Manager, Labor Relations Field Operations

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The MTA is seeking a Manager for Labor Relations Field Operations in New York, responsible for managing labor-management relations and handling disciplinary cases. The role involves advocating in hearings, advising management, and ensuring effective communication with labor relations staff and union officials. Ideal candidates will have a strong managerial background and excellent interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years related experience, including at least 2 years in a managerial role.
• Attainment of relevant licenses or certifications preferred.
• Familiarity with MTA’s policies and collective bargaining procedures.

Responsibilities

• Advocate at pre-arbitration discipline and grievance hearings.
• Manage caseload of labor relations disputes.
• Advise management on contractual and policy issues.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Organizational

Presentation

Analytical

Managerial

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Public Administration, Law

Job description

Manager, Labor Relations Field Operations

Job ID: 5127

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Labor Relations NYCTA

Date Posted: May 1, 2025

Description

JOB TITLE : Manager, Labor Relations Field Operations

SALARY RANGE : $90,000 - $103,000

HAY POINTS : 534

DEPT/DIV : Labor Relations

SUPERVISOR : Director, Labor Relations

LOCATION : 2 Broadway, New York NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK : 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)

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 :

This position performs labor-management relations functions for operating Division(s), including assisting with , equitable and expeditious adjudication of disciplinary cases in accordance with NYCT's progressive discipline policy, processing contract interpretation grievances, consistent application of collective bargaining agreements. Incumbent represents the Division(s) at pre-arbitration hearings; hears Step II disciplinary cases; and provides recommendations to senior management in response to disciplinary and contract grievances.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Advocate for assigned operating Division(s) at pre-arbitration discipline and grievance hearings; assist senior management in the formulation of charges; liaise with Department of Labor Relations staff on disciplinary matters and contractual issues involving operating Division(s); interact with union officials in all disciplinary and/or contract Interpretation matters.
• Manage caseload and investigate labor relations disputes to ensure consistent, proper application of collective bargaining agreements; prepare disciplinary charges, grievance decisions and other required documentation; monitor and maintain up-to-date confidential summaries of contract and/or disciplinary case proceedings.
• Advise both Division and field management on contractual and policy issues; administer all labor relations activities for operating Division(s) in connection with discipline and contract grievance matters involving time and attendance, safety-related, job performance and other related work rules and contractual issues
• Prepare status reports, statistics, and recommendations in response to grievances and contract violations; ensure that supervisory personnel are aware of updated disciplinary policies and procedures and that management is following existing contracts.; and hear Step II disciplinary cases.
• Assist where appropriate in selection, development and motivation of department personnel. 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

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-profile, high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• 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, Public Administration, Law or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 5 years related experience, including at least 2 years in a managerial and/or leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.
• Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.

PREFERRED

• Attainment of or in the process of attaining specific functional licenses or certifications in area of specialty if applicable.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.

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.