Senior Manager, Labor Relations

Description

Position at MTA Headquarters

POSTING NO.

11392

JOB TITLE:

Senior Manager, Labor Relations

DEPT/DIV:

Labor Relations

WORK LOCATION:

Jamaica, NY

FULL/PART-TIME

FULL

SALARY RANGE:

$113,000 - $128,000

DEADLINE:

Until filled

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

Provide counsel and direction on the administration of labor agreements to ensure the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) primary mission to deliver a safe, reliable and efficient transportation service to the public. This position provides experienced interpretation and advisement on labor-management activities, collective bargaining agreements and labor law to protect the LIRR's financial interests and promote its strategic goals, with an objective to prevent and resolve labor disputes.

This position represents the LIRR at disciplinary and contract interpretation arbitrations, participates in collective bargaining, the integration of agreements into CBAs, and performs any other labor relations related tasks as deemed appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Manage grievance and disciplinary cases appealed by the various unions to the Labor Relations Department. Represent the LIRR during on property appeal hearings with the various union leaders. Research and prepare appeal denial letter within time limits. Calculate the cost or liability of claims. Negotiate stipulations of settlement where appropriate. Analyze cases and make decisions to uphold, overturn or modify decisions made by Department Heads/designees related to such appeals. Represent the LIRR at contract interpretation and disciplinary arbitrations. Prepare persuasive and well supported briefs/submissions for arbitration. Present Carrier's position through oral argument in arbitration hearings.
• Manage and provide direction to departmental managers in handling contract interpretation, employee complaints, dispute resolution, implementing new initiatives within contractual restraints and related to contracting-out issues.
• Advise and counsel Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations - Railroad Operations and Director - Labor Relations on current labor relations issues. Provide consultation and expert advice to management or other groups on handling labor relations issues. Represent the Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations - Railroad Operations and Director - Labor Relations at various meetings as needed. Provide instruction at training classes as necessary.
• Plan and participate in collective bargaining sessions. Prepare local written agreements with and communications to the various Labor Organizations. Administer certain contractual provisions that include payments and other required contractual entitlements.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• Represent the Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations - Railroad Operations and Director - Labor Relations in various Carrier forums such as interdepartmental meetings with the operating departments, the Law Department, Human Resources, Medical, and Safety. Perform other assignments as requested by senior management.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have knowledge about the Railway Labor Act.
• Must possess solid judgment skills and be a self-starter, and able to handle conflict.

Must possess superior analytic ability as well as oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to successfully manage and coordinate multiple assignments and issues simultaneously.
• Experience as first chair advocate at arbitrations or hearings.
• Experience in or knowledge of collective bargaining administration and dispute resolution.
• Experience in or knowledge of representing management/union at contract interpretation or disciplinary grievance hearings.
• Strong mediation and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor's Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in industrial & labor Relations or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum three to five (3 - 5) years of progressive experience in Labor Relations and/or Labor and Employment Law.

Preferred:

• Juris Doctorate or master's in industrial/labor Relations strongly preferred.
• Attainment of or in the process of attaining specific functional licenses or certifications in area of specialty if applicable.
• Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA's collective bargaining procedures.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.