Labor Relations Specialist 2

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago seeks a Labor Relations Specialist 2 to act as SME in contract interpretations, CBAs, and investigations. The role requires a BA or four years in labor relations, plus at least three years in bargaining, contract administration, or administrative hearings.

You will research, analyze, and shape strategies with cross-functional teams across Metra's labor relations function. Qualified veterans will be outreach; Metra emphasizes equal opportunity and accessibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree OR equivalent four years in labor relations.
• Three years of labor relations experience including bargaining, contract administration, or administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of labor relations principles, negotiation and research.
• Proficient in using Microsoft 365 and related databases.

Responsibilities

• Act as a SME for assigned labor relations area, including contract interpretation and CBAs.
• Conduct research, prepare benchmark information, and support strategy development.
• Collaborate across departments to align department and agency goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

Skills

Labor relations

Contract administration

Negotiation

Grievances

Arbitration

Research

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Description

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.

Salary Range

$73,623.00 - $110,436.00

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.

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.

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 defined by the Railway Labor Act with each of these unions.

Reporting to the Director Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist 2 is the intermediate level in the job series and will act as a subject matter expert (SME) of the assigned labor relations area, in advocacy or administration; may be assigned core duties involving moderately complex grievance procedures, mediation sessions, monitoring and implementing collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), dispute resolution, policy development, and claim investigations.

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.

The Primary Duties include: Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for the assigned area that may include contract interpretations, labor negotiation proceedings; conduct research; and compile benchmark information. Collaborate with other labor relations staff on the development of strategies that align with department and agency goals; and review their work products for consistency. Collaborate with other departments on the development and implementation of department and agency goals. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

For Administration

Conduct disciplinary investigations and serve as hearing officer; prepare reports; make preliminary recommendations; prepare findings; consult with supervisors and managers regarding contract application and interpretation; and respond to employee questions. Provide support to managers on employee claims to ensure fair and impartial disciplinary investigations. Collect, review, and analyze policy and other data; manage the various databases; and assist with various projects.

For Advocacy

Prepare responses to moderately complex questions on contract provisions, documents and cases scheduled for arbitration, grievance appeals from labor organizations, and dispute resolutions. Participate in contract negotiations; and conduct research, prepare graphs, charts, tables, and other summary documents detailing the implications of contract proposals; review and research relevant databases for on-property and industry case history; and develop drafts to arbitration briefs. Interpret labor agreements and ensure managers are applying provisions properly.

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree OR in lieu of degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four years in labor relations.
• In addition to #1, must have three years of labor relations experience that includes collective bargaining, contract administration, or administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of labor relations, labor management theories, and research.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of labor negotiation and arbitration.
• Knowledge of with contract drafting and administration.
• Knowledge of grievance and claims handling.
• Knowledge of on-line legal research sites or resources.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and Outlook); and database skills are desirable.
• Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor/management agreements.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to develop, motivate, and foster collaborative relationships both inside and outside of the agency.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment.
• Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze issues and exercise judgment in making decisions.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.