Assistant Manager, Labor Relations

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority•Winthrop, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Assists in the administration and operation of the Authority's labor relations functions within the Human Resources Department. Serves as a key resource to management on collective bargaining agreement interpretation, grievance administration, disciplinary matters, workplace investigations, labor-management issues, and employee relations matters involving bargaining unit employees. Supports the Manager, Labor Relations in collective bargaining, contract administration, arbitration preparation, union information requests, labor-management committee meetings, training initiatives and special projects.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, business administration, public administration or related field; and A minimum of four (4) years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, employee investigations or related work preferably in the public sector or union environment; or Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or driver's license from another state is required to travel to MWRA sites.
Excellent analytical skills.
Strong negotiation skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in confidential matters.
Experience with labor relations, grievances and collective bargaining.
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS and case management systems.

Nice To Haves

May be eligible to telework up to 50% after an initial waiting period.

Responsibilities

Serves as hearing officer or management representative for grievance, disciplinary, and pre-disciplinary hearings.
Reviews grievances, research facts, gather relevant documentation, analyze contract language, prepare case materials and draft responses or recommended decisions.
Participates and assists in collective bargaining matters including proposal development, responses to requests for information, maintaining bargaining records and meeting organization.
Provides training and support to managers and supervisors on labor relations matters, including contract interpretation, grievance procedures, performance, just cause, disciplinary issues and documentation.
Prepares written correspondence, reports, summaries, notices, hearing materials and other labor relations documents.
Assists with union information requests, including gathering records, coordinating internal reviews, tracking deadlines and preparing draft responses.
Supports legal counsel in arbitration matters, unfair labor practice charges and other labor related litigation by preparing case files, timelines and summaries.
Maintains effective working relationships with managers, union representatives, legal counsel and employees.
Provide assistance to the Manager, Labor Relations in the implementation of special projects as assigned.