Labor Relations Specialist Intermediate

About Us

South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to 700,000+ customers and businesses throughout 14 counties in New Jersey. As part of our core values, SJI is dedicated to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions to meet the needs of the future. To do this, we depend on our workforce of over 1,100+ talented, diverse employees who help us deliver safe, reliable, affordable clean energy for a better today and tomorrow.

At SJI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. Whether you’re a seasoned operations technician or an early-career legal professional, our culture, inclusive workforce, and  leadership development and training programs will provide you with the tools you need to either kickstart your career or bring it to new heights.

Position Summary

A career in Labor Relations will provide the opportunity to serve as the primary point of contact for proper design, negotiation, drafting, integration, administration and application of the applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), policies, and procedures to achieve the designed corporate objectives. These roles will also handle wage and time claims and any disciplinary appeals through the grievance process. Additionally, the role will serve as a point of contact for SJI employees for day-to-day technical expertise regarding such agreements. Roles will also work with various departments to determine operating objectives and evaluating risks and benefits when executing policies, procedures and negotiated agreement changes; and work with legal counsel to mitigate risk, when needed. This also involves responding to and preparing timely submissions for claims, grievances and disciplinary appeals in all procedural stages; conferencing claims timely and determining the disposition of pending claims and grievances within delegated settlement authority.

Coordinates with the Labor Relations department, management and union officials on the development, application, and interpretation of labor policies and practices. Participates in contract negotiations and collective bargaining processes for the company. Investigates, attempts to resolve, and/or settles grievances prior to labor arbitration. Builds strong relationship with inside and outside legal counsel.

 Essential Functions:

• Assists in the coordination of the labor relations activities for the company including the administration of local labor agreements and contract interpretation.
• Coordinates the grievance handling process through arbitration.
• Participates in labor contract negotiations including pre-negotiation and coordinating of negotiation sessions.
• Works with operations management to determine proper disciplinary and performance action plans for union members.
• By way of fact-finding, investigates allegations of harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, etc. and communicates findings to management.
• Advises management on compliance with ADA, FMLA, EEO laws, etc.
• Tracks grievance hearings and settlements
• Prepares agenda and facilitates Labor-Management Meetings
• Acts as primary point of contact for LR/Union data/issues in the company HRIS (Workday)
• Updates legally required postings at company locations, as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Complete understanding of state and local applicable legal mandates on labor laws
• Experience in labor relations and/or working in a union environment.
• Provides solutions to a wide range of problems.
• Works independently or on a team requiring minimal guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop colleagues.
• Ability to work well with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated strong consulting and influencing skills
• Demonstrated collaborative work style.  Able to drive multiple projects and cross organizational teams.
• Demonstrated ability to artfully convey even subtle or complex messages clearly, as appropriate for the topic and audience.
• Demonstrated solid judgment and experience assessing risk relative to the business
• Culturally sensitive
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, written, and verbal skills
• In-depth knowledge and application of labor and employment laws and regulations

Preferred Skills:

• Juris Doctor strongly preferred

Qualifications

Required Background:<