Labour Relations Officer

Competition #: 2025-10
Posting date: September 2, 2025
Closing date: September 30, 2025
Duration: Indeterminate
Classification level: Level 5
Salary: $114,354 to $141,134
Number of positions: 1
Language requirements: Bilingual
Status: Unionized position

About the association

The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) is a dynamic and progressive union representing more than 25,000 professional employees in the federal public sector. At CAPE, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all our members.

Our organization offers:

  • Health and dental benefits
  • Pension plan
  • Flexible work model & remote work opportunities
  • Great work-life balance

Position summary

The Labour Relations Officer provides advice, assistance, information and representation to CAPE members on all matters relating to labour relations, conditions of employment and other related matters in the federal public service and at the Library of Parliament; represents CAPE at Departmental Labour-Management meetings; delivers training modules for CAPE members, stewards and Local officers; contributes to CAPE’s publications and internal reports; provides organizational support to Director Representation Services and Education, union locals, and stewards. 

Requirements 

Education & Experience

  • University degree or equivalent in a related field.
  • At least seven (7) years of directly related experience in the administration of collective agreement rights within the federal jurisdiction.

Note: Equivalent combinations of education and/or experience may be considered. 

Key responsibilities

  • Represents members in formal redress by gathering information, carrying out relevant research, preparing arguments, drafting the wording for formal recourse documents, consulting with outside legal counsel, drafting presentations to be made to either an Employer or before an administrative tribunal, presenting cases, and advising members on options available to them.
  • Advocates informally on behalf of members by gathering information, carrying out relevant research, preparing arguments, communicating information to management representatives, gathering information from management representatives, and consulting with outside legal counsel by advising members on options available to them.
  • Supports members involved in harassment investigations by accompanying members to investigation meetings and/or mediation, keeping a record of proceedings in writing, consulting with outside legal counsel, and advising members on options available.
  • Provides advice, assistance, information and representation to members on all matters related to conditions of work, entitlements and rights in the workplace.
  • Works as a member of an integrated team of professionals on Association matters and the provision of information to the Director Representation Services and Education.
  • Reviews management proposals to exclude positions from the bargaining unit on the basis of managerial and confidential responsibilities.
  • Reviews new or amended employer and departmental proposals on policies and/or programs; analyses the potential impact of those proposals for CAPE members; and as a member of an integrated team of professionals develops and presents CAPE’s responses to those proposals.
  • Keeps abreast of changes in the federal Public Service and of general trends in labour relations.
  • Represents CAPE at Departmental Labour-Management meetings, at inter-union forums, and at meetings with the employer of CAPE members.
  • Provides organizational support to union locals, executives and stewards, which could include chairing local Annual General Meetings.
  • Assists in the development, updating and delivery of training programs and material to CAPE members, Local officers and stewards.

Other skills and abilities

  • Significant knowledge of changing principles of labour relations.
  • Significant knowledge of changing labour relations practices, employment matters affecting the general membership.
  • Significant knowledge of labour laws, jurisprudence, rules of evidence, and union principles.
  • Significant knowledge of principles and practice of mediation and facilitation, as well as knowledge of practices to negotiate settlement of cases.
  • Knowledge of methods to carry out research and sources of labour relations information including research databases.
  • Knowledge of word processing and training methods and practices.
  • Knowledge of operational procedures of CAPE’s National Office.
  • Knowledge of CAPE’s Constitution and By-laws, and internal protocols.
  • Knowledge of classification systems that are applied to the positions occupied by members of CAPE.
  • Knowledge of the collective agreements for which CAPE is responsible.
  • Knowledge of the mandates of different organizations of the federal Public Service and of organizational structures of other employers of CAPE members.
  • Knowledge of the procedures of different tribunals, including the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.
  • Knowledge of the Public Service Employment Act and Regulations, of the Public Service Labour Relations Act and Regulations, of the Financial Administration Act, of the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, of the Superannuation Act, of the Canadian Human Rights Act, of the Canada Labour Code, of the Employment Equity Act, Pay Equity Act, of Treasury Board policies and directives and circulated letters, PSC staffing documents, and all other central agency documents that establish rules and practice for the federal Public Service, as well as knowledge of equivalent management documents used by other employers of CAPE members.

Condition of employment

  • Must meet the language requirement of the position.

Additional information

  • Candidates must be fluently bilingual in both English and French at the time of application. This position requires advanced proficiency in both spoken and written English and French, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate this fluency during the recruitment process.
  • If you are a member of an equity-deserving group, we encourage you to self-declare in this recruitment process. This self-declaration information may be factored into selection decisions and to address CAPE’s commitment to increase representation of these groups.
  • CAPE is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. Should you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact rh-hr@acep-cape.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential except when required to implement accommodation.
  • An eligibility list of applicants may be established from this process to staff similar positions within CAPE.
  • Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact applicants when the screening and interview phases are completed.
  • The recruitment committee reserves all rights to use any methods that they deem appropriate to evaluate applicants.
  • Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that accurate contact information is provided and updated as required and to update their personal information when it changes. Applicants who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).
  • Time-sensitive correspondence may be transmitted via email, and it will be the applicant's responsibility to check their email regularly. Failure to respond to communications may result in elimination from this process.
  • CAPE may decide to use top-down or random selection or any other additional qualification to determine the number of applicants who will be considered for the next stage of the evaluation.
  • Beyond skills and experience, we’re looking for someone who’s the right fit for our team: a good communicator, adaptable, and passionate about the association’s mission of defending the rights of our members.
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency documentation, or a valid work permit or open work visa will be requested to ensure that candidates are eligible to work in Canada without restrictions.

How to Apply 

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following to rh-hr@acep-cape.ca by September 30, 2025:

  1. Cover Letter (mandatory):
    1. Clearly demonstrate how your education and professional experience meet the minimum qualifications and requirements outlined in the job description (e.g., university degree or equivalent, at least 7 years of labour relations experience, fluency in both official languages).
    2. Provide specific examples of past work that illustrate your ability to fulfill the key responsibilities (e.g., representing members, preparing cases, interpreting collective agreements, training, and advocacy).
    3. Highlight your knowledge of relevant labour laws, jurisprudence, and federal public service frameworks.
    4. Explain why you are interested in working with CAPE and how your skills align with the organization’s mandate.
  2. Resume (mandatory):
    1. Ensure your resume is up to date and includes detailed work experience with dates, job titles, and descriptions of duties.
    2. Emphasize experience in labour relations, mediation/facilitation, and advocacy.
    3. Clearly list any training delivered, publications, or union involvement relevant to the role.
    4. Include your language proficiency (English and French).
  3. Format and Submission:
    1. Submit your application as a single PDF file containing both your cover letter and resume.
    2. Indicate “Application – 2025-10” in the subject line of your email