Labor & Employee Relations Specialist

Responsible for the implementation and administration of a positive and effective system-wide labor and employee relations program which promotes the long and short-term labor relations strategies with minimal direction. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Administers and interprets the hospital’s collective bargaining agreements, monitors the disciplinary process, oversees grievance and/ arbitration procedures, acts as the hearing officer for the 3rd step of the grievance process. Represents management in all labor relations matters, including the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective bargaining agreements. Maintains records and monitors compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. As an in-house subject matter expert, provides day-to-day advice and reduces use of outside legal counsel.

The duties and responsibilities stated are a general summary and not all inclusive.

Major Responsibilities:

% of Time Responsibility

• N/a All other duties as assigned.
• 10% Assists managers and others with the interpretation of personnel policies and procedures, legal and union contract compliance, grievance, discipline, termination problems, and mediates with employees and union representatives, identifying legal issues to manager or others as required. Drafts and revises personnel policies and procedures as appropriate.
• 10% Contributes to a working environment that is conducive to labor management harmony through the implementation and maintenance of equitable policies and procedures and programs designed to allow for effective problem solving.
• 10% Leads sensitive and confidential workplace investigations and drafts investigative reports, as appropriate.
• 20% Interprets union-management agreements, administers all provisions of the agreements, and represents management in the negotiation and settlement of grievances under established grievance procedures. Consults with managers and makes recommendations regarding day-to-day issues as well as long and short-term labor relations strategy including settlement of labor disputes.
• 5% Actively participate on committees and initiatives representing both clients and human resources to ensure application of new legislation, the smooth roll-out of systems and organizational requirements, and to ensure comprehensive policy updates and implementation in compliance with collective bargaining requirements.
• 15% Assists in the planning and organization of a program of employee and labor relations to build a positive work environment and prevent and mediate employee disputes and grievances. Provides formal and informal education to all levels of management regarding labor relations, contract interpretation and labor and employment law.
• 20% Represents UMass Memorial Health Care in collective bargaining with every union representing Medical Center and member hospital employees within the system. Prepares for, conducts, and/or participates in contract negotiations and administers all provisions of the agreements. Prepares and presents contract proposals in consultation with appropriate management representatives.
• 10% Ensures appropriate processing of arbitrations and leads preparation and oversight of outside legal counsel in arbitrations and mediations.

Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:

Required:

• Juris Doctor.
• Bachelor’s degree in business-related field.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business-related field.

Experience/Skill:

Required:

• At least five years of direct experience in labor relations.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the union grievance process, preparing for arbitrations.
• Demonstrated experience as chief spokesperson in union contract negotiations.
• Knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act and National Labor Relations Board procedures.
• In-depth knowledge and expertise in collective bargaining, state and federal labor and employment law.

Preferred:

• Substantive and demonstrated experience working in unionized environments with MNA, UFCW, NAGE, AFSME and SEIU.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.