Labor Relations Specialist

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority•Winthrop, MA

2d•$73,986 - $108,816•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides professional and administrative support for the Authority's labor relations functions within the Human Resource Department. Assists with grievance administration, collective bargaining support, labor-management coordination, records management, document preparation, tracking and reporting, as well as meeting coordination. Serves as a resource to managers, union representatives and employees regarding labor relations procedures, processes, documentation and general inquiries.

Requirements

Completion of a Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, business, public administration or related field
A general understanding of labor relations, human resources, and grievance administration and resolution as acquired through at least two (2) years of professional experience preferably in the public sector or union environment
Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or another state for travel between MWRA work sites.
General knowledge of labor relations principles, grievance administration, collective bargaining agreements and employee relations practices.
Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to build working relationships across the organization.
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS, videoconferencing platforms and related software applications.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Assists with processing grievances, including scheduling grievance hearings, participation in grievance hearings, researching grievance allegations, assembling relevant records to respond to grievances, maintaining grievance tracking, and responding to requests for information.
Provides support in collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal development, responses to requests for information, maintaining bargaining records, gathering data, preparation of summaries, serving as note-taker during bargaining sessions and general meeting organization such as scheduling of bargaining sessions.
Prepares draft correspondence, reports, summaries, presentations, hearing materials, notices, meeting agendas, and other labor relations documents.
Conducts research related to grievances, contract administration, disciplinary history, labor trends, bargaining topics and other related matters.
Represents Labor Relations at internal and external Labor/Management committee meetings as designated by the Manager, Labor Relations. Schedules meetings with union representatives, facilitates meetings and reserves meeting space and serves as note-taker during meetings.
Obtains personnel file and labor relations documents upon request of legal counsel in support of arbitration cases and other external matters.
Provides information to management as needed relative to grievances, collective bargaining and employee discipline.
Assists with special projects/programs such as employee engagement, recruitment and retention programs, employee licensing requirements, service awards and workforce development planning.
Performs related labor relations and Human Resources support duties as assigned.
Performs other related duties as required.