Employee and Labor Relations Partner

Title:
Employee and Labor Relations Partner
Department:
Employee and Labor Relations
Reports To:
Director, Employee and Labor Relations
Position Type:
Staff
Position Summary:
The Employee and Labor Relations Partner reports to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations and facilitates the administration of the university’s collective bargaining agreements and the development, implementation and administration of employee relations programs and policies, including those related to leaves and disability accommodations. This position will manage all collective bargaining protocols and procedures. The incumbent participates in labor contract negotiations, grievance meetings, arbitration, interpretation of union contracts and University policies, investigation of disciplinary matters involving unionized employees. Ensures that management receives and understands training on labor and employee relations policies and procedures. The incumbent is responsible for advising and assisting HR staff with policies and procedures, as directed.
Essential Functions:

• Collective Negotiations: Provides Labor Relations support to the negotiation teams. Advises and assists in the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements. Collects information and data to assess cost and policy implications of negotiations. Assists with preparation of documents, proposals, and records required for contract negotiations and internal team meetings. Maintains and analyzes labor policy, practices and environment in furtherance of the collective negotiation practices of the Department, under the strategic guidance of the Director of Employee and Labor Relations.
• Collective Agreement Administration: Provides guidance and assistance with interpretation of university collective bargaining agreements. Administers grievance procedures under the direction of the Director of Employee and Labor Relations. Monitors compliance with university collective bargaining agreements.
• Disciplinary Investigation of university employees: Investigates potentially disciplinary allegations against unionized employees. Reviews complaints, interviews witnesses and the subject(s) of the investigation, and reviews evidence corroborating the allegations or exonerating the employee. Writes reports summarizing investigation process, and participates through grievance process, including arbitration, if applicable.
• Labor Relations: Researches relevant federal, state and local labor and employment laws. Drafts responses to formal labor complaints. Works with the Director to identify and create innovative solutions to solve and prevent problems.
• Title IX: Provides ongoing consultation with university stakeholders regarding Title IX

requirements, compliance and grievance resolution.

• Training: Participates in the development and delivery of management training programs designed to advance the human resources management of unionized faculty and staff.
• Strategic partnerships: Support HR Business Partners with any Labor Relations matters that may arise, as needed. Collaborate with labor partners to encourage collaboration where appropriate and informal resolutions of contractual issues.
• Policy development: Participate in the development and implementation of university-wide policies, including working with various groups to ensure policies are in compliance with the university's overall mission as well as the collective bargaining agreements.
• Confidentiality: Ensure and practice strict confidentiality of all matters human resources related matters, except expressly publishable in carrying out the specific responsibilities of the job.

Additional Functions:

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Prerequisite Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or labor studies or related field plus a minimum of three years of professional, legal, compliance or human resources experience in a unionized setting.
• Candidates should also show strong verbal and written communication and decision-making skills, especially in relation to conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated experience in Google and MS Office Suites.
• At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification preferred.
• Prior experience in public sector, or higher education, unionized setting.

Bargaining Unit:
Non-Aligned
Range/Band:
11
FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time
Additional Information:

• A hybrid work schedule is available for this position.