Manager Labor Relations

Keolis Commuter Services; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A transportation company located in Boston, MA is seeking a Labor Relations professional with extensive experience in the rail industry. The ideal candidate will handle disciplinary procedures, manage grievances, and ensure compliance with labor laws. Responsibilities include overseeing investigations and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and a commitment to ethical practices are essential. This role offers a competitive compensation package and a commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in labor relations within the rail industry.
• Strong knowledge of LR functions and Railway Labor Act.
• Experience handling disciplinary hearings and grievance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations and monitor laws and regulations.
• Conduct administrative disciplinary investigations.
• Assist in maintaining records/documents for Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Skills

Labor relations expertise

Union negotiation

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Integrity and ethics

Compliance monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in labor relations or related field

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, industrial relations, human resources, or related field (JD or advanced degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in labor relations within the rail industry or a heavily unionized transportation environment.
• Demonstrated experience handling disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, and RLA‑based arbitration, negotiation, and mediation processes.
• Familiarity with rail union agreements (e.g., SMART‑TD, BLET, IAM, IBEW, BMWED, TCU) strongly preferred.
• Successful work experience in Labor Relations, ideally within the railroad industry.
• Strong working knowledge of LR functions and procedures, e.g., discipline processes, grievances, negotiations, training, and development.
• Commitment to understanding the Railway Labor Act and staying current on relevant labor laws and disciplinary procedures.
• Demonstrated employee relations skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and demonstrable people skills.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving/decision‑making experience.
• Integrity, ethics, commitment, reliability, and the ability to work in a challenging environment.
• Deep understanding of the Railway Labor Act, including major dispute and minor dispute resolution frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of FRA workplace and safety regulations.
• Exceptional written and oral communication, especially in documenting hearing records and preparing arbitration briefs.
• Ability to manage high‑pressure, contentious situations with professionalism and objectivity.
• Skilled in building relationships with union representatives and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrates composure and confidentiality required to manage all labor relations functions.
• Must be capable of carefully monitoring working conditions to ensure legal compliance.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead investigations, interpret policy, review employee and organizational trends, and monitor laws and regulations while collaborating with stakeholders.
• Investigate and document union grievances and other contractual matters through the grievance process.
• Conduct administrative disciplinary investigations by researching possible violations, preparing, and executing charge letters as necessary, negotiating settlement agreements with representatives and performing disciplinary hearings as the Charging Officer.
• Oversee and monitor department correspondence, providing weekly updates to LR managers regarding upcoming deadlines and meetings.
• Assist in the timely gathering, collecting, preparation, and maintenance of records/documents required in the administration of the local Collective Bargaining Agreements, including discipline, grievance, and arbitration processes.
• Assist in the gathering, collecting, and preparation of records/documents required for Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) matters.
• Maintain databases of discipline, grievance, and arbitration records, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
• Serve as a conduit between the field management team and the Labor Relations team.
• Collaborate with the Labor Relations team in the development and review of policies and procedures.
• Assist the Labor Relations team in the development and presentation of Labor Relations training.
• Respond to record and document requests from various stakeholders.
• Create reports and presentation documents for stakeholders as required.
• Participate in the performance evaluation processes.
• Perform administrative duties, including upkeep of employee records and meeting minutes.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Additional Statements

• Drug and alcohol screening: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen, a favorable background check, and a physical examination.
• Safety commitment: Safety is a way of life at Keolis. By placing safety first, we ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities, and together we can become the most successful transportation company in the world.
• Environmental commitment: Keolis is committed to protecting the environment by minimizing the impact of operations on our people and the communities in which we operate.
• EEO statement: Our policy is to afford Equal Employment Opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance‑abuse testing. Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Disclaimer and closing statement: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job. Keolis is committed to offering our employees competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.