LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST jobs in Minnesota

Basic Function

The current vacancy is in the Human Resources department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

Perform advanced labor relations research and analysis under the direction of the Labor Relations Manager; as well as provide professional assistance to address grievances; serve as lead negotiator as assigned; research arbitration issues, formulate collective bargaining and arbitration strategies as part of the Labor Relations team, analyze compensation options; investigate contract disputes; and advise and consult on employment matters involving union and non-union employees; and perform related duties as assigned.

If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).

Examples of Work Performed

• Participate in the development of bargaining strategy including analysis of salary and benefit data and serve as the chief spokesperson for assigned labor contract negotiations.
• Develop negotiation strategies, in conjunction with the Human Resources Deputy Director, the Labor Relations Manager and representatives of affected departments.
• Seek and obtain input from county departments about issues and interests that may be the subject of future bargaining.
• Prepare data to evaluate options for addressing the interests of unions and the county, or to evaluate union or county positions in collective bargaining.
• Draft contract language.
• Administer county labor contracts by advising departments on labor relations policy, applicable labor laws, contract interpretation and grievance resolution.
• Meet and confer with management and union representatives on labor relations concerns.
• Represent the county in third step grievances.
• Conduct research and assist in preparation of legal briefs and other documents for arbitration or administrative proceedings.
• Prepare and present cases in grievance and interest arbitration and administrative and mediation proceedings.
• Develop and present labor relations training courses to management personnel.
• Prepare materials and train managers and supervisors on negotiated contract changes and the impact on management responsibilities.
• Meet with human resources staff to provide information and resolve problems involving collective bargaining agreements in relation to other personnel functions.
• Prepare reports on labor relation topics.
• Participate on labor/management committees to foster positive labor/management relations and provide advice in resolving issues.
• Consult with Human Resources departmental staff, and with county supervisors and managers, on issues of FLSA and ADA compliance.
• Advise county managers and supervisors on employee discipline and alternative ways of addressing employee performance matters.
• Advise managers, supervisors and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under bargaining agreements, applicable labor laws, and human resource rules.
• Represent the county in grievance and interest arbitrations.
• Advise Human Resources Business Partners regarding contract interpretation, grievance handling, discipline, and performance management.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related area.

Experience: Four (4) years of professional labor relations or human resources experience in a union environment equivalent to the Human Resources Business Partners.

Substitution: A Master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of professional labor relations or human resources experience. A Juris Doctorate degree may substitute for up to three years of professional labor relations or human resources experience. Related experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Preferred: Collective bargaining experience and/or public sector experience and arbitration presentation experience is preferred.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2024-benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday
  • Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues