Lead Labor Relations Specialist (Advocacy)

Metra•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

Metra is seeking a Lead Labor Relations Specialist (Advocacy) to provide professional support in the administration of labor agreements, policy, and contract employee discipline and attendance policies. This role involves conducting disciplinary investigations, advising management on agreement interpretation, and collaborating on tactics and strategies. The position will handle complex disciplinary hearings, analyze discipline policy data, manage databases, and act as a point of contact with union and management representatives. For advocacy, the specialist will serve as a Subject Matter Expert on labor relations procedures, labor law, and dispute resolution, represent Metra in arbitration, and potentially serve as a negotiator in contract negotiations. This role requires strong research, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality in a demanding environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations or related field OR in lieu of specified degree must have a combination of experience and education that equals four years in Labor Relations.
At least seven years of labor relations experience that includes contract negotiations, contract administration, and/or administrative hearings.
Considerable knowledge of union contract administration and disciplinary investigations.
Considerable knowledge contract drafting and administration.
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of labor negotiation and arbitration.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
Strong research, analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
Effective interpersonal skills for dealing constructively in an adversarial environment as well as with all staff levels.
Proficient in Microsoft 365, with emphasis on Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to develop constructive working relationships with managers and union officials.
Ability to provide leadership to less-experienced staff.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment.
Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor/management agreements of a complex nature.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.

Nice To Haves

Database skills desirable.
Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations or related field

Responsibilities

Follow labor relations procedures ensuring compliance with applicable laws; and update documents with legislative changes appropriately.
Collaborate with staff on the development of tactics and strategies that align with department and agency goals.
Lead and support other Labor Relations staff on administrative tasks, meetings, and analyses.
Handles the most complex disciplinary hearings including researching issues, conducting investigations, and hearings, writing findings reports and assessing discipline.
Collect, analyze and report on discipline policy data related to labor and railroad trends including charges, frequency, and initial and actual discipline assessed.
Manage and update the discipline database, Diversity Equity Inclusion metrics, and ensure all discipline related data is maintained in the systems.
Act as point of contact with union and/or management representatives.
Assist with other administrative project as assigned. Provide expert guidance to departments on the proper interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and policy, research and prepare well-written documentation of findings, and defend Metra's position related to questions or claims.
Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with union representatives that facilitate the effective resolution of issues, sustain a foundation for constructive dialogue, and produce the best possible results for Metra.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Labor Relations procedures, labor law, legislative change, dispute resolution, and other pertinent union issues. Provide advice and guidance on the administration and interpretation of various Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Handles the most complex grievance and claims handling including researching issues, responding to grievances, and representing Metra in arbitration.
Provide support to assigned area that may include labor negotiation proceedings; conduct research; compile benchmark information; and review data related to on-property or industry-specific concerns.
Serve as negotiator in contract negotiation matters. Oversee and conduct research, prepare graphs, charts, tables, and other summary documents detailing the implications of contract proposals.
Work closely with managers and supervisors in support of addressing claims; answering questions pertaining to agreement provisions; and assisting employees in addressing inquiries, requests and questions.
Reviews LRS1 and LRS2 grievance responses, draft agreement language, analysis.
Prepare detailed, complex written responses to grievance appeals from labor organizations. Has authority for dispute resolution.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.