Academic Labor Relations Specialist

Academic Labor Relations Specialist

The University of Pittsburgh, a prestigious research institution committed to academic excellence and fostering a supportive, inclusive community for students and employees, is seeking a dedicated Academic Labor Relations Specialist to assist in administrating the faculty and graduate student collective bargaining agreements. As an Academic Labor Relations Specialist, you will provide management and staff with day-to-day guidance and advice regarding labor relations matters and the application of university policies and procedures to bargaining union faculty and graduate student members. You will play a crucial role in fostering strong relationships between university administration, faculty and graduate students, enhancing the positive working environment that supports our educational mission by providing training, assisting with grievance issues, and overseeing the disciplinary process.

The Academic Labor Relations Specialist provides management and staff with day-to-day guidance regarding labor relations matters, including University policies, procedures, and the provisions of collective bargaining agreements; acting as an advisor/consultant to managers, staff and union officials.

• Contract interpretation and application of provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.
• Assist management with investigating, answering, and resolving grievances and responding to requests for information.
• Attend or assist with union grievance meetings, including preparation and drafting responses to unions; assist managers and represented faculty and graduate students in interpreting labor contract provisions.
• Establish and build effective relationships with faculty and graduate student union representatives.
• Provide labor relations support in preparation for and during contract negotiations.
• Conduct training for staff and management on labor relations issues, including interpreting the faculty and graduate student labor contract agreements.
• Make recommendations on matters related to workplace conflict and discipline.
• Exercise judgment consistent with university standards, policies, and procedures within the bounds of federal, state, and local laws to its application to bargaining unit faculty and graduate student members.
• Work with management, human resources staff, and legal counsel to investigate, document, and resolve alleged violations of law and policy; complaints including equity, misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and others; and the merits of labor grievances.
• Investigate or assist in investigating incidents and complaints involving represented faculty and graduate students and alleged misconduct by represented faculty and graduate students.
• Assists in the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of labor relations activities, agreements, and negotiations.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.