Practical Labour & Employee Relations Support for Employers
PartnerHR helps organizations navigate unionized and non-unionized workplaces with clear advice, steady leadership, and outcomes that hold up over time. From collective bargaining and grievance handling to investigations and leader training, you get senior-level support that fits your reality and protects your operation.
Edmonton-based. Supporting organizations across Alberta.
When to Bring in PartnerHR
Use PartnerHR when labour relations starts carrying real operational risk, leadership time drain, or reputational exposure.
- Preparing for bargaining or contract renewal
- Grievances stacking up, timelines tightening
- Union issues escalating, communications getting messy
- Leaders needing coaching to manage day-to-day LR correctly
- Investigations, complaints, or sensitive employee relations situations
- Policy alignment and post-agreement implementation
What You Get
- Employer-side labour relations guidance grounded in real workplace application
- Clear options, clear risk, clear next steps
- Support that builds internal capability, not dependency
- Respectful handling of sensitive situations with disciplined documentation
- A steady presence in complex conversations with unions, leaders, and stakeholders
Labour Relations Services
Labour Relations Advice
On-call advice and structured guidance for unionized & non-union workplaces.
- Union strategy and day-to-day advisory
- Contract interpretation support
- Manager and supervisor guidance on actions, documentation, and communications
- Risk reviews before decisions are made
Performance Management
Structure, coaching, and documentation to improve performance and protect decisions.
- Performance expectations, feedback structure, and coaching
- Performance improvement plans and follow-through support
- Progressive discipline guidance and documentation standards
- Role changes, reorganizations, and respectful transitions
Collective Bargaining Support
Planning and execution support before, during, and after bargaining.
- Bargaining preparation, priorities, and costing support
- Proposal development and response strategy
- Support during negotiations and employer-side alignment
- Post-agreement rollout planning and leadership guidance
Grievance Handling
Practical help to manage grievances with speed, discipline, and defensible outcomes.
- Grievance assessment and response planning
- Investigation support and documentation guidance
- Meeting preparation and participation support
- Resolution pathways designed for durability
Workplace Investigations and Sensitive Issues
Structured investigation support with fairness, consistency, and clear reporting.
- Intake, scope definition, and process planning
- Interviews, evidence review, and findings summaries
- Recommendations that match policy, agreement language, and risk
- Support for leadership communication and follow-through
Labour Relations Training
- Supervisor fundamentals in unionized environments
- Documentation and communication standards
- Handling conflict and difficult conversations
- Post-agreement implementation coaching
Policy Alignment and Post-Agreement Implementation
- Policy review and alignment recommendations
- Leadership rollout plans, training, and implementation support
- Practical guidance so the agreement works in real operations
Non-Occupational Disability Policy and Advice
- Disability and accommodation process guidance
- Documentation and communication standards
- Alignment with policies, benefits, and agreements where applicable
Conflict Management and Executive Support
- Executive coaching for labour relations leadership
- Decision support under time pressure
- Stakeholder alignment and communication guidance
How Engagements Work
Scope & Priority
Rapid intake, define what matters, lock scope and timelines.
Plan & Execution
You get a clear approach, documentation standards, and support through the work.
Stabilize & Upskill
Tools, templates, and leader coaching so the organization runs better after the engagement.
Who this Work Fits Best
Unionized employers that need reliable labour relations support without hiring
Leadership teams dealing with recurring grievances or escalating union dynamics
Organizations entering bargaining, implementing a first agreement, or resetting standards
Teams that want practical guidance, not theory
Testimonials
What people are saying about us
I have worked with Kent over the past 20 years and have consistently seen his expertise in labour relations and disability management. He is a trusted partner in navigating complex workplace matters and identifying practical, well-considered solutions. I am confident in his ability to provide valuable guidance and results to any organization he supports.
Tyson Joyce
Kent’s extensive knowledge and depth of HR experience provided steady leadership during critical moments for our organization. His guidance helped us navigate complex issues with clarity and confidence. His advice on leadership and risk management was both practical and highly effective.
Travis Chapman
We engaged Kent to support a client through a collective bargaining process and align HR policies with the new agreement. His professionalism, deep labour relations expertise, and ability to manage complexity stood out immediately. Both our team and the client were extremely pleased with the outcomes and his collaborative approach.
Greg Hussey
Kent supported our organization through the implementation of our first collective agreement. His strong HR foundation, combined with labour relations expertise, made him an invaluable partner and elevated our internal capability. His communication, accountability, and steady guidance ensured a smooth deployment and long-term confidence within our leadership team.
Megan Vaughan
Service Area
PartnerHR is based in Edmonton and supports organizations across Alberta. Remote support available when the work allows.
Get Started
If you need senior HR support that is clear, practical, and accountable, request a consultation.