Collective Bargaining
The end goal is simple: a ratified collective agreement that meets the current and future needs of your organization. Reaching that goal is rarely a simple process. We reduce the complexity by leading your organization through the preparation, negotiation, and implementation stages of collective bargaining. We do this by applying what we've learned through 92 rounds of bargaining as we effortlessly wear the multiple hats that every employer needs in bargaining: project manager, master communicator, drafter of language, labour relations expert, financial analyst, HR strategist, team builder, tactful diplomat, and above all, tireless problem solver.
Labour Relations Strategy
An effective organizational strategy must be supported with an effective labour relations strategy in any unionized organization. We identify the essential labour relations considerations to ensure the success of your organization’s strategy. Sometimes the strategy is to address an immediate issue, such as planning for a potential strike or lockout. Other times the strategy is focused on the organization’s long term success. Whatever the situation, we the partner with you to create a labour relations context for your organization’s strategy to come to life.
Grievances & Arbitration
Most leaders and HR professionals cringe when they hear the words "we have a grievance". We rise to the challenge of being able to solve a complex problem. We resolve grievances in a number of different ways: we can help you develop resolution strategies, we can mediate discussions between the parties in dispute, or if all else fails, we can represent the employer's interests as a nominee in arbitration. Whatever path we take, our commitment to you is to get to the root of what triggered the initial dispute so you reduce the risk of seeing the same grievance reappear at a later date.
“Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.” (Michael Jordan) When applied to an organization, this means hiring the right people, compensating them appropriately, and keeping them engaged and performing at their best. HR fundamentals also involves exiting employees from the organization in professional manner. We share our breadth of experience from multiple employers and industries to ensure the HR foundation of your organization is solid and responsive to change.
HR Fundamentals
Policy & Process
Simple, clear, and compliant. Are those the top three words your employees and volunteers would use to describe your HR policies and processes? If not, then we should talk. We know that organizations don't always have the time or expertise to invest in developing effective HR policies and processes. We can fill that gap by helping you in two tangible ways. First, we help you sort through the many changing inputs that will influence your people policies and processes, such as legislation, organizational culture and stakeholder expectations. Then we apply our mantra of simplicity, clarity, and compliance to document policies and processes that will support your employees and volunteers as they work to achieve your organization's vision.
Coaching & Mentoring
The only thing worse than facing a challenging situation at work is feeling that you are facing the challenge alone. We've been fortunate enough to have coached and mentored over 50 HR and LR professionals at various stages of their careers. There is nothing we love more than helping someone work through people challenges that seemed too big or intimidating to tackle, and in doing so, supporting that individual to grow and develop into more than they thought possible.