The Industrial Relations Specialist (IRS) provides advice and guidance to managers and supervisors, on the interpretation and application of the provisions of the Collective Agreements, and Policies and Practices of the Authority.

PORT AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

JOB SUMMARY:

The Industrial Relations Specialist (IRS) provides direct assistance to the Industrial Relations Manager (IRM) relevant to the provision of advice and guidance to managers and supervisors, on the interpretation and application of the provisions of the Collective Agreements, and Policies and Practices of the Authority. The IRS will participate in meetings with the Recognized Majority Unions, disciplinary tribunals and any other industrial relations (IR) related activities. He/ she is expected to be knowledgeable of the labour laws of Trinidad and Tobago given the impact of these on pending negotiations and grievances.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the administration and interpretation of the Authority's collective agreements, and ensures compliance with the terms and conditions of such agreement;
• Assists in the administration of Disciplinary Tribunals;
• Develops and maintains an effective records management system (manual and electronic) for IR related matters;
• Conducts research on IR matters as directed by the IRM;
• Drafts correspondence/presentations relevant to IR matters for the review of the IRM as required;
• Attends meetings as directed, takes minutes/notes and transcribes these for circulation to the relevant parties;
• Prepares draft reports and statements of cases, for legal counsel in industrial disputes, and attends Industrial Court as may be required by the Industrial Relations Manager;
• Undertakes investigations and prepares findings and recommendations for the review of the Industrial Relations Manager;
• Assists the Industrial Relations Manager in collective bargaining/ negotiation;
• Assists with internal grievance handling and represents the Authority at conciliation and arbitration stages when required;
• Liaises with management and the representative unions, on employee matters as directed by the Industrial Relations Manager; and
• Performs any other related duties as are assigned from time to time.

• High level of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Working knowledge of existing employment legislation, Joint Negotiating Team agreements, the Public Service Act and Regulations as are applicable to the Port Authority
• Working knowledge of the OSH Act
• Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of collective bargaining conciliation, (including Ministry of Labour procedures) and other methods of settling disputes.
• Effective organizational skills
• Evidence of negotiating and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong communication (both verbal and written) inclusive of presentation skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
• Proven ability to conduct research on IR related matters
• Proven ability to prepare draft Collective Agreements, Evidence and Arguments and other IR documents.
• Knowledge of and experience in the application and interpretation of Collective Agreements and other relevant IR documents.
• Capacity for economic reasoning, as evidenced by understanding the use of economic data in the collective bargaining process.
• Ability to assist in delivering Industrial Relations Training.
• Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION, TRAINING & WORKING EXPERIENCE:

• BSc Degree in Social Sciences/Business Management/Economics or BA in Labour Studies or equivalent level qualification from an accredited academic institution
• Diploma in Industrial Relations from an accredited academic qualification if Degree
• Evidence of formal training in OSH
• Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant working experience within an IR environment.
• Any equivalent combination of academic qualifications and training will considered