Director Labor Relations

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; United States; On-site; USD 139,190 - 144,627; Full time

Job summary

A public transportation authority seeks a Director of Labor Relations, Field Operations to manage labor relations across multiple operations, ensuring the consistent application of bargaining agreements and departmental policies. The role involves significant supervision, negotiation, and representation during hearings. Candidates should have at least 8 years of related experience, including supervisory positions, and a Bachelor’s degree. This position offers a salary range of $139,190 to $144,627 and is eligible for telework one day a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of related experience with 4 years in a supervisory role.
• Advanced facilitation and mediation skills.
• Strong knowledge of public sector labor law.

Responsibilities

• Manage labor/management relations across multiple divisions.
• Represent divisions in pre-arbitration hearings.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations or related field

Master’s degree (considered equivalent to 2 years of experience)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

JOB TITLE: Director Labor Relations, Field Operations

SALARY RANGE: $139,190 to $144,627

DEPT/DIV: Labor Relations
SUPERVISOR: Senior Director Labor Relations, Field Operations
LOCATION: 2 Broadway , 13th floor New York, NY 10004
HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)
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.

SUMMARY

The Director of Labor Relations, Field Operations, is responsible for managing labor/management relations across multiple Bus/Subway divisions and/or Operations Support departments. This role ensures the consistent interpretation, administration, and application of collective bargaining agreements, as well as department/division policies, rules, regulations, and practices.

The incumbent will represent the division(s) and serve as a hearing officer during pre-arbitration hearings, actively participating in case preparation and presentation at arbitration. Additionally, the Director provides guidance to all levels of management within the division on employee availability, drafting disciplinary charges, and responding to grievances, including researching and preparing written responses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and manage the Division(s) disciplinary process, including advising General Managers, Division Chiefs, and departmental managers in assessing appropriate action and drafting disciplinary charges; recommend and provide guidance regarding necessary investigation.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding Departmental responses to contract and other labor disputes; negotiate 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 on behalf of the General Managers, Chief Officers, or other Departmental/Division Chiefs; 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 General Managers and other 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 time 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 performance of staff. 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

COMPETENCIES

• 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 or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 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

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

OTHER INFORMATION

Pursuant 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").

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.