Labor Counsel

Job Title

Labor Counsel

Department / Division

Labor Relations

Work Location

2 Broadway

Employment Type

Full Time

Salary Range

$126,288 – $157,860

Deadline

Until filled

Teleworking

This position is eligible for teleworking one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Opening

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective

The Labor Counsel is responsible for providing expert legal advice on Labor Relations matters to MTA senior staff and managers. This role represents the authority in disciplinary cases and trials, determines the strategy for litigation, and serves as an advocate in administrative proceedings for the MTA and its agencies.

Responsibilities

• Arbitrations and Administrative Tribunals : Serve as the authority's legal advocate in contract grievances, disciplinary cases, arbitrations, trials, mediations, and administrative proceedings, ensuring that the Authority's position is effectively presented.
• Litigation Strategy and Settlements : Formulates litigation strategy and settlements, prepares witnesses, gathers evidence, researches legal issues, drafts legal briefs and other litigation papers, presents oral arguments to arbitrators, mediators, and Administrative Law Judges.
• Counsel to Authority Management : Provide day-to-day advice and legal evaluation in connection with disciplinary matters, labor issues, New York State Civil Service Law, contract interpretations, and policy formation.
• Compliance : Ensure compliance with the legal obligations required under the collective bargaining agreements as well as under New York State and Federal law.
• Legislative Liaison : Review labor legislation and formulate the Authority's statement in support / statement in opposition to legislation. Ensure the Authority's position on proposed legislation is delivered timely to the MTA's legislative team.
• Evidence Evaluation and Negotiations : Evaluate evidence, assess possible litigation outcomes, draft disciplinary charges, formulate proposals, day-to-day contact and negotiations with union representatives to resolve litigation matters, and respond to information requests / FOIL requests for information sought by labor.
• Collective Bargaining : Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, record minutes of collective bargaining negotiations, assist in developing collective bargaining strategies, and ensure the smooth implementation of collectively bargained terms. Negotiate labor contracts within cost guidelines and patterns set by the MTA.
• Labor / Management Meetings : Prepare minutes from prior Labor / Management meetings. Address and resolve issues without the need for grievances or litigation, and maintain a channel of effective communication with the unions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

Ethics

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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