Labor Relations Specialist III

By joining the HR team at Thomas Built Buses, you have the opportunity to showcase a high level of accountability, deliver superb customer service, and help our department become the most respected, trusted, and sought-after HR team.

About the Role

Our Labor Relations Specialist position is both a strategic and hands-on role. It requires the ability to handle multiple priorities, engage with business partners, and lead change. You will provide guidance to management and staff in the interpretation of and adherence to human resource policies, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws. You will also investigate employee complaints and provide guidance on resolution, coordinate grievance procedures, and support union contract negotiations, arbitrations, and mediations.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with operations partners, union representatives, human resources colleagues, and other business partners to jointly deliver strategic objectives and resolve issues.
• Support HR efforts related to investigations, governmental inquiries/charges, grievance resolution, performance and absence management, complaints of unfair employment practices/discrimination, and disciplinary action.
• Investigate and resolve grievances.
• Act as liaison and counsel for employees and management to assist with human resource-related issues and promote good working relationships, consistency, and high morale.
• Provide day-to-day counsel and support to management to ensure consistent application and interpretation of the company’s personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, and state labor requirements.
• Promote and support goals aimed at increasing efficiency and profitability, improving morale, and reducing absenteeism.
• Prepare information and testimony to best represent interpretation of contractual/legal issues.
• Support the recruitment, screening, and selection of employees and present HR topics in new employee orientation.
• Coordinate employee movement (job transfers/ramp-ups/layoffs/recalls) to ensure sufficient coverage to meet production requirements while adhering to labor agreement requirements.
• Administer the plant drug and alcohol programs.
• Research and assist in negotiating labor contracts.
• Establish and maintain unemployment contacts and provide unemployment-requested information.
• Interpret and administer company Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action Plan, and Family Medical Leave Act programs. Conduct training, collect data, and perform plant reporting as required. Participate in handling employee EEO/AAP and FMLA concerns.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• Juris Doctorate or Master’s in Human Resources or Labor Relations with 2+ years of labor experience.
• Labor law and regulations, arbitration case preparation, and presentation experience.
• Experience conducting investigations.
• Grievance process knowledge.
• Conflict resolution and labor contract negotiation skills.
• An attached resume is required.

Qualifications

• SHRM, PHR, SPHR, or related certification.
• Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Workday, WFM (or payroll systems).
• Experience applying attendance programs.

Benefits

• Annual bonus program.
• 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3–7% depending on age.
• Starting at 4 weeks paid vacation.
• 15 calendar holidays.
• 8 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs.
• Onsite fitness (at some locations).
• Tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off.
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.

Pay

Starting salary range of $104,000 – $133,000 USD, dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

Onsite. This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) High Point, NC, US. Relocation assistance is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

This position is not open for visa sponsorship or to existing visa holders. Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application.