Date Issued: May 9, 2025
Proposal Deadline: June 30, 2025

Introduction

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety (LRWS) promotes, supports and enforces safe work practices and employment standards. It fosters a fair and balanced employment environment that respects the rights, duties and responsibilities of employees and employers, thereby ensuring healthy, safe and productive workplaces.

The ministry is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced individuals who wish to be on the minister’s list of arbitrators who may be appointed as a single arbitrator or as chairperson for labour arbitration services in Saskatchewan.

Arbitrators are responsible for adjudicating labour disputes in accordance with the terms of the applicable collective agreements, relevant legislation, and established principles of labour law.

Section 6-45(6) of the Saskatchewan Employment Act stipulates that if the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator within a further period of seven days, either party may ask the minister to appoint an arbitrator. The parties in dispute to the arbitrations are responsible for renumeration directly to the appointed arbitrator.

The Labour Relations and Mediation branch (LRM) maintains the minister’s approved list, liaises with the arbitrators and secures their appointments when requested under 6-45(6).

Scope of Services:

• Conduct hearings related to grievances and disputes arising from collective agreements.
• Ensure a fair, impartial, and timely arbitration process.
• Issue written decisions with supporting rationale in accordance with applicable timelines.

The ideal applicant will:

• Maintain confidentiality and neutrality in all proceedings.
• Be a member and/or trained by a recognized arbitration association.
• Be willing to mentor more junior arbitrators to support their continued development in the profession.

Interested applicants should submit a proposal that includes:

• A cover letter expressing interest.
• A current CV outlining experience in labour law and arbitration.
• A description of the applicant’s breadth of experience in labour arbitration, such as:
  • the total number of arbitration awards they have concluded;
  • the total number of consensual appointments they have received;
  • the number of different employers and unions that have requested their appointment; and
  • any labour or management advocacy work undertaken during that period.
• An indication of their availability and general timelines for issuing decisions.
• Three professional references.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant experience and qualifications.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining and employment law.
• Demonstrated impartiality and professionalism.
• Willingness to mentor junior individuals in the field.
• References and past performance.

Submission Details

All proposals must be submitted by: June 30, 2025

Contact:
Kristin Anderson
Executive Director, Labour Relations and Mediation
Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Kristin.anderson@gov.sk.ca

Late submissions may not be considered.

Additional Information

LRWS reserves the right to:

• Accept or reject any or all proposals.
• Request additional information or clarification from applicants.
• Conduct interviews or reference checks as needed.

For questions or further information, please contact Kristin Anderson at Kristin.anderson@gov.sk.ca or 306-933-5880.