Director Labor Relations

Hiring Salary Range : $ 164,000.00 - 198,975.00

This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us! 

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing all aspects of labor relations in the United States, with additional responsibility for a portion of labor relations in Canada. The role consists of collective bargaining, collective agreement applications and interpretations, and development of strategic initiatives impacting employees while ensuring consistency within and across borders. The incumbent is a strategic advisor to senior leaders on complex business issues. The Director creates a cohesive vision and global approach to keep CN’s labor relations liabilities to a minimum.

Main Responsibilities

Collective Bargaining

·         Participates in Section 6 National Bargaining on behalf of CN under the Railway Labor Act

·         Meet with key internal stakeholders within various business units to review collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) before they become amendable

·         Research past agreements, arbitration awards, and Public Law Board decisions to develop persuasive bargaining positions

·         Act as CNs lead at the collective bargaining table and present arguments that drive commitment to favorable CBAs for CN business units

·         Lead collective bargaining in Canada as the chief spokesperson

Developing Strategic Initiatives

·         Work with Vice-Presidents on CBA impediments and risk evaluations pertaining to their groups

·         Ensure CN’s vision is consistently applied so that CBAs are beneficial for both labor organizations and CN and customer disruptions are minimized

·         Provide strategic advice on CBA terms, coordinate with national multi-employer bargaining efforts (e.g., National Carriers’ Conference Committee) where applicable, and plan for upcoming amendable dates

·         Ensure cohesiveness of CBAs between various groups so that all negative impacts to CN are avoided (work stoppages, disputes, self-help actions, etc.), leveraging the RLA’s status quo and cooling-off provisions

Contract Administration and Grievance Handling

·         Evaluate complex grievances that require quick resolution through keen interpretation of CBA provisions and past practice

·         Engage with labor organization representatives to understand the foundations and facts of disputes, distinguishing between minor disputes (grievances) and major disputes under the RLA

·         Oversee the preparation and presentation of cases before the National Railroad Adjustment Board, Public Law Boards, and special boards of adjustment

·         Manage interactions with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for mediation of bargaining impasses and potential arbitration proceedings 

Working Conditions

The role is based in Homewood, Illinois and has standard working conditions in an office environment wi