Manager of Labor Relations

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority); Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) seeks a Labor Relations Manager to negotiate and administer the Labor Agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732 and other unions.

The role oversees MARTA's relationship with the union, provides contract interpretation to management, and represents the Authority in arbitration and grievances with oversight from the Assistant General Manager of Labor & Employee Relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in labor/employee relations or related field; six years of relevant experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to train and prepare economic analyses and statistics.
• In lieu of education, directly related work experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and administer the Labor Agreement between MARTA and the union; advise line management on contract ramifications.
• Develop and conduct union contract training for managers and supervisors; guide through grievance processes and arbitration preparation.
• Negotiate and participate in the labor agreement process; oversee relations with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732.
• Investigate and resolve significant matters on behalf of management; represent MARTA in arbitration and grievances.

Skills

Labor/Employee relations

Grievance handling

Arbitration preparation

Training

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Management, Personnel Management, Business Administration, or 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7. Maintains all sensitive information in accordance with corporate policies and procedures on confidentiality and the Code of Ethics.
8. 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.