Legal Counsel (HLDAA Interest Arbitration Specialist) 12 Month Contract

 

As a member of the Negotiation Team, this role acts as an organizational resource and specialist on the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA) and interest arbitration in the Hospital, Long Term Care Homes and Community Sector. This position will be a resource to All Sector Strategic Bargaining Project Team (ASSBPT), ONA’s Central Bargaining Project Teams and our Regional Teams.

 

The incumbent is accountable for guiding and supporting the needs of our members and will ensure the individual and collective rights of members are achieved and maintained. 

 

• Coordinates HLDAA/Interest Arbitrations throughout the organization; including the  preparation of presentations of such submissions.
• Coordinates and analyzes economic research, contract analysis, labour market research and Collective Agreement analysis in collaboration with other ONA Labour Relation Officers.
• Assists with the development of strategic approaches to the representation of members in all sectors in conjunction with ONA’s Chief Negotiator, Senior Directors, Labour Relations, applicable project teams and within governing policies.
• Acts as an organizational resource to our regional Teams with respect to HLDAA/Interest Arbitration in the Hospital, Long Term Care Homes and Community Sectors.
• Acts as an organizational resource to the Long-Term Care Non-Institutional Project Team with respect to issues relating to first agreement arbitration or voluntary interest arbitration, as alternatives to strike and lockout.
• Represents ONA before the Labour Relations Board on matters related to unfair labour practices, violation of the freeze period and other matters related to collective bargaining.
• Acts as an organizational resource on the development and delivery of education to members and staff on issues relating to HLDAA/Interest Arbitration.
• Draft submissions and position statements to the government and other agencies, and participate in the oral presentation of same, as necessary.
• Keeps the management, staff and members informed on current issues, legislative changes, trends and developments relating to HLDAA/Interest Arbitration. Provides written reports on areas of activity, as required.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of contract analysis data bases as required.

 

As the successful candidate you will bring -

• A University degree or diploma in Industrial/Labour Relations or related equivalent education.
• A LL.B/Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of Labour Relations/Industrial Relations experience representing union members in a similar role. 
• A Registered Nurse designation is an asset.
• Alternative Dispute and Conflict Resolution and/or Advanced Mediation and Workplace Conflict Coaching Certification and/or training is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience as a negotiator within an Interest Arbitration environment including brief writing experience.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiations and interest arbitration particularly in the Hospital, Long Term Care Homes and Community Sectors.
• Knowledge of the procedures, practices and techniques used in collective bargaining and labour management negotiations.
• Full understanding and demonstrated working knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Employment Standards Act, Ontario Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code etc.).
• Experience presenting before administrative tribunals (i.e., Interest Arbitration, Rights Arbitration), including brief preparation is an asset.
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, mentorship and coaching.
• Excellent client relations, coaching/mentoring, communication and advocacy skills
• Ability to speak other languages is considered an asset.

The successful candidate must be able to travel, possess a valid driver’s license and have access to an automobile for business use.

 

All interested candidates may apply via ONA JOBS by 4:30 p.m. on September 15, 2026.

The Ontario Nurses’ Association is committed to employment equity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from equity-deserving groups including individuals of Indigenous descent, Racialized individuals, individuals living with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI persons. We also provide accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in joining us. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.