Senior Labor Relations Representative
Apply NowCompany: Pacific Maritime Association
Location: Long Beach, CA 90805
Description:
ABOUT PMA
Join a unique organization where your talents can make a difference! The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation that serves as a multi-employer collective bargaining agent for approximately 75 shipping lines, stevedore companies, and marine terminal operators across ports in California, Oregon, and Washington.
West Coast port operations, including non-containerized cargo such as bulk and autos, support 9.2 million U.S. jobs and contribute 12.5% of the U.S. GDP. PMA plays a vital role in negotiating and administering labor contracts with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) on behalf of its member companies while also managing payroll and select benefits.
Headquartered in San Francisco, PMA has offices in Southern California (Long Beach, San Diego, Port Hueneme), Northern California (Oakland), and the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Seattle, Tacoma).
SUMMARY
As a Senior Labor Relations Representative, reporting to the Area Managing Director, you will take on a key role in labor contract administration, including negotiations, benefits oversight, manpower forecasting, grievance resolution, and arbitration.
This is a senior-level Labor Relations role requiring a minimum of 7+ years of maritime industry experience working directly with the ILWU and participating in Labor Relations Committees (LRCs). Candidates with senior Labor Relations experience in other industries will also be considered; however, a minimum of 10+ years of labor relations experience is required.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Analyze collective bargaining agreements, interpreting their intent and terms, and counsel management on labor relations policies.
Lead monthly joint labor relations committee meetings.
Draft and manage time-sensitive communications and meeting events with ILWU locals and PMA member companies.
Represent PMA in arbitration proceedings by preparing and presenting employer arguments.
Prepare statistical reports on grievances, arbitration, mediation, and related labor activities to identify and address problem areas.
Generate routine reports using PMA databases to support area office operations.
Develop proficiency in labor contract terms to oversee wage, hour, and working condition policies.
Investigate complaints of labor violations and provide findings and recommendations for action.
Provide reference data and support for labor contract negotiations, including labor market conditions and wage surveys.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Practical knowledge of the ILWU-PMA Pacific Coast Longshore and Clerk Agreement and
Pacific Coast Walking Boss/Foreman Agreement.
High level of integrity, work ethic, and ownership of department goals.
Professional, results-oriented problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion and good judgment.
Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with attention to deadlines and detail.
Proficiency in Oracle and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain productive working relationships.
Initiative in technical development and learning operational nuances.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in business administration, labor relations, political science, or a related field (required).
Juris Doctorate degree (a plus).
7+ years of labor relations experience (required).
Maritime industry experience (preferred).
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is based in Long Beach, California, and requires some travel to outside meetings or PMA's Long Beach office. It is primarily an onsite role with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per month.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
PMA offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including:
EEO STATEMENT
PMA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Join a unique organization where your talents can make a difference! The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation that serves as a multi-employer collective bargaining agent for approximately 75 shipping lines, stevedore companies, and marine terminal operators across ports in California, Oregon, and Washington.
West Coast port operations, including non-containerized cargo such as bulk and autos, support 9.2 million U.S. jobs and contribute 12.5% of the U.S. GDP. PMA plays a vital role in negotiating and administering labor contracts with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) on behalf of its member companies while also managing payroll and select benefits.
Headquartered in San Francisco, PMA has offices in Southern California (Long Beach, San Diego, Port Hueneme), Northern California (Oakland), and the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Seattle, Tacoma).
SUMMARY
As a Senior Labor Relations Representative, reporting to the Area Managing Director, you will take on a key role in labor contract administration, including negotiations, benefits oversight, manpower forecasting, grievance resolution, and arbitration.
This is a senior-level Labor Relations role requiring a minimum of 7+ years of maritime industry experience working directly with the ILWU and participating in Labor Relations Committees (LRCs). Candidates with senior Labor Relations experience in other industries will also be considered; however, a minimum of 10+ years of labor relations experience is required.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Analyze collective bargaining agreements, interpreting their intent and terms, and counsel management on labor relations policies.
Lead monthly joint labor relations committee meetings.
Draft and manage time-sensitive communications and meeting events with ILWU locals and PMA member companies.
Represent PMA in arbitration proceedings by preparing and presenting employer arguments.
Prepare statistical reports on grievances, arbitration, mediation, and related labor activities to identify and address problem areas.
Generate routine reports using PMA databases to support area office operations.
Develop proficiency in labor contract terms to oversee wage, hour, and working condition policies.
Investigate complaints of labor violations and provide findings and recommendations for action.
Provide reference data and support for labor contract negotiations, including labor market conditions and wage surveys.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Practical knowledge of the ILWU-PMA Pacific Coast Longshore and Clerk Agreement and
Pacific Coast Walking Boss/Foreman Agreement.
High level of integrity, work ethic, and ownership of department goals.
Professional, results-oriented problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion and good judgment.
Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with attention to deadlines and detail.
Proficiency in Oracle and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain productive working relationships.
Initiative in technical development and learning operational nuances.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in business administration, labor relations, political science, or a related field (required).
Juris Doctorate degree (a plus).
7+ years of labor relations experience (required).
Maritime industry experience (preferred).
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is based in Long Beach, California, and requires some travel to outside meetings or PMA's Long Beach office. It is primarily an onsite role with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per month.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
PMA offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including:
- Healthcare through the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan (no employee premiums and low out-of-pocket expenses).
- A defined contribution 401(k) plan with a discretionary employer match: 100% of the first 5% and 50% of the next 10% of eligible pre-tax contributions.
- Tuition reimbursement, company-paid training, conferences, and certifications.
- Auto allowance and discretionary bonus.
EEO STATEMENT
PMA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.