Discipline & Labor Relations Hearing Officer

Cadient, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Labor Relations professional to prepare for and conduct discipline hearings, review charges, ensure due process, and maintain a complete hearing record. You will preside as Hearing Officer or Reviewing Officer when assigned, applying collective bargaining agreements and discipline standards.

The role requires independent work, coordination of hearings across locations, and strong communication with employees, unions, managers, and legal counsel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree, four (4) years of directly related labor relations, railroad discipline, grievance, investigation, or hearing experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting or facilitating discipline hearings, workplace investigations, grievance proceedings, or comparable fact-finding proceedings in a railroad or other heavily unionized environment.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements and preparing formal notices, findings, reports, or appeal documentation.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of labor relations, employee discipline, grievance handling, and contract administration.
• Knowledge of Railway Labor Act principles and railroad dispute resolution processes, including arbitration and adjustment board review.
• Knowledge of Fair and impartial hearing standards, due process, evidentiary concepts, witness examination, and development of a complete record.
• Ability to act as a fact finder, and manage contentious proceedings with credibility and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple cases, meet contractual deadlines, and coordinate hearings across multiple locations.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and conduct discipline hearings. Review charges and hearing notices; confirm contractual timelines, notice, and representation requirements; open and preside over proceedings; maintain order and neutrality; receive testimony and documentary evidence; rule on procedural matters; question witnesses for clarification; permit appropriate examination; and ensure relevant facts are entered into the record.
• Serve as Reviewing Officer when assigned. Evaluate the hearing record, testimony, exhibits, applicable labor agreement provisions, policies, rules, and discipline standards; make or recommend well-supported determinations; and prepare clear written findings or decision documentation.
• Administer and maintain the hearing process and record. Coordinate hearing dates, locations, participants, court reporters, and postponements; prepare required notices and correspondence; assemble exhibits; verify transcript completeness; maintain confidential case files; and route the completed record to the appropriate decision or appeal authority.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Skills

Labor relations

Discipline hearings

Investigative interviewing

Evidence evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Electronic case files

Records systems

Job description

Metra is seeking a Labor Relations professional to prepare for and conduct discipline hearings, review charges, ensure due process, and maintain a complete hearing record. You will preside as Hearing Officer or Reviewing Officer when assigned, applying collective bargaining agreements and discipline standards.

The role requires independent work, coordination of hearings across locations, and strong communication with employees, unions, managers, and legal counsel.