Labor Relations Associate
Position Purpose/Summary
Responsible for assisting in the formulation of municipal policies and plans governing the conduct of labor relations between the City and employee representatives. Assists the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations in administering, directing and coordinating all phases of the labor relations process. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations. No supervision is exercised over other employees.
Essential Functions
- Assists the Director in conducting complex collective bargaining negotiations between the City and employee organizations. Serves as the chief spokesman with smaller bargaining units during negotiations, when designated. Takes notes of negotiations.
- Holds Step 3 grievance hearings on behalf of the employer or acts as a hearing officer for department heads, when designated.
- Assists labor attorney’s in preparation of arbitrations and hearings, gathering of evidence, identifying witnesses, etc. Selects arbitrators and assists in scheduling of negotiations, hearings and meetings.
- Assists the Director at meetings held with department heads and labor groups.
- Assists the Director in compiling and coordinating all collective bargaining research materials. May assign and monitor all research efforts to assure their accuracy.
- Directly assists and acts as advisor and consultant to the Director in the conduct of negotiations and in the formulation and development of policies and plans affecting the municipality.
- Coordinates input from department heads relative to contract language changes and proposals.
- Assists the Director in proceedings concerning contract administration, grievances, arbitration and all proceedings ordered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations.
- Compiles, analyzes, and maintains labor relations files.
- Maintains accurate and complete tracking of cases regarding grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, MCAD complaints, court matters, etc
- Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, methods and procedures used in the field of labor/management relations.
- Considerable knowledge of Chapter 150E of the general laws, and the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, as it pertains to fact-finding and prohibited practice charges.
- Considerable knowledge of the principles of personnel administration and the laws, rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Civil Service System.
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with department heads, representatives of employee organizations, employees and the public.
- Considerable knowledge of the organizational structure of the departments within the municipality and the organization and composition of the various employee groups.
- Considerable knowledge of the methods and procedures of conducting research and investigation in the field of labor relations.
- Ability to think critically and independently.
- Ability to maximize efficiency by developing new procedures and methods.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree with major course work in labor relations, personnel management or a related field.
- Considerable experience in the field of labor/management relations and/or personnel administration.