Manager, Employee and Labor Relations

Manager Of Employee And Labor Relations

As the Manager of Employee and Labor Relations, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing employee and labor relations functions across the organization. Under the general direction of the Director, Human Resources, this role provides strategic leadership and expert guidance on employee and labor relations matters. As a key member of the Human Resources Leadership Team, the incumbent ensures consistent and compliant administration of collective bargaining agreements, leads negotiations and impact bargaining efforts, and facilitates resolution of grievances and disciplinary actions. This position plays a key role in fostering collaborative labor-management relationships and promoting a positive workplace culture.

Duties And Responsibilities

Oversee employee and labor relations strategies and activities for both bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit staff. Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements; advise management on contract compliance and labor-related decisions. Serve as the primary liaison between management and union representatives, fostering collaborative labor-management relationships. Lead grievance and disciplinary processes, including investigations, documentation, hearings, and arbitration preparation. Collaborate with leaders to ensure that grievance responses are accurate, thorough and timely. Provide guidance to leadership on employee relations issues, including performance management, conflict resolution, and workplace conduct. Coordinate and participate in labor negotiations and impact bargaining sessions, working closely with labor counsel to ensure alignment with legal standards and organizational objectives. Collaborate with internal and external labor counsel to develop and support the organization's position in labor and employee relations cases, including contract negotiations. Assist the director in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that support fair and consistent employee relations practices. Monitor and ensure compliance with labor laws, employment regulations, and organizational policies. Draft and review settlement agreements in collaboration with internal counsel. Provide guidance to leaders and HR staff on disciplinary notices, and other employee and labor-related documents. Deliver training and resources to HR staff and leadership on employee and labor relations. Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee and labor relations activities. Assists leaders, employees and Human Resources staff with the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and HR policies ensuring adherence to established policies and practices. Coordinates and prepares cases for arbitration and administrative hearings such as unemployment, MCAD and Civil claims, as well as for outside regulatory agencies as requested. Participates in HIPAA related investigatory meetings and decisions, in conjunction with the hospital's Privacy Officer. Compiles information and statistics as needed for economic and other labor and management proposals. Compiles, updates and maintains the hospital's Contingency Plan. Oversees the hospital's Affirmative Action Program. Other projects and duties as assigned.

Education And Related Experience

Required : Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, business or related field. Five years of direct employee relations and labor relations experience in a unionized setting. High aptitude for careful review and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and employment policies. Demonstrated ability to interact constructively with senior and mid-level management. Solid knowledge of state and federal employment laws, including but not limited to comprehensive labor laws, ADA, FLSA, etc. Excellent, proven communication skills, both oral and written. Proven attention to detail; critical thinking and analytical skills. The ability to build successful working relationships in a combined union / non-union environment. Microsoft Office and the ability to work with various databases. Preferred : Advanced labor relations degree or certification. Juris Doctor or Master's degree in Human Resources, business or related field. Experience working in a hospital or medical setting. Human Resources Certification, Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR), or Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR), SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Certifications must be current.