Manager of Labor Relations

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority); Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MARTA is seeking a Labor Relations Manager to assist the Assistant General Manager of Labor & Employee Relations in negotiating and administering the Labor Agreement between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732. The role focuses on dispute resolution, contract interpretation, and advising supervisors on terms and conditions of the agreements.

You will respond to grievances, prepare for arbitration, represent the Authority in hearings, and lead special projects such as grievance

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in Labor/Employee Relations including grievance handling and arbitration preparation.
• In lieu of education, directly related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to conduct training and prepare economic analyses of contract proposals and related statistical research.
• Additional coursework in Labor/Management Relations desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interprets Labor Agreements for line management and advises on contract implications.
• Develops and conducts union contract training for managers and supervisors.
• Participates in negotiations of new labor agreements as directed by the Assistant General Manager.
• Investigates and resolves grievances; represents the Authority in arbitration proceedings.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information in accordance with policies.
• Performs special projects related to Labor Relations and HRIS enhancements.

Skills

Communication skills

Training delivery

Economic analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations / related fields

Job description

Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Management, Personnel Management, Business Administration, or related fields. Additional course work in Labor/Management Relations desirable. Minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible experience required in Labor/Employee Relations including grievance handling and arbitration preparation. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to conduct training and prepare economic analysis of contract proposals and related statistical research. In lieu of education, directly related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

SUMMARY

Assists the Assistant General Manager of Labor & Employee Relations in negotiating and administering the Labor Agreement between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732, and any other recognized labor unions representing MARTA employees. The Labor Relations Manager manages the relationship between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732 with oversight from the Assistant General Manager. Acts as a liaison between management and union representatives, focusing on dispute resolution and contract interpretation. Provides to supervisors and management, interpretation, advice, and instruction related to terms and conditions of the Labor Agreement(s). Responds to grievances; prepares for, represents, and defends the Authority in arbitration proceedings. Performs special projects as assigned. Investigates and resolves matters of significance on behalf of management. Represents the Authority in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, and resolving grievances.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Interprets Labor Agreement(s) for line management; advises supervisors of contract ramifications in their day-to-day operations; solves problems as they arise regarding application of work rules. Manages the relationship between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732 with oversight from the Assistant General Manager.
2. Develops and conducts union contract training for managers and supervisors. Educates and guides managers and supervisors through the grievance process and on contract interpretation. Provides instruction and training for managers on labor agreement interpretations, arbitration preparation, and strategies for improving labor relations.
3. Develops and maintains professional working relationship with the Union. Participates in the negotiations of new labor agreements between MARTA and the union as directed by Assistant General Manager of Labor & Employee Relations.
4. Investigates and resolves matters of significance on behalf of management. Represents and defends the Authority in arbitration proceedings; researches and develops Authority's position; interviews and prepares witnesses; serves as advocate at hearings. Represents the Authority in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, or resolving grievances.
5. Recommends Authority policy and work rules; research data and drafts policies having authority-wide application. Develops processes that allow the labor relations function to improve productivity and scale according to future business needs; champions continuous improvement and quality control efforts and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and standardization.
6. Participates in special projects such as design and implementation of grievance tracking system, providing input for Labor Relations module of HRIS, and formulation of long-range Labor Relations strategy. Maintains grievance log and prepares statistical reports.
7. Maintains all sensitive information in accordance with corporate policies and procedures on confidentiality and the Code of Ethics.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned, including Transit Ambassador assignments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises Labor Relations staff. Interviews, hires, and develops subordinate personnel. Establishes and evaluates performance of employees. Provides feedback, coaches, disciplines, and discharges as appropriate.

MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.