Lead Labor Relations Specialist (Administration)

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency links communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

About the role

The Deputy Executive Director (DED) Administration, under the direction of the Executive Director/CEO, is responsible for carrying out the policies and programs of Metra. The DED Administration assumes a leadership role in planning, developing, organizing, and directing the administrative activities at Metra, including complex direction for all areas related to administration and its programs, acting on behalf of the Executive Director/CEO.

Labor Relations is charged with the negotiation and administration of 17 collective bargaining agreements between Metra and its employees represented by 14 unions. The Lead Labor Relations Specialist will provide professional support in the administration of labor agreements, policy, and contract employee discipline and attendance policies. This includes conducting disciplinary investigations convened under collective bargaining agreements and advising management on the proper interpretation and application of agreements and policy.

Responsibilities

• Follow labor relations procedures ensuring compliance with applicable laws; update documents with legislative changes appropriately.
• Collaborate with staff on the development of tactics and strategies that align with department and agency goals.
• Lead and support other Labor Relations staff on administrative tasks, meetings, and analyses.
• Handle the most complex disciplinary hearings, including researching issues, conducting investigations and hearings, writing findings reports, and assessing discipline.
• Collect, analyze, and report on discipline policy data related to labor and railroad trends, including charges, frequency, and initial and actual discipline assessed.
• Manage and update the discipline database, Diversity Equity Inclusion metrics, and ensure all discipline-related data is maintained in the systems.
• Act as point of contact with union and/or management representatives.
• Assist with other administrative projects as assigned.
• Provide expert guidance to departments on the proper interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and policy; research and prepare well-written documentation of findings, and defend Metra's position related to questions or claims.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with union representatives to facilitate effective resolution of issues and sustain constructive dialogue.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Labor Relations procedures, labor law, legislative change, dispute resolution, and other pertinent union issues.
• Provide advice and guidance on the administration and interpretation of various Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Handle the most complex grievance and claims, including researching issues, responding to grievances, and representing Metra in arbitration.
• Provide support to assigned areas, which may include labor negotiation proceedings; conduct research; compile benchmark information; and review data related to on-property or industry-specific concerns.
• Serve as negotiator in contract negotiation matters.
• Oversee and conduct research, prepare graphs, charts, tables, and other summary documents detailing the implications of contract proposals.
• Work closely with managers and supervisors to address claims, answer questions pertaining to agreement provisions, and assist employees with inquiries or requests.
• Review LRS1 and LRS2 grievance responses, draft agreement language, and perform analysis.
• Prepare detailed, complex written responses to grievance appeals from labor organizations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, or related field OR a combination of experience and education that equals four years in Labor Relations.
• At least seven years of labor relations experience that includes contract negotiations, contract administration, and/or administrative hearings.
• Considerable knowledge of union contract administration and disciplinary investigations.
• Considerable knowledge of contract drafting and administration.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of labor negotiation and arbitration.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills for dealing constructively in an adversarial environment as well as with all staff levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, with emphasis on Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Database skills desirable.
• Ability to develop constructive working relationships with managers and union officials.
• Ability to provide leadership to less-experienced staff.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment.
• Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor/management agreements of a complex nature.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, or related field.

Pay

Salary Range: $103,361.00 - $155,042.00. The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range.

Benefits

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration. Click here to learn more about our benefits!