Director, Labor Relations, B&T

Position at MTA Headquarters

POSTING NO.

12881

JOB TITLE:

Director, Labor Relations (Attorney), B&T

DEPT/DIV:

Labor Relations

WORK LOCATION:

B&T (Randall's Island)

FULL/PART-TIME

Full-Time

SALARY RANGE:

$155,000 - $162,000

DEADLINE:

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.

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.

SUMMARY:

The Director Labor Relations for MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) performs labor/management relations functions for all Department and Divisions within B&T to ensure consistent interpretation, administration and application of various collective bargaining agreements, Departments/Divisions policies rules, regulations, and practices. The incumbent represents the Company 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 B&T 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 Company's disciplinary process, including advising General Managers, Division Chiefs, and departmental managers in assessing appropriate action and drafting disciplinary charges; recommend and guide necessary investigations.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding Departmental responses to contract and other labor disputes; negotiate the 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; 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 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 timely 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 the performance of staff and 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.
• Master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience.

PREFERRED:

• A Juris Doctorate (J.D)
• Five (5) years of labor relations experience.
• Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA's collective bargaining agreements

For certain assignments, candidate will be required to meet all the requirements established by the New York City Police Department to be appointed by the police Department to be appointed by the Police Commissioner as a special patrolman.

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").

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.