Manager, Labor Relations

POSITION: Manager, Labor Relations

DIVISION: Administration

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

UNION/GRADE: Non-union/Grade 14

BASIC PURPOSE:

Responsible for managing the Authority's labor relations functions within the Human Resources Department, including but not limited to negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, processing grievances, and serving as the primary point of contact with MWRA's union representatives. Manages employee drug testing program, uniform program, and debit card program for employee clothing allowances. Workforce is comprised of approximately 1000 employees in 5 collective bargaining units covering administrative, professional, trades, scientist, and engineering positions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Director, Human Resources.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises direct supervision over assigned labor relations staff. Exercises functional supervision over other staff in the Human Resources Department as required for projects, initiatives, and other assignments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as chief spokesperson for successor collective bargaining negotiations. Conducts mid-term and impact bargaining as necessary. Responsible for coordinating implementation of negotiated contracts and all human resources initiatives resulting from collective bargaining agreements.
• Gathers pertinent data and analyzes impact of collective bargaining proposals and tentative contractual agreements such as Authority costs, wage comparisons, budget data, and position titles.
• Advises managers and supervisors on labor relations matters, contract interpretation, employee performance issues, and disciplinary matters.
• Serves as management representative on Labor-Management committees and other relevant committees impacting labor relations.
• Provides support to legal counsel in arbitration cases, unfair labor practice charges, and other litigation matters.
• Assists with workplace investigations relative to claims of harassment, misconduct, workplace violence, and discrimination. Prepares appropriate reports and recommendations for action.
• Provides direction and advice to managers and supervisors in disciplinary matters including serving as hearing officer in pre-disciplinary hearings, preparing and reviewing hearing reports, and making appropriate recommendations at conclusion of such hearings.
• Manages employee drug testing program, uniform program, and debit card program for employee clothing allowances. Manages related vendor contracts, including scope of services development, vendor selection, and approvals by the MWRA Board of Directors.
• Implements training sessions for management and supervisory staff regarding managing in a unionized environment, disciplinary procedures, grievance administration, and interpretation of negotiated union contracts.
• Assists Director, Human Resources in implementation of special projects as assigned.
• Oversees the Authority's responses to union information requests.
• Manages the department in a manner consistent with the MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, public administration or related field; and
• A thorough understanding of collective bargaining principles, labor and employee relations, human resources, and grievance administration as acquired through at least seven (7) years of experience in labor-management relations (preferably in the public sector)
• with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience in any field; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to draw conclusions based upon available evidence.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills.
• Strong understanding of relevant state and federal laws, including Massachusetts General Laws c. 150E.
• Demonstrated ability to work effective as part of a team and to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with computer software, such as Microsoft Office Suite and videoconference applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion while handling sensitive matters.
• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Class D Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License (or equivalent).

Ability to provide evening and weekend coverage on a rotating basis.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Office machines as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, typical office software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners, and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, and frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or sit.

There are no requirements that weight be lifted or force be exerted in the performance of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually a moderately quiet office setting. This position may be eligible for up to 50% telework.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.