Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

The New York Racing Association; Elmont (NY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Racing Association is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Specialist to advise business units on employee and labor relations, interpret CBAs, and support investigations. You will partner with Counsel on contract negotiations and coordinate with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to resolve issues.

This on-site role at Belmont Racetrack requires Wednesday through Sunday, 9am–5pm, with travel to Garden City as needed. A strong confidentiality and professional approach is essential.

Qualifications

• College degree minimum.
• 3 years of progressive experience in employee and labor relations.
• SHRM-CP or PHR preferred.
• Experience supporting union environments.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise assigned business units on employee and labor relations needs and policies.
• Interpret CBAs and policies; conduct investigations.
• Collaborate with Counsel to prepare for contract negotiations.
• Act as SME on CBAs, compensation, and benefits for managers.
• Respond to union-specific requests and coordinate with HR, Finance and other stakeholders.
• Travel as needed for meetings between Belmont Racetrack and Garden City office.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Organization and time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

SHRM-CP or PHR preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

HRIS databases

AI tools (Microsoft Copilot)

Job description

Title: Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview

Overview Statement: The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist (ER/LR Specialist) acts as an advisor to assigned business units and interacts with every level of the organization in the day-to-day management of employee and labor relations. The ER/LR Specialist provides support to business units in interpreting and consistently applying policies, conducting investigations, and participating in union negotiations and contract interpretations. Working with the business units, the ER/LR Specialist will help identify and resolve employee and labor relations needs while delivering prompt and efficient support.

Essential Functions

• Establish relationships with assigned business units and coordinate with various departments to address and resolve employee and labor relations needs and issues;
• Act as a resource to assigned business units for the interpretation of policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Partner with Counsel to prepare for contract negotiations;
• Act as a subject matter expert for assigned business units and clearly articulate requirements to managers and business partners on the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), compensation, and benefits;
• Respond to union-specific requests and partner with Human Resources, Finance and other stakeholders.
• Partner with legal counsel to conduct effective, thorough and objective investigations when necessary and identify fair and effective resolutions to employee complaints; Provide guidance to management on employee counseling and documentation;
• Improve manager and employee performance by identifying and clarifying opportunities; evaluating potential solutions; assisting with implementation of selected solutions; and coaching and counseling managers and employees on performance issues;
• Participate in special projects as requested or desired.
• This is an on-site role with work hours of 9am-5pm Wednesday through Sunday located at Belmont Racetrack

Qualifications

Preferred Skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking in reviewing and interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and conducting investigation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication
• Organized and time management skills; ability to handle multiple engagements with employees working remote or at off-site facilities

Skills Proficiency

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Knowledge and ability to work with AI such as Microsoft CoPilot
• Experience working with HRIS Systems

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• College degree minimum
• 3 years of progressive experience working in employee and labor relations.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or PHR preferred.
• Proven experience supporting union environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing highly confidential information.
• A positive attitude, initiative and business acumen;
• Demonstrated ability to interact with and influence a diverse customer base;
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present a professional image and excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to travel for meetings between Belmont Racetrack and our office location at Garden City, NY when needed.
• Strong computer literacy, including Excel and HRIS databases.
• Ability to work a schedule of Wednesday through Sunday based at Belmont Racetrack
• Flexibility or availability to travel to Saratoga Racecourse during summer racing meet if needed

Summary Of Physical Requirements And Work Environment

Working in office environment using computer and sitting for a majority of the day.

Pay Range / Salary: $76,000.00 - $99,000.00