Relations Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Location: Hybrid 4 days onsite (Lake Orion)

We are looking for individuals who are interested in full-time employment in Lake Orion, Vaughan, Calgary, or Halifax!

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Business Partner – Labour and Employee Relations is responsible for providing strategic and operational support to leaders and employees across Canada and the United States in all areas of labour and employee relations. Acting as a trusted advisor, the HRBP partners with management to foster positive labour-management relationships, ensure compliance with collective agreements and employment legislation, and support effective workforce management practices.

The role serves as the primary point of contact for employee and labour relations matters, including grievance administration, investigations, collective agreement interpretation, performance management, conflict resolution, and workplace compliance. The HRBP plays a key role in supporting collective bargaining activities, labour-management committees, organizational change initiatives, and the development of consistent HR practices that promote operational effectiveness and employee engagement.

Major Responsibilities:

Employee and Labour Relations (60%)

• Provide expert guidance and support to managers on labour and employee relations matters, including interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation, company policies, and workplace practices.
• Lead and conduct workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, workplace conflict, misconduct, policy violations, attendance concerns, and other employee relations matters.
• Manage grievance administration processes, including investigation, response preparation, meetings with union representatives, and resolution recommendations.
• Analyze and interpret collective agreement language and provide recommendations to management regarding operational and employee matters.
• Support and participate in labour-management meetings while fostering constructive and collaborative union relationships.
• Prepare and maintain documentation related to grievances, investigations, disciplinary actions, attendance management, and employee relations matters.
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of cases for labour board proceedings, mediations, arbitrations, and other third-party hearings.
• Participate in collective bargaining activities, including research, proposal development, costing, issue tracking, and implementation of negotiated agreements.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders regarding performance management, progressive discipline, corrective action, attendance management, accommodation matters, and conflict resolution.
• Partner with operational leadership to identify and proactively address workplace risks and employee relations concerns.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with union representatives, employees, management, and external stakeholders.

HR Business Partner Support (25%)

• Partner with operational leaders to support workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employee lifecycle activities.
• Ensure talent acquisition aligns with operational strategies and employment equity initiatives through accurate forecasting, manager support, and compliance with legislation, policies, and collective agreements.
• Provide coaching and support to managers on performance management, employee development, and corrective action.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data, ensuring compliance and data integrity across systems (e.g., BambooHR).
• Support development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and programs aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with HR team members to resolve complex issues, share knowledge, and ensure consistency in HR practices.

Compliance and HR Governance (15%)

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and labour standards across Canada and the United States, including FMLA and other jurisdictional requirements.
• Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of employee data, including discipline, training, and organizational structures.
• Assists in the updating, maintenance and development of employee handbooks, policies and procedures by conducting research on best practices, keeping informed on current labour and employment standards and emerging human resource trends.
• Conduct salary benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitive and equitable compensation practices, while assessing labour market conditions in new and existing locations to support workforce planning and expansion initiatives.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Manage social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn), including creating and posting content to support employer branding and internal communications.
• Assist in HR reporting, data analysis, and continuous improvement of HR processes and systems.
• Support audit readiness and ensure HR documentation and processes meet internal and external compliance standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills / Functional Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of employee and labour relations practices, including collective agreements, grievance handling, and workplace investigations.
• Working knowledge of employment legislation in Canada and the United States (including FMLA).
• Strong recruitment and talent management capability.
• Strong communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with employees, managers, and union representatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., BambooHR), Microsoft Office, and web-based applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• French language proficiency is an asset.

Qualifications

• University degree in Human Resources Management or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a human resources generalist role, including employee and labour relations.
• Experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Experience in recruitment, investigations, and HR operations is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health and Dental Coverage: Enjoy peace of mind with our extensive health and dental benefits, ensuring you and your family's well-being.

Generous Paid Vacation: Recharge and relax with our generous paid vacation policy, providing you the time to unwind and come back refreshed.

Flexible Paid Sick and Personal Days: Take control of your well-being with our flexible sick and personal days, giving you the freedom to address personal needs or unforeseen circumstances.

Robust Pension Plan: Secure your future with our robust pension plan, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind during your retirement years.

Short-term and Long-term Disability Coverage: Rest easy knowing that our comprehensive disability coverage provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events, offering support during challenging times.

Performance-Based Bonus Potential: Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Unlock your potential with our performance-based bonus program, rewarding your dedication and contributions to our success.