Director, Labor Relations (Field Operations)

Job ID: 4140
Business Unit: MTA Headquarters
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department:
Date Posted: Jan 29, 2024
Description
JOB TITLE : Director, Labor RelationsField Operations
SALARY RANGE : $128,000 - $133,000
HAY POINTS : 775
DEPT/DIV : Labor Relations
SUPERVISOR : Deputy Chief, Labor Relations NYCT/Buses
LOCATION : Various
HOURS OF WORK : 9:00am - 5:30pm (7 ½ hours)
DEADLINE : Open Until Filled
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
SUMMARY :
The Director Labor Relations, Field Operations performs labor/management relations functions within several Bus/Subways and/or Operations Support Division/Departments to ensure consistent interpretation, administration and application of various collective bargaining agreements, Departments/Divisions policies rules, regulations, and practices. The incumbent represents the Division(s) and serves as a hearing officer at pre-arbitration hearings and actively participates in the preparation and presentation of cases at arbitration. The incumbent advises all levels of management within the Division on employee availability issues, the drafting of disciplinary charges and the proper responses to grievances, which includes researching and preparing written responses.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
• Direct and manage the Division(s) disciplinary process, including advising General Managers, Division Chiefs, and departmental managers in assessing appropriate action and drafting disciplinary charges; recommend and provide guidance regarding necessary investigation.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding Departmental responses to contract and other labor disputes; negotiate resolution of labor disputes within contractual parameters.
• Represent the Division(s) and serve as hearing officer for all pre-arbitration hearings provided for under the various Collective Bargaining Agreements and agency policy where applicable; research and prepare written responses on behalf of the General Managers, Chief Officers, or other Departmental/Division Chiefs; participate in the preparation and presentation of cases at arbitration.
• Direct and manage review of attendance records, sick documentation, and related investigations; provide advice and guidance to General Managers and other divisional managers regarding employee availability issues, including appropriate strategy and disciplinary charges, where appropriate.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and implementation of labor contracts; ensure overall and consistent application of Labor Relations agreements and policies Authority wide. Supervise support staff and administer work. Manage and direct the timely processing of disciplinary and grievance matters and ensure time notice of hearings and accurate system tracking. 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, AND ABILITIES :
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships.
• Advanced facilitation, mediation, advocacy, and interpersonal skills to cope with conflicting points of view, function under pressure while demonstrating integrity, fair-mindedness and a persuasive, confident persona.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and come to direct solutions through independent decision making.
• Proficiency in drafting contractual language, grievance decisions & internal/external correspondences.
• Strong knowledge of public sector labor law.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
REQUIRED :
• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years related experience of which 4 years must have been in a supervisory/leadership position.
PREFERRED :
• Five (5) years of Labor Relations experience.
• A Juris Doctorate (J.D)
• Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA's collective bargaining agreements.
OTHER INFORMATION :
Pursuant 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").
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.