Labor Relations Senior Specialist

Job Description

The Labor Relations Sr Specialist supports the administration of a positive, effective, system-wide labor and employee relations program that promotes labor relations strategies. Rely on experience and sound judgment to address daily issues in the context of collective bargaining agreements and employment relationships for such unit staff. Supports the Labor Relations team while working independently. Adept at prioritizing and meeting shifting needs. Establishes strong, collaborative relationships with Union counterparts. Establish strong, trust-based relationships with management and non-management staff/faculty across the University. Advises managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including performance management, discipline, and termination. Collaborate with the University Leave Administrator, Office of Risk Management, and the Office of Equal Opportunity to administer leaves, reasonable accommodations, and Workers’ Compensation. Designs and delivers professional training to managers and supervisors.

Participates in the grievance & arbitration process. Conducts confidential workplace investigations. Serves on the University team for contract negotiations. Serves as a subject matter expert on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and generates comprehensive reports. The Labor Relations Sr. Specialist will support bargaining units that require fully on-premise work, therefore, remote and hybrid working arrangements are not considered for this role. Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Labor Relations, or a related field.
• 4-6 years’ experience in HR, labor or employee relations, or related work.
• Experience in labor and/or employee relations in an academic setting is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Human Resources and/or labor relations experience, or legal experience in labor and/or employment law.
• Knowledge of key employment and labor laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, ADA, NY PFL, EEOC Regs. etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively across levels.
• Proactive self-starter; is adept at finding creative solutions to challenging issues.
• Skilled at conflict resolution, informal mediation, and negotiation.
• Must be detail-oriented, adept at multi-tasking, able to prioritize effectively, and work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently but also function as part of a team.
• Exceptional writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to conduct confidential workplace investigations and prepare detailed, well-written investigation reports.
• Proficiency in using PowerPoint; Microsoft Office Products, particularly Outlook, Word, Visio, and Excel; ability to run Hyperion data queries.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others across levels
• Travel between campus locations throughout the work day is required.

Responsibilities

• Administer the CBAs of the University’s unions.
• Foster and cultivate effective relationships with University representatives and bargaining unit representatives in joint labor/management initiatives projects and forums.
• Utilizing critical thinking and fact-based analysis, provide advice, counsel, and training for front-line supervisors and managers regarding issues arising in the context of the employment relationship, collective bargaining agreements, HR policy, benefits, and compensation.
• Counsel University management on performance management, employee discipline for union employees, promotion and transfer, salary increases, and termination.
• Ensure compliance with and consistent interpretation and application of university policies and collective bargaining agreement provisions.
• In collaboration with department management, draft, and update department policies.
• Conduct confidential investigations of employee complaints.
• Respond to inquiries about union/management rights, application of the collective bargaining agreements, and a wide variety of subjects arising within the context of the employment relationship.
• May periodically address employee relations concerns for non-bargaining unit staff.
• Prepare and maintain written reports of interviews and investigations.
• Maintain and update the labor relations log.
• Guide management on departmental restructure and organization while adhering to the CBA.
• Research, analyze, and prepare strategic documents and presentations in preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; may support contract negotiation activities.
• Run system queries, including salary reports, to prepare documentation for collective bargaining, etc.
• Prepare Excel and other reports to demonstrate labor relations metrics, prepare spreadsheets for analysis and benchmarking, and prepare other reports as required.
• Utilize HR personnel management system to run reports, research personnel info etc.
• In accordance with the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreements, recruitment and staffing functions are performed, including review, approval, and posting of union jobs; approval of search or other waivers; and certification of candidate outcomes for union positions.
• Participate in recruitment of non-union personnel for positions in bargaining unit areas.
• Work closely with HR’s Talent Acquisition Team to procure staffing for bargaining unit areas.
• Ensure compliance of unionized staff in university-wide and required legal initiatives, e.g., sexual harassment training, etc.
• Carry out functions relating to the maintenance of the labor-management relationship.
• Investigate and respond to grievances.
• Facilitate grievance resolution at the 1st and 2nd steps.
• Assist in preparation of supporting documentation for 3rd step grievances and arbitration.
• Conduct union employee orientation for new bargaining unit employees and disseminate critical information including specific policies and processes.
• Collaborate with Senior HR Business partners when necessary to resolve overlapping department issues.

Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable