Deputy Director of Labor Relations

Deputy Director of Labor Relations

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of Pennsylvania labor laws and federal employment law.
• Comprehensive understanding of collective bargaining processes, labor contracts, and relevant labor laws.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and database management systems used in case management.
• Knowledge of data organization, storage, retrieval, security, and integrity protocols for electronic record-keeping.
• Proficient in conducting legal research and applying findings to labor relations strategies.
• Deep understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution processes under labor laws.
• Strong understanding of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), ADA, FLSA, and other relevant federal statutes.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Labor Relations, Human Resources, or related field.
• At least six years of progressively-increasing responsibility in labor relations, human resources, collective bargaining, contract negotiations or grievance resolutions, with at least two years of which was in a management-level position.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the grievance and arbitrations process for the LRU and provides expert testimony at arbitrations and interest arbitration hearings.
• Applies knowledge of the contracts, Pennsylvania public labor laws, and federal employment law in daily work providing counseling and guidance to City leadership.
• Conducts supervisory training and advanced labor management training and specialized or department-tailored labor relations training.
• Responsible for fostering a positive labor-management relationship, ensuring effective onboarding processes for new employees, and maintaining operational efficiency.
• Provides strong initiative and a comprehensive understanding of various union contracts, their history, and the local labor environment to those internal and external to Department of Labor.
• Provides strategic and technical consultation and guidance to City leaders on contract interpretation and implementation, as well as corrective action support.
• Directs the work of LRU team members.
• Frequently communicates with and advises senior level officials, exerting influence on the labor management relationship City-wide and all other duties as assigned.
• Act as a key member of the City’s bargaining team during contract negotiations.
• Draft and evaluate contract language proposals and administrative documents.
• Collaborate with team members to analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreements, maintaining comprehensive knowledge of their history and implications.
• Counsel and guide City leadership on labor relations matters, ensuring adherence to Pennsylvania public labor laws, municipal union contracts, and federal employment law.
• Advise managers throughout the City government on labor management issues or employee relations matters.
• Advise Senior Administration Officials with respect to labor strategy and high-profile labor management or employee relation issues.
• Supervise staff members who conduct grievance hearings for municipal union members and review their subsequent reports.
• Conduct training sessions on Labor Relations and related training for supervisors and managers.
• Work with OELR’s Director to develop labor and employee relations policies, strategies, and initiatives; meet with Managers to identify problem areas and make recommendations to address those areas of concern.
• Provide testimony as needed at interest and grievance arbitrations and unfair labor practice hearings.
• Serve on City’s negotiation teams that bargain with the municipal unions for successor agreements.
• Meet frequently with Law Department and outside attorneys in preparation for legal proceedings against the City.
• Field requests from Union officials regarding various actions/policies taken by departments to determine compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Mediate disputes or concerns within departments.
• Monitor and analyze workload demands across the LRU, ensuring effective distribution of tasks and prioritizing essential projects to maintain productivity.
• Step in to manage or complete tasks in cases of short-staffing, high workload, or unforeseen absences, supporting the team in meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Assume accountability for the LRU’s output, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of all reports, agreements, and labor-related documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.