Labor Relations Cnslt

About the role

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, serving 6.8 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. The Labor Relations Consultant serves as a primary contact to internal clients for providing tailored labor relations recommendations in areas such as benefits, employee relations, regulatory compliance, and other People & Culture administrative responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for interpretation of union contracts, grievance administration, performance management, Field Leader development, promoting positive union and management relationships, and coordinating with Centers of Excellence to provide complex HR services based on client and employee needs. Performs tasks independently with instructions as to general results expected, exhibiting ability to independently design, develop, deliver, and evaluate labor relations and HR services.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior operations leadership on implementation of organization-wide initiatives, communication with front line leaders, local union leaders, and employees
• Provide data and reports on staffing/headcount, retirements, transfers, grievances, and other information as requested
• Support leadership on staffing and hiring of positions within their operations, including the contractual bidding process
• Provide training to first line supervision on basic labor relations, union contract provisions, policies, grievance administration, labor laws, arbitrations, presidential hearings, performance management, and building relationships with local union leadership
• Participate in a broad scope of cross-functional P&C initiatives and projects that may be moderately complex or have organization-wide implications
• Partner with People & Culture COE to answer employee inquiries, problem solve, and bring resolutions to employees' concerns in a timely manner
• Administer the grievance process under the provisions of the union contract, including scheduling, preparation and research prior to attending Step 1 and Step 2 grievance meetings
• Participate in arbitrations and presidential hearings
• Investigate misconduct and performance of union employee behaviors to determine if disciplinary action should be administered, make recommendations to management based on past disciplinary actions and relevant arbitrations, and issue necessary discipline
• Provide business leaders with contract interpretation guidance on a variety of Articles and Sections (including arbitrations) to comply with the contract, mitigate risk, and avoid grievances or unnecessary costs to the business, performed independently with limited supervision and guidance
• Perform administrative and transactional functions related to Union job postings, promotions, transfers, organizational management, and other like or related duties
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related field and 2+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce
• OR Associate's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related field and 4+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce
• OR High School diploma and 6+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of labor and employment laws (both state and federal)
• Microsoft Office Proficiency
• Knowledge of human resource services requirements and labor relations
• Ability to effectively build relationships, establish rapport, maintain mutually productive relationships, and relate well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations
• Ability to make decisions independently on HR/LR problems, with guidance from LR Managers
• Data analysis skills
• Demonstrated well-developed written communications skills applicable to disciplinary letters, investigative reports, contract interpretation guidance, and other communications with stakeholders
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills for interaction with all department levels within the Company
• Ability to utilize dispute resolution and conflict management techniques to settle disagreements and disputes in a fair and equitable manner
• Ability to master and interpret contractual language and apply interpretations to operations on somewhat complex issues

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and may be assigned to any Consumers Energy Service Center located throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

Note: This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as it is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.