Labor Relations Specialist 2

Metra•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Metra’s Labor Relations department negotiates and administers 17 collective bargaining agreements with employees represented by 14 unions, represents Metra in arbitration involving minor disputes, and conducts negotiations intended to avoid major disputes under the Railway Labor Act. Reporting to the Director Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist 2 is an intermediate-level position and serves as a subject matter expert in an assigned labor relations area, in advocacy or administration. Depending on the assignment, the position may handle moderately complex grievance procedures, mediation, collective bargaining agreement monitoring and implementation, dispute resolution, policy development, and claim investigations. The position requires specialized experience in the assigned area and the ability to perform its duties. The specialist collaborates with labor relations staff to develop strategies aligned with department and agency goals and reviews work products for consistency. The specialist also works with other departments on developing and implementing those goals and performs other related duties as assigned. In an administrative assignment, the specialist conducts disciplinary investigations and serves as a hearing officer, prepares reports and findings, makes preliminary recommendations, advises supervisors and managers on contract application and interpretation, responds to employee questions, supports managers with employee claims, analyzes policy and other data, manages databases, and assists with projects. In an advocacy assignment, the specialist prepares responses concerning contract provisions, arbitration documents and cases, labor-organization grievance appeals, and dispute resolutions. The specialist participates in contract negotiations; researches and summarizes the implications of proposals; reviews relevant databases for on-property and industry case history; drafts arbitration briefs; and interprets labor agreements to help ensure managers apply provisions properly. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration. The role requires a valid driver's license, the ability to operate a vehicle, travel within and outside Metra’s six-county region, and availability for flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or a combination of education and experience totaling four years in labor relations in lieu of a degree.
At least three years of labor relations experience, including collective bargaining, contract administration, or administrative hearings.
Knowledge of labor relations principles and practices, labor-management theories, and research.
Knowledge of labor negotiation and arbitration principles and practices.
Knowledge of contract drafting and administration.
Knowledge of grievance and claims handling.
Knowledge of online legal research sites or resources.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Good organizational, research, and analytical skills.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor-management agreements.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of customers or clients.
Ability to develop, motivate, and foster collaborative relationships inside and outside the agency.
Ability to work independently or in a team and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment.
Ability to handle sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Ability to analyze issues and exercise judgment in making decisions.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within and outside Metra's six-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Database skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert in the assigned labor relations area, including contract interpretation and labor negotiation proceedings.
Conduct research and compile benchmark information.
Collaborate with labor relations staff on strategies aligned with department and agency goals and review their work products for consistency.
Collaborate with other departments on developing and implementing department and agency goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
For administrative assignments: conduct disciplinary investigations and serve as a hearing officer; prepare reports and findings; make preliminary recommendations; advise supervisors and managers on contract application and interpretation; and respond to employee questions.
For administrative assignments: support managers with employee claims to ensure fair and impartial disciplinary investigations.
For administrative assignments: collect, review, and analyze policy and other data; manage databases; and assist with projects.
For advocacy assignments: prepare responses to moderately complex questions concerning contract provisions, arbitration documents and cases, grievance appeals, and dispute resolutions.
For advocacy assignments: participate in contract negotiations and research and prepare summaries detailing the implications of contract proposals.
For advocacy assignments: research relevant databases for on-property and industry case history and develop drafts of arbitration briefs.
Interpret labor agreements and ensure managers are applying provisions properly.