Director, Labor Relations, B&T

About the role

The Director Labor Relations for MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) performs labor/management relations functions for all Department and Divisions within B&T to ensure consistent interpretation, administration and application of various collective bargaining agreements, Departments/Divisions policies rules, regulations, and practices.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Company’s disciplinary process, including advising General Managers, Division Chiefs, and departmental managers in assessing appropriate action and drafting disciplinary charges; recommend and guide necessary investigations.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding Departmental responses to contract and other labor disputes; negotiate the resolution of labor disputes within contractual parameters.
• Represent the Division(s) and serve as hearing officer for all pre-arbitration hearings provided for under the various Collective Bargaining Agreements and agency policy where applicable; research and prepare written responses; participate in the preparation and presentation of cases at arbitration.
• Direct and manage review of attendance records, sick documentation, and related investigations; provide advice and guidance to divisional managers regarding employee availability issues, including appropriate strategy and disciplinary charges, where appropriate.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and implementation of labor contracts; ensure overall and consistent application of labor relations agreements and policies authority wide.
• Supervise support staff and administer work. Manage and direct the timely processing of disciplinary and grievance matters and ensure timely notice of hearings and accurate system tracking.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling.
• Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review the performance of staff and create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships.
• Advanced facilitation, mediation, advocacy, and interpersonal skills to cope with conflicting points of view, function under pressure while demonstrating integrity, fair-mindedness and a persuasive, confident persona.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and come to direct solutions through independent decision making.
• Proficiency in drafting contractual language, grievance decisions & internal/external correspondences.
• Strong knowledge of public sector labor law.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills

• Knowledge of MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with MTA’s collective bargaining agreements.
• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) preferred.
• Five (5) years of labor relations experience preferred.

Benefits

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

Pay

$155,000 - $162,000

Schedule

Full-Time