LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST jobs in Detroit, MI

The Charter County of Wayne is Michigan's first and largest County! Home to 34 cities and nine townships; from Rockwood to Livonia, from Sumpter Township to the Grosse Pointes, each community in Wayne County offers residents and businesses a unique blend of opportunity to live, work, play and raise families.

Headquartered in beautiful Downtown Detroit, our largest city and the automotive capital of the world, Wayne County Government offers a diversified economy and high standards for our residents' quality of life. With a history rich in culture, arts and diverse communities, Wayne County takes pride in its promotion of diversity, inclusion and equity, not only through its residents but also through its employees.

Becoming a part of the Wayne County team means that you are driven, ambitious and ready to have a positive impact on the community.

DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR JOB DUTIES

The Labor Relations Specialist administers collective bargaining agreements to resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. The Labor Relations Specialist represents Wayne County's position in contract negotiations and grievance arbitrations. The position is also responsible for drafting contract proposals and compiling information and statistics on the economic proposals of both labor and management. The Labor Relations Specialist participates in meetings between labor and management to discuss and attempt to resolve issues of mutual concern. Generally, the position serves as resource for managers and County executives.

The duties and responsibilities of the Labor Relations Specialist are generally the same as the Labor Relations Analyst. However, the Labor Relations Specialist is expected to have more knowledge and experience in labor relations, be able to work more independently, and have a greater mastery of the field than the Labor Relations Analyst and provide training on employee development, corrective action, collective bargaining agreements, and other needed subject matters.

• Advise managers on the proper application of collective bargaining agreements ("CBAs") and various other labor relations matters
• Serve on the management bargaining team for collective bargaining negotiations
• Investigate allegations of employee misconduct and make recommendations on proper course of action
• Provide consultation to managers regarding the appropriate steps for employee discipline or other corrective action.
• Provide training on employee development, corrective action, collective bargaining agreements, and other needed subject matters
• Investigate employee and/or union complaints alleging harassment, improper conduct, workplace violence, and/or CBA violations
• Advise managers on proper utilization of the grievance process
• Serve as Step 4 grievance hearing officer and issue responses
• Advocate on behalf of County at grievance arbitrations and other labor hearings
• Draft briefs related to above mentioned administrative hearings
• Research various aspects of labor and employment law, as needed
• Maintain knowledge on changes to applicable labor laws, case law, and best practices
• Assist in the development of strategies for collective bargaining negotiations, the preparation of County proposals, and the implementation of newly negotiated CBAs.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiation sessions as part of the management negotiation team.
• Develop and deliver training to management regarding proper application of the CBA provisions, including newly negotiated provisions
• Prepare and draft memoranda of understanding, settlement agreements, and other writings setting forth the terms of agreements made between the County and the various unions
• Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned

ELIGIBLE PERSONS

At the time of application, eligible persons must have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis
• Juris Doctor degree or MBA highly desirable
• At least three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience
• Public Sector labor relations experience, Human Resources certification, and/or legal training preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Wayne County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to: recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

For information regarding the Department of Justice - EEO Utilization Report, please visit https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/phr/legal-postings.aspx.

Accommodations: If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Wayne County Department of Personnel/Human Resources at 313-224-5901 or via email at hrexam@waynecounty.com. Hearing or speech impaired persons using TDD's or similar devices may contact the Michigan Relay Center, toll free at (800) 649-3777 or 711 to communicate directly with the Department of Personnel/Human Resources during regular working hours.