LABOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Job Title: Labor and Employee Relations Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Section: Labor and Employee Relations

General Summary

Under general supervision, the Specialist represents the Authority in addressing, investigating and resolving labor issues between management and its labor force, ensuring consistent application of Authority contracts, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and disciplinary guidelines.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Investigates, researches and responds to union grievances. Meets with union officials at grievance meetings as Authority representative and submits written dispositions for review.
• Investigates unemployment claims, prepares responses and protests where applicable; may represent the Authority at hearings.
• Consults and advises management on disciplinary and contractual matters to ensure consistent application of Authority rules, regulations, policies, corrective action and compliance with contractual provisions. Provides recommendation for revision and/or implementation of new policies, procedures, etc.
• Assists in internal employee investigations as assigned.
• Assists in development, implementation and revision of work rules and disciplinary procedures governing bargaining unit employees.
• Assists in preparation for arbitration hearings.
• Assists in preparation for and negotiation of Authority’s labor agreements.
• Participates in new hire orientation process by providing summaries of work rules and employee benefits.
• Assists with the administration of the layoff and recall process resulting from reductions in workforce.
• Maintains and distributes seniority lists for bargaining unit employees.
• Records disciplinary action statistics for EEO reporting purposes.
• Organizes and maintains records related to employee grievances, unemployment claims, arbitration hearings and awards, layoff and recall processes and bargaining unit seniority lists.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field.
• Four years experience in Human Resources with at least two years experience in labor relations including grievance handling.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.
• Knowledge of federal and state agencies and regulations which govern employment (i.e., Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) and Michigan Department of Labor (MDOL).
• Ability to analyze oral and written information quickly and accurately and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of Authority personnel and outside contacts.
• Ability to write and express one’s self in a clear, logical and comprehensible manner.
• Proficient in the use of Windows-based MS Word and MS Excel applications.
  
  

THE AUTHORITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE OR CHANGE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ANY TIME.