The Labor Relations Manager is responsible for independently advising managers and Human Resources (HR) professionals system-wide regarding complex employee relations situations and the interpretation of personnel policies, labor contracts and State/Federal employment laws. The incumbent will provide comprehensive internal labor relations consultation throughout the organization, will prepare responses to internal and external complaints, conduct investigations, write reports and present findings. The incumbent will assess, design and deliver training labor relations and labor issues as requested by, or in support of, assigned clients.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Advises HR professionals, Managers and Executives system wide concerning complex employee relations issues such as workplace harassment, workplace violence, ADA/FMLA, substance abuse, and reductions in force.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the overall employee/labor relations strategy.
- Advises HR professionals system wide regarding the interpretation and application of personnel policies, labor contracts and Federal and State employment and labor laws. As requested, conducts case review process and assists in standardizing practice across larger HR departments.
- Conducts sensitive and confidential investigations throughout the system in cooperation with entity HR professionals and the Chief Human Resources Officer. Prepares reports of the findings and presents findings to specific audiences, as determined by the individual entity.
- Consults with HR professionals and managers concerning the processing of union grievances, assists with gathering all required documentation and chairs grievance boards, as necessary.
- Creates, customizes, and presents workshops concerning employee and labor relations issues, such as Harassment, Progressive Discipline, Employment and Labor Laws, Managing in a Labor Environment, Workplace Violence and ADA/FMLA to managers and HR professionals. Periodically surveys HRBPs to identify current training needs.
- Conducts complex climate surveys to assess the general environmental tone within a department or between departments to determine areas of employee concern and/or potential organizing activity. Prepares reports of the findings and presents findings to various audiences, as determined by the individual entity.
- Maintains a current body of knowledge of employment and labor laws and all MGB labor contracts.
- Provides expertise to local HR, leadership and attorneys in the Office of General Counsel to support the collective bargaining process for existing collective bargaining agreements. Serves as a member of the management negotiating team, prepares analysis, drafts language, identifies management proposals, and organizes meeting schedule among other responsibilities.
- Supports the grievance and arbitration process, and maintains positive employee relations and labor-management relations. Prepares, interprets, processes, and educates around changes to collective bargaining agreements and contract negotiations.
- Advises management staff during union organizing campaigns, meets with supervisors/managers to assess areas of vulnerability, delivers labor relations training, provides communication plan and project management assistance throughout the organizing and election period. Conducts post-organizing debriefings and creates action plan related to on-going employee relations or negotiation activity, consistent with outcome of organizing activity.
- Assists with the development and interpretation of employee relations policies and procedures and local policies, as needed.
- Provides guidance regarding contract and non-contract issues, including but not limited to discipline, grievance and arbitration resolution, employment terms and conditions, problem-solving, contract administration, and negotiations.
- Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationships with all appropriate parties at each entity and with union business agents.
- Performs related duties as required in support of ERLS Center of Excellence. Working Conditions Hybrid work schedule with at least 1x/week onsite Requirements
- Requires Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 7 years progressively responsible labor and employee relations experience, preferably in healthcare industry.
- Current knowledge of applicable legislation including employment and labor laws.
- Must have valid driver’s license and ability to travel between multiple sites in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Skills And Abilities Required
- The ability to deal tactfully and professionally with a wide variety of people including managers, department directors, physicians, vice presidents, attorneys and federal and state government officials.
- Ability to function collaboratively in a team and as an individual contributor.
- Must be flexible, adaptable and politically savvy and able to navigate effectively through a complex system of multiple organizations with unique cultures and policies.
- Demonstrated problem solving ability in dealing with complex and sensitive employee related issues and the ability to prioritize work.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement and apply critical thinking skills to effectively problem-solve in evolving situations.
- Highly skilled at managing complex workplace investigations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Labor relations: 3 years (Preferred)
- Collective bargaining: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person