Labor Relations Specialist

The Labor Relations Specialist provides timely and accurate counsel and representation to supervisors, managers and directors concerning employment matters and issues related to bargaining unit employees. The position will assist the Labor Relations Director in handling grievances from the City’s 4 labor unions and be a part of the City’s labor negotiations team. The position will also meet with various department heads or its designee on labor issues. This position is not eligible for union representation.

Examples of Duties

A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Contributes to good Labor Relations by managing the Labor Relations function to ensure that agreements, policies and applicable laws are properly applied by City personnel.
• Applies knowledge of labor agreements, internal policies, State and Federal statutes and sound human resources principles to issues related to bargaining unit employees to assist managers and supervisors with employment issues and assure employer compliance.
• Corresponds with and facilitates work with union officials, arbitrators, mediators and others regarding grievances, arbitrations, mediations, negotiations and unfair labor practice charges.
• Trains supervisors and other management personnel in labor agreement interpretation and application, grievance investigations and the disciplinary process.
• conducts grievance meetings; determines relevance of facts presented and soundness of arguments made by Union and Management.
• Research and writes grievance responses by reviewing applicable labor agreements, grievance settlements and prior arbitration awards within the city.
• Represents the City at Mediation presenting the City’s case and negotiating potential grievance settlements.
• Supports the presentation of the City’s case at Arbitration by providing grievance research and substantiation for the City’s position.
• Researches and prepares the City’s agenda and strategies to achieve goals for labor agreement negotiations; recommends changes in employee compensation and benefits programs based upon external trends and City resources.
• Monitors healthcare costs and trends; researches and recommends planning design changes and strategies as necessary to manage and contain health care costs.
• Investigates employee complaints assigned and recommends remedial actions as necessary.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Employee Relations, Industrial Organizational Psychology, or a related field is required; advanced degree is preferred.
• Substantial experience making group presentations using argumentative and persuasive techniques.
• Minimum of five (5) years of basic labor agreement administration, experience managing work performance issues, investigation and lower step resolution of grievances.
• Knowledge of various employment laws (National Labor Relations Act, Workers Compensation, Fair Labor Standards Act).
• CLRP, SHRM-CP or PHR certification is desired.
• Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively and positively communicate with the public and all levels within the organization.
• Ability to present facts and negotiate/persuade others.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines.
• Previous experience with preparing reports, researching information, gathering, analyzing and interpreting data.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged. Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.

The City of Kalamazoo offers competitive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, group life insurance, long and short-term disability, paid time off, a defined benefits pension plan, a 457 deferred compensation plan, and a retirement health care savings plan (HCSP). Benefits vary based on the bargaining unit of a position.

The City of Kalamazoo also operates a convenient health clinic that is open to employees, retirees, and their families and provides routine medical services and prescriptions.

The benefits for this position fall within the City of Kalamazoo Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) employee group.

For a summary of City of Kalamazoo benefits in NBU positions, please visit our website: www.kalamazoocity.org/benefits

Please note: these benefits are subject to change.