Industrial Relations Specialist

The Industrial Relations Specialist administers the Company’s disciplinary and grievance procedures and provide technical advice and guidance to Managers and Bargaining Unit Staff on Industrial Relations matters.

The incumbent also researches and prepares proposals for negotiations as well as education of Line Managers regarding industrial relations issues.

         KEY FUNCTIONS

-          Dispute Resolution Procedure

• o Responsible for review of the nature and Scope of Trade Dispute referred from the Minister of Labour.
• o Jointly responsible for the conduct of all conciliation meetings arising out of trade disputes referred by the Minister of Labour.
• o Responsible for research and preparation of accurate terms of the settlement.
• o To review and keep abreast of Industrial Court notices and attend requisite case management meetings; includes responding to all requests for extension of time.
• o Jointly responsible for completion of relevant evidence and arguments as well as witness statements, where applicable for onward submission to the Industrial Court.
• o Jointly responsible for representing the Company by making oral submissions at the Industrial Court aimed at resolution of trade disputes.

-          Education and Awareness

• o To develop and deliver presentations to Line Management by the conduct of research and analysis of prevailing Industrial Relations issues.
• o To formulate and disseminate the training and coaching of Senior Managers, Section Managers, Exempt and Bargaining Unit employees on the interpretation and application of the provisions of the Company’s Collective Agreements and the principles and practices of good industrial relations.

-          Grievance Handling

• o To conduct Second and Third Stage Grievance meetings (Rights) with the Recognised Majority Unions for the avoidance and settlement of disputes between workers, their Union and the Company over terms and conditions of employment.

-          Negotiations

• o To prepare draft company proposals by the conduct of comprehensive internal and external comparative analyses.
• o To provide technical support to the Industrial Relations Lead in negotiations for collective agreements with all Recognised Majority Unions.
• o Responsible for the scheduling of negotiations and submission of all proposals to the Ministry of Labour.

-          Disciplinary Matters 

• o To review investigative reports, research and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
• o Jointly responsible for the chair and conduct disciplinary hearings of complaints against employees aimed at the facilitation and support for the achievement of the Department’s strategic and operational objectives.
• o Jointly responsible for timely and accurate submission of recommendations to Line Management arising out of the conduct of disciplinary hearings.
• o To provide technical advisory services to Senior Managers, Section Managers, Exempt and Bargaining Unit employees on such matters as the interpretation and application of labour laws, collective agreements, company rules, policies and disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• o To keep abreast of changes to International Labour Organization conventions, local and international labour law, and landmark judgments of the Industrial Court of Trinidad & Tobago and Labour Courts or Tribunals in other jurisdictions.
• o To disseminate information pertinent to interpretations, awards, decisions, rulings and judgements. To complete various reports regarding industrial relations matters and key performance indicators.

-          Workplace Safety – all work is completed in accordance with company safety policies and procedures.

-          To perform such other related duties as assigned by the Senior Manager from time to time.

Education & Experience:

• A Bachelors’ degree in Labour Studies, Management, Human Resource Management or Law
• An Advanced Diploma/Certification in Industrial Relations
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an Industrial Relations practitioner, at least two (2) years of which involved work at a senior position in Industrial Relations. 

 KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Knowledge is required on the principles and practice of good industrial relations, ILO Conventions and relevant statutes e.g., IRA, OSH, Workmen’s Compensation, Maternity Protection Act, etc.; the provisions of the Company’s Collective Agreements.
• Knowledge of the Operational procedures of the Ministry of Labour and the Industrial Court are essential.
• Knowledge of sound modern Strategic HR theory, practices and policy.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of good industrial relations, labour laws, regulations and policies.
• Good investigative, information gathering, analytical and problem-solving skills. •
• Sound negotiating skills.
• Excellent competency in use of Microsoft office suite

CORE AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Customer Focus: Prioritises and takes action on the needs of both internal and external customers. Designs and delivers products and services with the customer experience top of mind.

Planning and Results Orientation: Invests time in upfront planning to achieve organisational goals and objectives while meeting quality standards, following the appropriate processes, and continuously assessing results.

Creativity and Innovation: Thinks beyond the confines of traditional models to recognise opportunities and find new and better ways of doing things to be and remain an agile broadband provider. Encourages experimentation and accepts failure as a driver of innovation.

Communication: Effectively and appropriately interacts with others to build relationships, influence others, and facilitate sharing ideas and information. Uses tact and diplomacy to navigate demanding situations. Relays key messages by creating a compelling story targeted to specific audiences.

People Leadership: Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to achieve organisational goals. Coaches, mentors, and manages employee experience and performance through mindful preparation. Creates space for others to lead.

Managing Through Change and Uncertainty: Adjusts thinking and behaviour to resiliently face change and uses experience to fuel growth. Embraces failure as a learning opportunity for themselves and others. Enables the process of change and transition while helping others deal with the effects of change.

Relationship Building: Develops internal and external trusting, professional relationships. Purposefully develops networks to build value through collaboration.

 Deadline date for applications - Sunday 24th September 2023