LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

5d•$112,095 - $123,683•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Specialist to support the Senior Labor Relations Specialist in the County’s labor relations activities. Under general supervision, the Specialist acts as a liaison and spokesperson for County management during contract negotiations and impact bargaining sessions, documents proceedings, and assists with collective bargaining agreement issues. The role collaborates with senior labor relations leadership and counsel to develop negotiation positions, policies, and strategies; participates in strategy meetings and negotiation sessions; and helps prepare County proposals and negotiation reference materials. The Specialist collects and maintains negotiation proposals and tentative agreements, works with counsel and union representatives to compile contracts, and prepares contracts, wage scales, and resolutions for County Board and Cook County Health and Hospital System Board approval. The role coordinates implementation of wage and other economic provisions with County departments and offices, including cost-of-living adjustments, reclassifications, and salary upgrades. It also assists with grievance resolution, contractual disputes, unfair labor practice charges, and arbitration cases, and provides information and support to Labor Counsel, the State’s Attorney’s Office, outside counsel, union representatives, and other entities on labor-related matters. The position maintains databases and historical records concerning grievances, personnel information, union job classifications and salary grades, and prior labor agreements. It consults with senior labor relations leadership and counsel on highly confidential matters and may recommend policy changes or courses of action. The position is at-will and exempt from the County’s career service rules. Employees who do not live in Cook County at hire must establish residency in the County within six months of their hire date.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and two years of business administration, public administration, labor relations, or directly related experience; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience is also accepted.
Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn and use, County policies, protocols, and technical terminology used in union labor agreements.
Knowledge of Cook County labor relations functions, principles, techniques, contract terminology, office practices, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of business communication principles and techniques, contract terminology, and office practices and procedures relevant to labor relations.
Skill in resolving labor-management contractual negotiation disputes.
Skill in scrutinizing the text of contractual labor agreements.
Ability to use diplomacy and maintain confidentiality with arbitrators, attorneys, County employees and managers, and union representatives.
Ability to conduct research and provide accurate documentation and statistical data for union contract negotiations.
Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy, gather information, make inquiries, and explain County policies and procedures in person or by telephone.
Sedentary physical work, including sitting most of the time and occasional or brief periods of lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, walking, or standing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Labor Relations; Juris Doctor from an accredited law school; or a Paralegal Certificate.
Four years of business administration, public administration, or labor relations experience.

Responsibilities

Research contract negotiation matters for the DCHRO/DLR, Labor Counsel, union representatives, and County departments.
Represent the County in collective bargaining negotiations; collect and control proposals and tentative agreements; and work with counsel and labor relations leadership to identify issues and develop strategies.
Work with the Senior Labor Relations Specialist and Deputy Director of Labor Relations to determine negotiation positions, policies, and strategies.
Assist Labor Relations department staff with grievance resolution and collective bargaining agreement disputes.
Liaise between management and union representatives to identify and resolve disputes or contractual discrepancies.
Review collective bargaining agreement language for clarity and intent and recommend revisions to the Senior Labor Relations Specialist as appropriate.
Conduct research and provide reference documents and statistical data to the management negotiating team.
Assist, as directed, with resolving unfair labor practice charges and arbitration cases.
Assist with implementation of collective bargaining agreement terms and conditions, coordinating with County departments on cost-of-living adjustments, reclassifications, salary upgrades, and other economic matters.
Monitor and coordinate preparation of resolutions for County Board and Health and Hospital System Board approval of wages and contracts.
Prepare resolutions for the County Board and Cook County Health and Hospital System Board for approval of wages and contracts.
Receive and review correspondence from trade organizations about annual trade rate changes, including prevailing rates.
Maintain databases, records, and information concerning past grievance files, personnel records, salary grades for union job classifications, and prior labor agreements.
Provide assistance on labor-related issues, including wage scale and rate implementation, impact bargaining, contract implementation, and dues deductions.
Consult with senior labor relations leadership and counsel on confidential matters and recommend policy changes or courses of action.
Perform other duties as assigned.