Employee & Labor Relations Manager

What to expect:

The Employee and Labor Relations Manager is responsible for overseeing and supporting a team that handles employee relations and investigations, ensuring fair and consistent application of workplace policies. This role also oversees labor relations efforts, including union interactions, grievance resolutions and supporting contract negotiations.

How you will make an impact:

HR Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of ER/LR HR professionals handling investigations, employee relations matters, and labor relations.
• Provide coaching and counsel to leadership and employees (union & non-union) regarding Human Resources practices relating to employee and labor relations.
• Coach and provide guidance to HR and Operations teams to lead or support new employees by modifying and conducting new employee orientation and training programs when needed.
• Drive initiatives to promote employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion.
• Advise team and leadership on labor law compliance, union contract interpretation, and best practices for working in a unionized environment.
• Lead team training initiatives as needed to ensure quality investigations are being conducted, and consistent and fair application and interpretation of policies are practiced.
• Guide team in maintaining required documentation including but not limited to; intake and investigation notes, supporting documents and final reports and/or evidence of action taken.
• Ensure timely, thorough, and legally sound investigative practices.
• Observe and utilize HR metrics to establish team goals. 

Employee and Labor Relations

• Oversee and guide investigations regarding employee or labor relations in handling workplace concerns, conflicts, and policy violations. Lead investigations into higher risk complaints or concerns.
• Serve as escalation contact for union representatives; attend labor-management meetings; support handling of grievance procedures, arbitration cases, and disciplinary actions in line with CBA
• Provide consultation with respect to reasonable accommodation and termination requests.
• Provide guidance and direction with the development/delivery of appropriate feedback or corrective/disciplinary actions.
• Resolve complex problems by applying relevant policies, past practices and/or best practices to reach a conclusion, including escalation as needed.
• Monitor and analyze employee and labor relations metrics and develop and recommend proactive solutions to address patterns to improve workplace satisfaction and minimize legal risk. 

Legal & Compliance

• Assist with the interpretation of Company policies and responding to inquiries, concerns, and ad hoc complaints.
• Partner with Legal and HR Policy & Compliance Specialist as needed to ensure policies and practices comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and analyze risk/manage response to litigation.
• Ensure legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable HR requirements, staying abreast of employment laws and regulations. 

What you will bring:

Required Experience, Qualifications & Skills: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in HR, LR, Business Admin, or related field. HR certifications preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 5-8 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years specializing in employee relations, labor relations, and workplace investigations. Experience in a union environment is highly preferred.
• Interpersonal/organizational communication skills a must.
• Written communication skills.
• Expertise in labor laws (RLA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, etc.).
• Strong investigative, conflict resolution, and mediation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and handle sensitive employee concerns confidentially.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and coach others.
• MS Office applications.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS software.
• Ability to travel 15% to support site locations.  

Total Rewards:<