Labour Relations Assistants support the labour relations function within Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) human resources operations. You will work alongside labour relations professionals to help manage the relationship between the employer and unionized employees, ensuring compliance with collective agreements and federal labour legislation. This role involves administrative support, documentation, correspondence, and coordination of labour relations activities across military and civilian workplaces.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include preparing briefing materials and reports, maintaining labour relations files and databases, scheduling meetings and hearings, drafting correspondence, and assisting with grievance and labour dispute processes. You will coordinate with union representatives, managers, and employees to facilitate communication and resolve workplace issues. In this role, you become familiar with collective agreements, Treasury Board policies, the Public Service Labour Relations Act, and DND-specific labour practices.
You will work in a professional office environment, typically located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or other DND establishments across Canada. This role offers exposure to complex workplace issues, federal labour law, and organizational decision-making processes. You will develop strong administrative, communication, and problem-solving skills while contributing to fair and productive labour relations.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver labour relations services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Minimum qualifications typically include secondary school completion with relevant work experience, or completion of a college or university program in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Some positions may require post-secondary education in labour relations, industrial relations, or human resources management.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training in DND labour relations policies, collective agreements, and federal labour legislation. Professional development opportunities include Treasury Board-sponsored training in labour relations, conflict resolution, and human resources management. Many Labour Relations Assistants pursue professional certifications such as those offered by the Canadian Industrial Relations Association or Human Resources Professionals Association (now Talent Canada). Government of Canada also provides access to training in federal legislation, policy, and workplace mediation skills to support your career development.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are advertised through Public Service Commission (PSC) job competitions open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Crown corporations employees. Some positions may be filled through internal government pools or priority lists.
If you are already a Government of Canada employee, you may be able to apply for Labour Relations Assistant positions through internal competitions or lateral moves within your department or across the federal government. Student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or Co-op placements may provide entry opportunities if you are a full-time student. Some candidates enter this role after gaining experience in general administrative positions and then specializing in labour relations through internal development and competition.
To find current opportunities, regularly check the PSC Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) and DND's careers website. Networking with DND human resources professionals and expressing interest in labour relations can help identify emerging positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Labour Relations Assistant positions, depending on operational requirements and departmental policy. Many positions offer the possibility of flexible schedules and compressed work weeks to support work-life balance.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government. Depending on the specific position and DND location, you may have opportunities to work from home for some or all of your hours, particularly for administrative and documentation tasks. However, roles requiring in-person attendance at grievance hearings, meetings with union representatives, or other labour relations events may require periodic presence at the office.
When applying for positions, inquire about flexible work arrangements during the recruitment process. Flexibility may increase after you have completed your initial training and orientation period. DND is committed to providing employees with work-life balance options where operational requirements allow.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
