee relations, human rights and employment standards within the prairie provinces, including grievance arbitration, labour board applications, human rights complaints and employment related lawsuits.
• Work closely with the business unit and senior management teams to provide value-added advice and guidance on employee relations and general human resources issues.
• Advise on the hourly employee termination process ensuring compliance with applicable provincial regulations, legal precedents, and/or collective agreements.
• Advise the Corporate Benefits and Pensions team on employee benefits and pension administration and programs for hourly employees within the prairies in support of positive employee and labour relations strategy.
• Advise on LR and/or Employee Relations Strategy for acquisitions and divestments
• Develop and maintain positive employee relations within the Region
• Develop and maintain proactive relationships with Union representatives and industry professionals in the field of labour and employee relations
• Oversee the grievance and arbitration process
• Maintain current information regarding changes to government legislation and regulations for key business unit management.
• In partnership with the Employee and Labour Relations Manager (BC & PNW):
• Develop and implement management training programs in the area of labour and employee relations, guided by the Learning and Development Team, in support of regional human resource strategies and operational objectives.
• Advise on the policy development process to ensure alignment with legal and collective agreement requirements as well as in support of the positive employee relations strategy.
• Develop and implement the positive employee relations and labour relations strategy for all unionized and non-unionized operations in support of operational objectives and to facilitate human resource planning.
• Provide coverage for the EE/LR Manager partner as required.

Relationships with Others Jobs:

This role will have a high level of interaction with the HR Managers, Vice Presidents, General Managers and Operational Managers within the prairies. The incumbent must have the ability to influence and must provide critical thinking to the business.  The incumbent must become familiar with local issues and practices quickly to ensure the development of an appropriate strategy. In addition this position has a high degree of interaction with the Shared Services Functions, including but not limited to, the pay and benefit system programmers and the pay and benefits administrators.

Key Competencies:
●    Business Acumen
●    Critical Thinking
●    Leadership
●    Command Skills
●    Conflict Management
●    Managerial Courage
●    Negotiating
●    Problem Solving
●    Drive for Results
●    Strategic Agility

Dimensions:
●    Responsible for Employee and Labour Relations in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba)
●    Number of official labour jurisdictions: 3 provincial 
●    Number of official employment jurisdictions: 3 provincial 
●    Number of employees in prairie region: 3200 (at peak season)
●    Number of separate collective agreements: 29

Qualifications:
●    The incumbent should possess a university degree in Business Administration, Labour Relations, Human Resources, or a related field.
●    A Graduate level degree an asset
●    Formal Human Resource certification (CPHR) an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of ten years’ experience at a professional/managerial level of Labour Relations with experience in collective bargaining and employee relations management including extensive experience as a chief spokesperson and establishing labour relations strategy.
• Experience working directly with labour unions is required
• Experience as a human resource generalist.
• Knowledge of Canadian Labour Legislation and regulatory requirements at the provincial level 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a collaborative and positive employee labour relations environment.
   

YOUR LAFARGE EXPERIENCE
At Lafarge, there is endless opportunity for you to play your part. Whether you’re in a technical, managerial, or frontline role, you can shape a career that works for you. With us you’ll have the chance to embrace the passion we share for our planet. You’ll be encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives, share your ideas and build the skills and connections you need to perform at your best. Because it’s only when we work together in a culture where everyone thrives, that we can build the world we all want to live in.