ABOUT
Symons Labour Strategies provides senior-level labour relations and collective bargaining consulting to small and mid-sized unionized employers across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
I started Symons Labour Strategies because I kept seeing the same problem: small and mid-sized businesses facing high-stakes labour situations with no one in their corner.
Large organizations have entire teams dedicated to labour relations. Small businesses don't — and yet the pressure at the bargaining table is just as real, the grievances just as complex, and the cost of getting it wrong just as high.
That's where I come in.
I'm Holly Symons, and I've spent over 25 years working in labour relations — leading negotiations, navigating grievances, and helping employers build stable, productive workplaces. Before starting this practice, I served as Senior Director of Employee and Labour Relations at SE Health, a national home health organization with 8,000+ employees, where I oversaw labour strategy across three provinces and multiple bargaining units, leading negotiations for both first contracts and renewals. Over the course of my career, I've led 15 collective bargaining negotiations and have Human Resources experience in many sectors including healthcare, utilities, education, financial services, and hospitality.
I know what it feels like to sit across from a union at the table when the stakes are high. I also know that most small business owners never expected to be there — and that having the right support makes all the difference.
When you work with me, you get one person who knows your business, understands your pressures, and is fully invested in your outcome. No junior associates, no handoffs, no one-size-fits-all playbook. Just experienced, practical guidance — exactly when you need it.
In addition to labour relations, I offer executive coaching to managers and leaders navigating the complexity of unionized workplaces. I bring the same direct, practical approach to coaching that I apply at the bargaining table — helping leaders build the clarity, confidence, and communication skills their roles demand.
Credentials:
• CPHR — Chartered Professional in Human Resources
• Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching (CEC), Royal Roads University
• Certified Leadership Circle Profile 360 Coach
• BA, University of British Columbia
Recent experience:
Senior Director, Employee & Labour Relations — SE Health (national home health, 8,000+ employees, labour strategy across BC, AB & ON)Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer or a labour relations consultant for collective bargaining?
A lawyer and a labour relations consultant serve different roles. Lawyers are essential when you need legal representation in arbitration or court proceedings. A labour relations consultant like Symons Labour Strategies handles the strategy, preparation, and negotiation at the bargaining table — which is where most of the real work happens. Many small employers work with an LR consultant throughout bargaining and bring in legal counsel only if needed for arbitration.
Is it worth getting outside help for a first collective agreement?
A first contract is one of the most consequential labour relations moments a small employer will face. The language you agree to sets the foundation for every subsequent negotiation — and mistakes made at the first table are hard to undo. Many small business owners underestimate how much operational flexibility can be lost through vague scheduling language, poorly defined management rights clauses, or wage structures that aren't sustainable over time. Experienced support at the first table isn't a luxury — it's how you avoid building problems into your workplace for years to come. Symons Labour Strategies specializes in helping small and mid-sized employers navigate first contracts in BC, Alberta, and Ontario, with the preparation and discipline to negotiate agreements that work in practice, not just on paper.
What should I do when I receive a grievance?
Don't ignore it and don't respond impulsively. The first step is triage — assessing the merit of the grievance, your exposure, and the right strategy before committing to a response. How you handle step one shapes your position throughout the entire process. If you're unsure, reach out early — the sooner you get experienced guidance, the more options you have.
How do I know if my situation needs a workplace investigation?
If a formal complaint has been filed — harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, or serious misconduct — you likely need an investigation. The threshold is lower than many employers expect. If the subject of the complaint is a senior employee, or if internal neutrality is in question, an independent investigator is essential to protect the integrity of the process and your organization's liability.
Do you work with businesses outside BC, Alberta, and Ontario?
For collective bargaining, Symons Labour Strategies focuses on British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where Holly has direct experience with the applicable labour legislation and labour relations boards. For all other services — grievance management, workplace investigations, and executive coaching — Holly works with employers across Canada. If you're unsure whether your situation is a fit, reach out and Holly is happy to discuss how she can help.
What Clients Say
"I’ve had the privilege of working with Holly Symons in the healthcare sector for nearly 10 years and she consistently demonstrates professionalism and composure in her interactions with internal and external stakeholders. There are several other attributes that stand out. Holly’s attention to detail can’t be overstated while bringing an incredibly strong understanding of labor laws and union contract negotiations. And despite her comfort with granularity, Holly sees the big picture and pursues win-win outcomes through high-level strategic thinking and clear, articulate communication. On that note, Holly has the ability to navigate difficult conversations, ask tough questions, and move through sensitive situations with respect and transparency."
Brent Glasgow Brown, MBA, CMP
Regional Director & BD Lead at SE Health
"I had the pleasure of working with Holly for six years at PHSA, where she supported my business portfolio with HR and labour relations expertise. Even though my office was remote, Holly made the effort to truly understand my operations and the people within them, which made her support both effective and trusted.
She provided valuable guidance on grievance management and arbitration, department restructuring, and job description development, and consistently brought practical, well‑thought‑out solutions to complex situations. Holly is also a strong and confident negotiator who approaches challenges calmly and strategically.
I genuinely enjoyed working with Holly and would highly recommend her and Symons Labour Strategies to organizations looking for knowledgeable, thoughtful labour relations support."
Surinder Bains
Director Procurement & Ancillary Services at College of New Caledonia
"I am pleased to recommend Holly Symons as an experienced HR leader with strong expertise in labour relations and overall HR operations.
Holly demonstrates sound judgment in managing union relationships, interpreting collective agreements, and resolving grievances with a balanced, solutions-focused approach. She maintains constructive partnerships while protecting organizational interests.
Holly also brings solid leadership across core HR functions, including talent management, compliance, and policy implementation, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Holly is a kind, trusted, fair, and effective leader who would add value to any organization."
Alex Portnik
Associate Vice President
Seniors Living, SE Health
- Ready to go into your next negotiation with a clear strategy and experienced support?
- Facing a grievance, investigation or complex labour situation?
- Looking for executive coaching to strengthen your leadership in a unionized workplace?
Let's talk through what you are dealing with and how I can help.
Symons Labour Strategies
Senior-level labour relations support for small, unionized employers — in BC, AB, and ON.
Get in touch
www.linkedin.com/in/holly-symons
Servicing BC, Alberta and Ontario
CPHR · CEC · Leadership Circle Certified · Holly Symons, Founder
© 2026 Symons Labour Strategies. All rights reserved.
CPHR · Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching (CEC), Royal Roads University
· Certified Leadership Circle Profile 360 Coach · BA, UBC