Are you an experienced labour relations practitioner? Do you have superior skills to assist, employers and trade unions in collective bargaining, grievance resolution and the development of labour relations? The Dispute Resolution Services branch of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is looking for individuals with extensive experience in labour relations.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
• a defined benefit pension plan
• maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
As a Mediator Specialist, you will:
• foster harmonious labour relations to minimize disruption in the economy arising from strikes and lockouts.
• schedule and conduct conciliation and mediation meetings in complex private and public sector unionized workplaces to assist the parties in the successful conclusion of collective agreements.
• develop a bargaining calendar and assemble mediation teams to best meet sector needs, and to plan and organize overall timing of ministry involvement.
• intervene in complex collective bargaining disputes and provide ongoing guidance to other mediators to facilitate successful outcomes of conciliation and mediation activities.
Please note:
• The position requires periods of travel throughout the province, sometimes on short notice, in all weather conditions.
• Work is performed virtually and in person.
How do I qualify?
Labour Relations Knowledge and Skills
• You have knowledge of and experience in labour relations, collective bargaining, and collective bargaining dispute resolution
• You have knowledge of the social, historical, political and psychological aspects of collective bargaining, the labour movement and labour relations.
• You have knowledge of trends and developments in labour relations and collective bargaining dispute resolution methods and principles, pensions, benefits, job evaluation, grievance administration, wage structures, restructuring, economics.
Mediation Knowledge and Skills
• You have knowledge and experience in a lead position at the collective bargaining table and in collective bargaining disputes with provincial labour and employment legislation.
• You have an understanding of the structure and character of union and management organizations, the collective bargaining process, methods, and conventions, and contractual issues related to the private and public sectors.
• You have knowledge of bargaining trends and settlements, issues, precedents, arbitration awards and related decisions, and the bargaining climate.
Leadership and Communication Skills
• You are able to intervene effectively in complex, sensitive or high-profile collective bargaining disputes while maintaining confidence and credibility with all involved parties.
• You can interact with employers and unions in high-pressure environments and circumstances, including during conciliation and mediation.
•You have strong negotiation and influencing skills to counsel, guide and persuade parties towards positions, approaches and methods to resolve collective bargaining disputes
• You understand and can apply sophisticated training and facilitation techniques in order to plan and lead teams in the delivery of training programs to labour-management groups.
