Operational Overview

The Board's operations can be categorized into three broad sections: Adjudication, Administration, and Alternative Dispute Resolution and Case Management. The Board's adjudicators and representative members are appointed by Order in Council for fixed terms. The administrative and mediation and investigative staff are public servants as defined in the Public Service Act.

Adjudication

The Board is comprised of a full-time chairperson, two full-time vice-chairpersons, nine part-time vice-chairpersons and up to 30 board members with an equal number of employer and employee representatives. The chairperson is the presiding officer of the Board pursuant to the provisions of The Labour Relations Act. Representative board members are paid in accordance with the number of meetings and hearings held throughout the year. The Board does not retain legal counsel on staff. Legal services are provided through Legal Services Branch of Manitoba Justice.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Case Management

The Alternative Dispute Resolution and Case Management team is comprised of the registrar and five board officers, who report to the registrar. The board officers are responsible for the day-to-day management of files, applications, appeals, and referrals filed with the Board. They are appointed to act as Board representatives to attempt to resolve or narrow issues between parties, reducing the need for hearings. They act as returning officers in Board conducted representation votes, attend hearings and assist the registrar in the processing of various applications.

The registrar, reporting to the chairperson, is the chief administrative officer of the Board, responsible for the overall administration of the Board's business operations, mediation and adjudication. The registrar supervises the day to-day investigative and mediation activities of the Board. The primary responsibility of the registrar is to oversee the effective processing of each case, as well as communicate with parties and with the public, together with the board officers, regarding policies, procedures and jurisprudence. They act as the conduit between the Board and the government.

Administrative Services

The office manager, reporting to the chairperson, plays a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of the Board through the effective coordination of financial oversight, procurement, information technology and client services. The office manager also supervises clerical staff, who provide day-to-day administrative support to the Board, fiscal control and accountability of operational expenditures and the development and monitoring of office systems and procedures. The group receives and processes Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests and is responsible for the maintenance and documentation of the Board's records and files.