Sr Labor Relations Advisor

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization in Michigan is seeking a skilled Labor Relations Manager to oversee labor relations strategies and negotiations. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree, five years of labor relations experience, and a deep understanding of labor laws. Key responsibilities include handling grievances, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The position supports collaboration between management and labor unions, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Hybrid work options may be available.

Qualifications

• Five years of labor relations experience required.
• Demonstrated experience as chief spokesperson in multiple contract negotiations.
• In depth knowledge and expertise in labor and employee relations, benefits, compensation, and recruitment.
• History of hearing grievances or disputes at the last step, preparing for arbitrations.

Responsibilities

• Supports senior leaders by providing guidance on organizational policies.
• Provides recommendations to senior leadership regarding union-management agreements.
• Represents management in the negotiation and resolution of grievances.
• Leads and participates in union-management contract negotiations.
• Fosters a collaborative labor-management environment.

Skills

Thorough Knowledge of Labor Laws and Regulations

Contract Administration and Negotiation

Dispute and Conflict Resolution

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Strategic Planning

Communication Skills

Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills

Education and Training

Confidentiality and Integrity

Continuous Improvement

Project Management

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor degree in Business, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labor and Employment Relations or equivalent

Job description

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

Responsible for implementing and managing positive and effective labor relations programs across the health system, supporting both short- and long-term labor relations strategies. Administers and interprets collective bargaining agreements for the health system and University, oversees disputes, grievances, arbitration procedures, and monitors corrective actions. Represents management in all aspects of labor relations, including the negotiation, drafting, interpretation, and administration of collective bargaining agreements. Maintains accurate records and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities*

• Supports senior leaders, Human Resources Business Partners, and staff by providing guidance on organizational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and union contracts. Assists with the resolution of grievances, disciplinary actions, and terminations, and identifies potential legal issues, escalating to leadership as appropriate.
• Provides recommendations to senior leadership, management, and bargaining unit representatives regarding the development, application, administration, and interpretation of union-management agreements. Facilitates discussions and works to resolve complex issues between management and labor unions, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
• Interprets union-management agreements and represents management in the negotiation and resolution of grievances in accordance with established procedures. Consults with managers to recommend appropriate courses of action regarding labor disputes and related matters.
• Prepares for, leads, and/or participates in union-management contract negotiations, serving as first or second chair. Compiles and analyzes written documentation for presentation to senior leadership and union representatives during bargaining sessions
• Fosters a collaborative and harmonious labor-management environment by building and maintaining strong working relationships with senior leadership and union representatives.
• Delivers education and guidance on labor relations, contract interpretation, and labor law to supervisors, managers, and staff. Applies principles of continuous process improvement to enhance daily operations.
• Maintains departmental reports and records, and collects statistical data for administrative and regulatory purposes. Assembles and analyzes information on labor relations trends. Oversees documentation related to grievances, arbitrations, NLRB and MERC decisions, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Ensures compliance with regulations and requirements set by agencies such as the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights, and Department of Justice. Adheres to established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Proactively monitors trends, issues, and patterns related to collective bargaining agreements, disciplinary actions, and settlements, and recommends course corrections as needed.
• Contributes to the development of short- and long-term strategic plans for the labor relations function.
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor degree preferably in Business, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labor and Employment Relations or equivalent training or experience.
• Five years of labor relations experience required.
• Demonstrated experience as chief spokesperson in multiple contract negotiations required.
• In depth knowledge and expertise in labor and employee relations, benefits, compensation, and recruitment.
• History of hearing grievances or disputes at the last step, preparing for arbitrations, and working knowledge of the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act, National Labor Relations Act and National Labor Relations Board procedures required.
• Must have the ability to work independently and to develop and maintain positive working relationships with all levels of management and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare CBA analysis, write training materials and conduct staff trainings.
• Demonstrated excellent written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively and independently

Skills You Have

• Thorough Knowledge of Labor Laws and Regulations: Strong understanding of federal, state, and local laws governing labor relations, including NLRA, FMLA, FLSA, EEOC, NLRB, and MERC regulations.
• Contract Administration and Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to interpret, administer, and negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
• Dispute and Conflict Resolution: Advanced skills in resolving grievances, arbitrations, and disciplinary matters with diplomacy and effectiveness.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex labor relations issues, identify trends, and recommend strategic courses of action.
• Strategic Planning: Experience in developing and implementing short- and long-term labor relations strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills for conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences, preparing reports, and presenting findings.
• Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills: Proven ability to foster collaborative relationships with union representatives, management, and senior leadership.
• Education and Training: Ability to design and deliver training and educational sessions on labor relations practices, contract interpretation, and labor law application.
• Confidentiality and Integrity: Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards in all labor relations matters.
• Continuous Improvement: Ability to use data analysis and feedback to drive process improvements within labor relations functions.
• Project Management: Capable of managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Skilled at navigating changing environments and responding effectively to unforeseen challenges.

Desired Qualifications*

• Ten years of direct experience in labor relations is preferred.
• HRCI and/or SHRM Certification is desired.
• A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent education, training and experience in labor relations is preferred.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.