Labor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us! Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing all aspects of labor relations in the United States, with additional responsibility for a portion of labor relations in Canada. The role consists of collective bargaining, collective agreement applications and interpretations, and development of strategic initiatives impacting employees while ensuring consistency within and across borders. The incumbent is a strategic advisor to senior leaders on complex business issues. The Director creates a cohesive vision and global approach to keep CN's labor relations liabilities to a minimum.

Main Responsibilities Collective Bargaining

         Participates in Section 6 National Bargaining on behalf of CN under the Railway Labor Act

         Meet with key internal stakeholders within various business units to review collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) before they become amendable

         Research past agreements, arbitration awards, and Public Law Board decisions to develop persuasive bargaining positions

         Act as CNs lead at the collective bargaining table and present arguments that drive commitment to favorable CBAs for CN business units

         Lead collective bargaining in Canada as the chief spokesperson

Developing Strategic Initiatives

         Work with Vice-Presidents on CBA impediments and risk evaluations pertaining to their groups

         Ensure CN's vision is consistently applied so that CBAs are beneficial for both labor organizations and CN and customer disruptions are minimized

         Provide strategic advice on CBA terms, coordinate with national multi-employer bargaining efforts (e.g., National Carriers' Conference Committee) where applicable, and plan for upcoming amendable dates

         Ensure cohesiveness of CBAs between various groups so that all negative impacts to CN are avoided (work stoppages, disputes, self-help actions, etc.), leveraging the RLA's status quo and cooling-off provisions

Contract Administration and Grievance Handling

         Evaluate complex grievances that require quick resolution through keen interpretation of CBA provisions and past practice

         Engage with labor organization representatives to understand the foundations and facts of disputes, distinguishing between minor disputes (grievances) and major disputes under the RLA

         Oversee the preparation and presentation of cases before the National Railroad Adjustment Board, Public Law Boards, and special boards of adjustment

         Manage interactions with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for mediation of bargaining impasses and potential arbitration proceedings 

Working Conditions

The role is based in Homewood, Illinois and has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN's hybrid work model. The position requires frequent travel across the United States and occasional travel to Canada. The role involves managing priorities and delivering work within established timelines, with support from the team to ensure sustainable and effective workload management. The successful candidate will be expected to learn, including on their own time, applicable Canadian labour laws and relevant legislative statutes if not already known.

Requirements Experience

Labour Relations

         15 years of labour relations experience

o   Collective bargaining with specific experience as spokesperson

o   Demonstrated experience with collective agreements including creation, application and interpretation

o   Experience managing employees

o   Railway industry experience*

o   Human Resources Management*

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Education/Certification/Designation

         Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or equivalent 

Competencies

         Knows the business and stays current with industry trends to elevate expertise and work
Applies analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance
Makes informed and timely decisions to get things done
Influences by translating expertise into practical business outcomes 3Director, Labour Relations
Tracks metrics to achieve ambitious targets and holds self accountable to meet performance expectations
Initiates and drives organizational changes to enable business transformation
Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity
Stakeholder Engagement
Builds and maintains an internal network to support a better overall work experience
Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes
Negotiates towards a win-win outcome while taking all points of view into consideration
Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)*
*Any skills/attributes for these above would be considered as an assetTechnical Skills/Knowledge

         Knowledge of CN's Labour Relations policies and procedures

         Knowledge of the US Railway Labor Act and the National Labor Relations Act

         Knowledge of Canadian legislation such as the Canada Labour Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act*

         Ability to research legislation and jurisprudence

         Critical thinking and organized

         Ability to be a strategic advisor to different levels of internal leaders