Labour and Employee Relations Specialist

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Position Summary

Reporting to the Lead Advisor, Academic Labour Relations, the Labour and Employee Relations Specialist provides research, documentation, and administrative support to the Labour and Employee Relations team with a primary focus on  academic labour relations.

The position supports labour relations activities primarily for academic employee groups, including faculty members, librarians, teaching staff, etc. The incumbent assists with the preparation of materials for collective bargaining, grievances, arbitrations, and union-management committees, and supports the administration of labour relations processes within the context of academic personnel policies and university governance structures.

Primary Responsibilities

Collective Bargaining & Negotiation Support

• Assist in conducting research and benchmarking, related primarily to academic and non-academic collective agreements.
• Compile, organize, and format documentation in support of collective bargaining and negotiation activities, including background materials, summaries, and comparison tables.
• Support the preparation of bargaining and arbitration materials by drafting preliminary documents, tracking changes, and ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain organized records of bargaining documentation and meeting materials.

Grievances, Arbitrations & Case Administration

• Collect and organize documentation related to grievances and arbitrations from faculties and administrative units, under the direction of Labour and Employee Relations Advisors.
• Assist in the intake and basic review of grievance files, including tracking timelines and preparing standard correspondence.
• Enter, update, and maintain grievance, arbitration, and bargaining information in the case management system.
• Monitor deadlines and follow up on outstanding documentation or required actions.

Advisory, Research & Policy Support

• Provide factual information to human resources advisors, managers, and employees regarding academic collective agreement provisions and established academic personnel policies, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Assist with monitoring arbitration decisions, case law, and legislative developments relevant to the post-secondary sector.
• Support the drafting, formatting, and updating of internal labour relations policies, procedures, and guidance materials.

Committees, Reporting & Coordination

• Provide administrative support to academic labour relations and union-management committees, including preparing agendas, compiling materials, drafting minutes, and tracking follow-up items.
• Assist in preparing statistical reports, summary tables, and briefing notes for internal use.
• Coordinate the transmission of routine information to bargaining agents, such as seniority lists and periodic reports.
• Triage and assign labour relations-related requests received through the Human Resources Portal.
• Maintain and update the Labour Relations Knowledge Base (KB).

Collaboration & Learning

• Work closely with Labour and Employee Relations Advisors, Academic Affairs Advisors and other Human Resources colleagues to support day-to-day labour relations activities.

Participate in labour relations projects and working groups as assigned.

Other qualifying skills and/or abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Labour Relations, or a related field an asset
• Experience in human resources, labour relations, or a related administrative or analytical role
• Knowledge of academic personnel policies and procedures in a post secondary institution an asset
• Professional designation (CRHA, CHRP, CRIA) or ORHRI candidate status an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

DEC III 3 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 03) $61,990.00 - $72,930.00 - $83,870.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-HRM1D - Human Resources Generalist - Professional 1 (Excluded)

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Lead Advisor Academic Labour Relations

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-03-10

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].