Senior Labor Relations Representative

BART•BART Headquarters - 4th Fl, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is seeking a Senior Labor Relations Representative to join the Labor Relations team. This role performs complex and sensitive work within the Labor Relations Department, exercising independent judgment and providing lead direction in collective bargaining agreement interpretation, grievances, disciplinary actions, and investigations. The incumbent will also provide technical expertise in drafting clear and accurate labor relations documents, including settlement agreements, MOUs, side letters, and contract language proposals. They will serve as a subject-matter expert and contribute to negotiations, settlement development, and arbitration. Responsibilities include analyzing grievances and disputes, advising managers on contract compliance and investigative procedures, preparing for disciplinary hearings and arbitration, evaluating past practices, reviewing policies and procedures, and coordinating with legal counsel as needed.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in industrial/labor relations, public administration, business administration, human resources management or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable professional labor relations experience.
Must be able to work long hours for extended periods.
Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a labor relations program.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of collecting and analyzing data.
Knowledge of principles and practices of labor relations management.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of principles and practices of negotiations, grievance/arbitration procedures and conflict resolution.
Knowledge of rules of labor contract interpretation in arbitration.
Knowledge of basic rules of evidence that commonly apply in contract administration matters.
Knowledge of grievance and grievance arbitration procedures.
Knowledge of basic methods of organizing for and carrying out litigation in arbitration including, but not limited to, case investigation and design, calendaring and monitoring of relevant deadlines, identification, use of or differentiation of relevant laws and case precedents, presentation of physical, demonstrative, and testimonial evidence, preparation and presentation of oral and written argument, making motions and objections, conducting cross examination, and other related activities.
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations as they relate to the labor contracts (e.g., FMLA and attendance management, FLSA, overtime pay, etc.) and potential litigations brought forth by employees.
Knowledge of basic principles of bargaining unit determination.
Knowledge of basic principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of current and complex principles and practices of labor relations contract development and administration.
Knowledge of current office software including oral presentation software, spreadsheet software and word processing software.
Knowledge of related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Skill in performing a variety of complex professional level duties in support of the District's labor relations programs.
Skill in planning, organizing, assigning, and reviewing the work of assigned staff.
Skill in coordinating labor relations programs.
Skill in interpreting and applying contract obligations contained in bargaining agreements.
Skill in working effectively with labor unions.
Skill in researching and evaluating labor relations issues.
Skill in organizing and writing technical memoranda, reports, settlement proposals, etc.
Skill in conducting labor relations training programs.
Skill in interpreting and explaining District labor relations policies and procedures.
Skill in preparing clear and concise reports.
Skill in maintaining accurate files and records.
Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with union representatives, management, and key stakeholders.
Highly organized with proven capacity to manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
Experience in conducting thorough investigations, including interviewing witnesses, and providing guidance to managers on investigative procedures and documentation standards.

Responsibilities

Performs the more complex and difficult work of labor relations program operations and activities within the Labor Relations Department; provides lead direction or assistance in the more complex areas of the labor management program including agreement interpretation, grievances, disciplinary actions, negotiations, and settlements.
Leads and undertakes complex analysis of grievances, disputes and disciplinary actions; confers with employees and labor representatives; researches facts and past practices; makes recommendations for final resolution.
Prepares or assists in preparation for arbitration, grievance hearings and Skelley (pre-disciplinary due process) hearings; performs related investigations, including but not limited to witness interviews, advising managers in the performance of investigations; prepares documents or other physical evidence for use in such proceedings; coordinates the scheduling of witnesses; coordinates activities with other divisions or legal counsel as appropriate.
Acts as the District advocate in arbitrations involving lower-level disciplines and suspensions.
Assists in the preparation of a variety of labor relations documents and reports including settlement agreements, memorandums of understanding, side agreements and related documentation.
Participates in negotiations; conducts studies and performs research on positions and issues; evaluates alternatives and recommends solutions; prepares contract language.
Reviews and disseminates collective bargaining agreements; revises policies and procedures based on negotiations and document changes; and maintains records.
Advises management and supervisory personnel on new contract agreements, changes to policies and procedures and proper documentation techniques.
May assign and review the work of assigned staff; may assign tasks and projects; identifies and resolves problems; may provide input into formal work evaluation.
Trains assigned employees in their areas of work including specific methods, procedures, and techniques for assigned personnel services areas of responsibility.
Prepares reports, presentations, and documentation; maintains accurate records and files.
Evaluates trends, practices, and patterns in labor relations; analyzes data; prepares reports and documentation; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures; maintains accurate information, documentation, and records.
Responds to and resolves employee inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment.
Performs a variety of special projects relative to assigned responsibilities.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends, legislation, and innovations in the field of labor relations.