Labor Relations Manager jobs in New Jersey

Forbes List of America's Best Employers 2022

Move forward with us! At NJ TRANSIT, you'll join us in transforming the third-largest transportation agency in North America. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable service that gets customers to their destinations on time–and we're looking to hire talented folks with a commitment to excellence to make it all possible.

Main Functions

• Conducts Third Step grievance hearings in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBA). Determines agreement employees responsibility for alleged violations of the CBA, operating rules and regulations, and NJ TRANSIT policies and procedures in disciplinary hearings and the appropriateness of management actions in contract grievance hearings. Properly investigates issues, rendering appropriate decisions and remedies. Articulates the positions of the parties and the decision rationale.
• Supervises the staff of the Bus Labor Relations Department in its daily activities to ensure smooth functioning of all labor relations matters, and provides training for the staff of the Bus Labor Relations department; supervises the work of the department Secretary, Hearing Officers and Senior Hearing Officers in their day to day work.
• Reviews resolutions and settlement agreements prepared by Hearing Officer staff in the Department, and reviews same with the Director and the DGM for Bus Administration as may be needed.
• Appears at labor arbitrations, P.E.R.C. hearings and other proceedings as may be needed, as Bus Operations party arbitrator or official representative. Provides testimony and input based on a thorough knowledge of the issues, research of relevant history and past practice, preparation of exhibits, etc. Coordinates with DA sG involved in Bus arbitrations and other proceedings relating to labor relations.
• Counsels department managers and first line supervision on all matters relating to Bus labor relations and the labor contracts. Provides ongoing guidance to ensure proper implementation and enforcement of the CBA and consistent practices across Bus Operations.
• Manages, supervises and conducts labor relations training classes for all levels of Bus Operations management with an emphasis on new supervisors plus refresher training for experienced supervisors.
• Maintains a cordial and constructive working relationship with union leadership, which facilitates communication and the potential for the amicable resolution of labor relations issues.
• Provides research and support for labor negotiations, and is involved in the conversion of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) language with unions into contract books. Works in conjunction with Bus Budget group to develop pay rates for the duration of the new contract agreement.
• Represents Bus Labor Relations on various management working groups and committees to ensure that decisions are in accordance with applicable CBA s and that Bus Operations needs and concerns are adequately represented.
• Supervises and prepares Labor Relations Guidance for Bus Operations personnel to ensure that collective bargaining agreements are administered in a consistent manner.
• Prepares year-end reports, statistics and updates Labor Relations database.
• As part of Bus FMLA s work group, on an as needed basis, reviews and handles requests for family leave, and advises Bus field staff on interaction between FMLA matters and contract issues; performs re-certifications to ensure compliance.
• Handles assignments, as may be required from time to time, by the DGM and/or the Director of Labor Relations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations, HR, Business or related area, or equivalent, and five years of progressive general NJ TRANSIT Bus management experience, demonstrating expertise in handling union grievances, understanding Bus CBA's with the unions and fully conversant in the operation of Bus Operations.
• A minimum of five years’ experience with handling NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations grievances required. Excellent writing skills required.
• One year experience with handling NJ Transit Bus Operations Third Steps is desirable.
• Master's degree in a related field is also desirable

At NJ TRANSIT, you will enjoy a competitive salary and excellent benefit package:

• Family Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• 401(a), 401(k) Retirement Plans with up to 9% employer contribution
• Tuition Assistance
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan (QTE)

At NJ TRANSIT we support and depend upon the diversity of our staff. NJ TRANSIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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