Labor Relations Cnslt

Consumers Energy•MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Labor Relations Consultant serves as a primary contact to internal clients for the purpose of providing tailored, labor relations recommendations in areas such as benefits, employee relations, regulatory compliance, and other People & Culture administrative responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for the interpretation of the union contracts, grievance administration, performance management, Field Leader development, promoting and developing positive union and management relationships, and coordinating with Centers of Excellence to provide complex human resources services based on the client's and employees' needs. Performs tasks in an independent manner with instructions as to the general results expected. Exhibit the ability to independently design, develop, deliver and evaluate labor relations and human resources services based on the clients/employees' needs.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of labor and employment laws (both state and federal)
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Knowledge of human resource services requirements and labor relations
Ability to effectively build relationship, establishes rapport and maintains mutually productive relationships and relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations
Ability to make decisions independently on HR/LR problems, with guidance from the LR Managers
Data Analysis skills
Demonstrated well-developed written communications skills that can be applied to disciplinary letters, investigative reports, contract interpretation guidance, and other communications with stakeholders
Demonstrated verbal communication skills for interaction with all department levels within the Company
Ability to utilize dispute resolution and conflict management techniques to settle disagreements and disputes in a fair and equitable manner
Ability to master and interpret contractual language and apply interpretations to operations on somewhat complex issues
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related and 2+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce.
Associate's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related and 4+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce.
High School diploma and 6+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce.

Responsibilities

Partner with senior operations leadership on implementation of organization-wide initiatives, communication with front line leaders, local union leaders, and employees.
Provide data and reports on staffing/headcount, retirements, transfers, grievances, and other information as requested.
Support leadership on staffing and hiring of positions within their operations, includes the contractual bidding process.
Provide training to first line supervision on basic labor relations, union contract provisions, policies, grievance administration, labor laws, arbitrations, presidential hearings, performance management, and on building relationships with local union leadership.
Participate in a broad scope of cross-functional P&C initiatives and projects that may be moderately complex or have organization-wide implications.
Partner with People & Culture COE to answer employee inquiries, problem solve, and bring resolutions to the employees' concerns in a timely manner.
Administer the grievance process under the provisions of the union contract, which includes scheduling, preparation and research prior to attending the Step 1 and Step 2 grievance meetings.
Participate in arbitrations and presidential hearings.
Investigate misconduct and performance of union employee behaviors to determine if any disciplinary action should be administered, make recommendations to management based on past disciplinary actions and relevant arbitrations, and issue necessary discipline.
Provide business leaders with contract interpretation guidance on a variety of Articles and Sections (including arbitrations), in order to comply with the contract, mitigate risk, and avoid grievances or unnecessary costs to the business.
Perform administrative and transactional functions related to the Union job postings, promotions, transfers, organizational management, and other like or related duties.
Other duties as assigned or may be necessary.