Labor Relations Associate

Position Summary :

Reporting to the System Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Associate provides advice, guidance and representation to the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities System (CSCU System) in connection with unclassified (faculty and non-teaching professionals) and classified employee labor relations, including employee counseling, contract administration and collective bargaining negotiations.

The Labor Relations Associate serves as a primary front-line labor relations contact in support of the CSCU System.

The Labor Relations Associate develops and maintains extensive and productive relationships with campus and institutional HR personnel / administrators, the finance and administration functions, the compliance functions, campus and institutional diversity and equity personnel / administrators, the Office of the General Counsel, and campus and system office leadership, and all bargaining units.

This position is responsible for continuous improvement in process, workflows, tools and systems related to labor and employee relations’ administration for CSCU employees.

Example of Job Duties :

Under the direction of the System Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Associate is responsible for effective performance in these essential duties :

• Manages and performs the delivery and administration of labor relations and employee relations programs and services to contribute to the effective utilization and management of the CSCU System.
• Responsible for contract and grievance administration; may advise CSCU Colleges and Universities with respect to unclassified and classified employee issues;
• may serve as or assist the CSCU Chancellor’s designee for System Office classified grievances; may serve as or assist the Chancellor’s designee for CSU institutions at Step III classified grievance meetings;

under supervision serves as CSCU Chancellor’s designee for unclassified grievances at the System level and conducts grievance meetings, drafts responses and settlement agreements.

Assists and advises the CSCU institutions regarding grievance hearings at the institution level grievances. May participate and assist in the presentation of cases at arbitration or other administrative bodies.

Assists in providing advice and guidance to CSCU System Office, Regional HR Managers, HR Generalists, and supervisors with respect to employee grievances and problems and general employee relations including but not limited to issues related to employee leave and accommodations, and employee corrective action.

Acts as a liaison between employees and managers to solve problems.

Prepares communications to CSCU institutions; gathers and compiles information in response to requests from unions, State’s Office of Labor Relations, and Department of Administrative Services;

provides assistance in development and delivery of system-wide training programs for labor relations designees, supervisors, etc.

• Serves as Liaison with Office of Labor Relations, Department of Administrative Services, and other state agencies, as well as outside legal counsel, as appropriate, on questions related to labor relations compliance.
• Provides research and support for contract administration and negotiations; supports System-wide negotiations, gathers and analyzes data needed for negotiations with unclassified employee unions and for other labor relations functions;
• researches contract language; provides support in drafting proposals; solicits changes and makes recommendations regarding classified contracts in connection with Statewide contract negotiations;

maintains a grievance tracking database and runs grievance activity reports; and provides HR departments with information concerning current best practices.

Ensures consistent application of the CBA’s and that any management actions, settlements and / or MOAs are reviewed in light of risk across the CSCU System.

Escalates to the System Director of Labor Relations any issues that drive risk to or have implications for the CSCU System.

This posting includes qualifications, experience and skills but is not limited to the full specifications stated in the job description.

Incumbents must possess proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and student.

They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in management, labor relations, or a closely related field, and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience in human resources management or labor relations;

or a comparable combination of experience and training.

Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following :

• Demonstrated ability to carry out the full range of labor relations and contract administration functions in a complex, unionized, public sector employment environment.
• Demonstrated ability to research, understand, interpret, apply and advise on complex laws, regulations and collective bargaining agreements affecting human resource management, labor relations and related fields.
• Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines; knowledge of rules of evidence and hearings’ procedures before administrative bodies;
• knowledge of employee classification and compensation; knowledge of human resource administration; leadership skills, knowledge of principles and practices of employee compensation and benefits;
• considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; negotiating skills; skill in writing technical contract provisions;
• ability to interpret and apply statutes, contracts and regulations; ability to prepare for and present cases at grievances or other administrative hearings;

and investigative ability.

• Experience working in a team environment and collaboration with multiple constituencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and with staff at remote locations are essential.

Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment, handle sensitive matters, and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.

High level of integrity and dependability with strong sense of urgency and results orientation. Understanding of when to escalate issues to the next level.

Substitutions Allowed :

Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position and by providing appropriate references.

Exceptions to the degree requirements may be made for compelling reasons.

Preferred Qualifications :

Labor Relations and contract administration experience in a higher education environment.

Starting Salary :

Anticipated Salary; $83,128 approximate annual plus excellent State of CT medical insurance, retirement, and related fringe benefits.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include generous leave policies; ; and many choices for . You also have access to many additional benefits to save for retirement, protect your family & more with Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable.