Position Summary:
The Labour Relations Director is responsible for managing labor relations, ensuring compliance with French labor laws (Code du Travail), and fostering strong, constructive relationships with employees, unions, and Works Councils (Comités Sociaux et Économiques - CSE). This role involves negotiating collective agreements, resolving workplace disputes, and advising management on employment law and labor policies. These responsibilities are carried out in close collaboration with the Labour Relations Manager to ensure an effective and coordinated labor relations strategy.
Position in the Organization:
- Reports directly to the EMEA Labour Relations Leader
- Directly responsible for labour relations in XTS, XSAS and Lexmark within Xerox France together with the People Operations Team.
- Works in close partnership with the People Operations Team to implement labor relations policies and handle daily operational challenges.
- Collaborates with HR Business Partners, Legal Counsel, and Compliance Officers.
- Engages with CSE representatives, trade unions, and external legal advisors.
- Advises executive leadership and operational managers on labor relations strategy and compliance.
- Liaises with government labor authorities (Inspection du Travail) and industry bodies.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Labour Relations Strategy & Compliance
- Develop and implement labor relations strategies aligned with French labor laws and company objectives.
- Ensure compliance with the Code du Travail, collective agreements, and industry-specific regulations.
- Monitor legal and regulatory changes, advising management on their potential impact.
- Represent the company in labor law-related proceedings, including labor inspections and tribunal cases (Conseil de Prud'hommes), together with the Legal Team.
2. Strengthening Employee & Union Relationships
- Responsible to foster constructive dialogue and trust with CSE and trade unions.
- Proactively address employee concerns to prevent disputes and improve workplace culture.
- Organize regular meetings with employee representatives to maintain transparency and collaboration.
- Develop initiatives that enhance employee engagement, strengthen labor relations, and improve social dialogue.
- Act as a trusted advisor and mediator, ensuring both company objectives and employee well-being are considered.
3. Collective Bargaining & Negotiations
- You should lead negotiations for Accords Collectifs (collective agreements) with trade unions.
- Oversee the mandatory annual negotiations (NAO - Négociations Annuelles Obligatoires) on wages, working time, and professional equality.
- Ensure that all agreements align with business goals while maintaining strong union relationships.
- Implement clear communication strategies to ensure employees and managers understand labor agreements.
4. Conflict Resolution & Employee Relations
- Mediate and resolve labor disputes, grievances, and conflicts between employees and management.
- Oversee disciplinary procedures in compliance with French labor laws.
- Handle employee complaints confidentially and fairly, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Represent the company in labour-related litigation (Conseil de Prud'hommes) and alternative dispute resolution processes.
5. Management Support & Training
- Develop and deliver training sessions for HR teams and managers on French labor laws, collective bargaining, and conflict resolution.
- Ensure managers understand their legal obligations regarding employee relations, dismissals, and workplace policies.
- Create guidelines and best practices to foster proactive labor relations management.
6. Policy Development & Risk Management
- Develop and maintain company policies aligned with French labor regulations and best practices.
- Identify potential labor risks and create strategies to mitigate them while ensuring long-term relationship stability.
- Ensure consistency in labor relations practices across all company locations in France.
Key Qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience in labor relations, HR compliance, or employment law, preferably in a unionized environment in France.
- Strong expertise in French labor law (Code du Travail), collective agreements, and union negotiations.
- Proven experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with unions, CSE, and employees.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Experience handling labor disputes, tribunal cases, and government inspections.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a multinational company with cross-border labor relations.
- Prior experience representing companies in Conseil de Prud'hommes cases.
- Familiarity with specific industry labor law challenges (e.g., manufacturing, retail, finance).
- Proficiency in English for international labor relations matters.
Location : This role will be based out of the Xerox Paris Asnières-sur-Seine office.
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