Lead Labor Relations Specialist (Administration)

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Deputy Executive Director (DED) Administration under the direction of the Executive Director/CEO is responsible for carrying out the policies and programs of Metra. The DED Administration assumes a leadership role in planning, developing, organizing and directing the administrative activities at Metra. The DED Administration is responsible for complex direction for all areas related to administration and its programs acting on behalf of the Executive Director/CEO.

Labor Relations is charged with the negotiation and administration of 17 collective bargaining agreements between Metra and its employees represented by 14 unions. These responsibilities include representing Metra in arbitration with respect to minor disputes and the ongoing negotiations meant to reach amicable settlements and thus avoid a major dispute as dened by the Railway Labor Act with each of these unions.

Reporting to the Director Labor Relations, the Lead Labor Relations Specialist will provide professional support in the administration of labor agreements, policy, and the contract employee discipline and attendance policies including, conducting disciplinary investigations convened under collective bargaining agreements, and advising management on proper interpretation and application of agreements and policy.

This position will require some specialized experience in advocacy or administration to be identified in the position posting and will demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the assigned area.

1. Follow labor relations procedures ensuring compliance with applicable laws; and update documents with legislative changes appropriately.

2. Collaborate with staff on the development of tactics and strategies that align with department and agency goals.

3. Lead and support other Labor Relations staff on administrative tasks, meetings, and analyses.

For Administration

4. Handles the most complex disciplinary hearings including researching issues, conducting investigations, and hearings, writing findings reports and assessing discipline. .

5. Collect, analyze and report on discipline policy data related to labor and railroad trends including charges, frequency, and initial and actual discipline assessed.

6. Manage and update the discipline database, Diversity Equity Inclusion metrics, and ensure all discipline related data is maintained in the systems.

7. Act as point of contact with union and/or management representatives.

8. Assist with other administrative project as assigned. Provide expert guidance to departments on the proper interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and policy, research and prepare well-written documentation of findings, and defend Metra's position related to questions or claims.

9. Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with union representatives that facilitate the effective resolution of issues, sustain a foundation for constructive dialogue, and produce the best possible results for Metra.

10. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

For Advocacy

11. Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Labor Relations procedures, labor law, legislative change, dispute resolution, and other pertinent union issues. Provide advice and guidance on the administration and interpretation of various Collective Bargaining Agreements.

12. Handles the most complex grievance and claims handling including researching issues, responding to grievances, and representing Metra in arbitration.

13. Provide support to assigned area that may include labor negotiation proceedings; conduct research; compile benchmark information; and review data related to on-property or industry-specific concerns.

14. Serve as negotiator in contract negotiation matters. Oversee and conduct research, prepare graphs, charts, tables, and other summary documents detailing the implications of contract proposals.

15. Work closely with managers and supervisors in support of addressing claims; answering questions pertaining to agreement provisions; and assisting employees in addressing inquiries, requests and questions.

16. Reviews LRS1 and LRS2 grievance responses, draft agreement language, analysis.

17. Prepare detailed, complex written responses to grievance appeals from labor organizations. Has authority for dispute resolution.

18. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.