Administrator of Labor Relations IV (HUMAN RESOURCES)

Full Job Description

The Labor Relations class plays a key role in supporting and performing all aspects of the organization's labor relations. This includes contract negotiations, applications, and executions. The Administrator of Labor Relations must have a detailed understanding of the knowledge, theory and principles of labor relations. This expertise is crucial for effectively representing the organization and fulfilling all the responsibilities of this position.

Requirements

1. Acting as advocate for the city at arbitration and MERC hearings
2. Acts as the main point of contact between management, labor unions, and employees
3. Assumes responsibility for division operations in the absence of superiors
4. Attends negotiation sessions, conferences and meetings, and participates in discussion of assigned issues
5. Collects and prepares general and technical information for labor negotiation proceedings
6. Conducts investigations and hearings and writes management's response to individual employee and union grievances
7. Consults and provides guidance to executive and senior management including human resources on labor relations strategies, legal compliance and best practices
8. Developing negotiation strategies, analyzing economic impacts, industry trends, and organizational goals to create effective negotiation proposals
9. Develops contract language and proposals for economic and non-economic provisions
10. Drafting and administering the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and ensuring proper implementation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
11. Drafts responses to Union inquiries and requests for information ensuring compliance with applicable laws and rules.
12. Ensuring the proper interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement(CBA)
13. Experience with and understanding of unfair labor practices (ULP) charges
14. Experience with Michigan Employee Relations Commission (MERC)hearings
15. Fosters positive relationships by working to build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives and other stakeholders
16. Gathers information, meets with appropriate parties and prepares reports and related documents
17. Grievance strategy and avoidance training
18. Instructs and trains staff on requirements, policies ,procedures and best practices for the provision of labor relations services
19. Investigates and replies to inquiries and complaints challenging policies and actions of management
20. Investigates, analyzes and makes recommendations to proposals and issues submitted by management and union representatives
21. Knowledge and understanding of the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA)
22. Participates in joint activities with other department functions to address labor relations issues
23. Participation and/or Serving as the lead representative for management during collective bargaining with unions
24. Prepares reports, charts, tables and graphs on existing rates, proposed rates and rate studies
25. Represents management in labor negotiations, conferences and grievance hearings
26. Research pertinent labor laws, mediation board and court decisions, previous contracts, current contracts and related materials of other jurisdictions and private organizations
27. Resolves complex issues relating to the application of rules, policies and procedures as they pertain to general and specific cases and assures consistency in application
28. Serves on committees and teams for special projects and initiatives
29. Stays current on proposed legislation and regulations and assessing their potential impact on the City of Detroit
30. Training and implementation of ratified contracts which includes communication of any changes
31. Understanding and managing the grievance and arbitration process
32. Understanding of the Fact Finding, Mediation and ACT 312 negotiation processes
33. Understanding of various election petitions and the election/recognition process under PERA

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree with specialization in labor relations, human resources, public or business administration or a related field.

Experience

• Recent experience in labor relations or human resources activities which have included negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Administrator of Labor Relations IV

• Significantly advanced levels of responsibility and four to five (4-5) years of human resources experience in any combination of the following components: compensation, recruitment/staffing, benefits, labor relations experience, employee relations, training and development, and organizational development.

Preferred Experience

• Legal knowledge and experience
• Managing and resolving complex disputes, including arbitration proceedings.

• Proven record of hands-on labor relations work

• Labor relations experience with significant time spent in a lead or senior role.
• A strong background in contract negotiations, contract administration, grievance resolution and legal compliance

License / Certificates

• May be required to periodically participate in continuing education opportunities in related professional development categories.
  

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 06/18/25

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of court and administrative agency decisions and arbitration awards affecting disputes relating to discipline, conditions of employment and contract Interpretation.
• Knowledge of general principles, practices and trends of labor-management relations, public administration, human resources and business administration;
• Human Resource information systems, office database, spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Knowledge of operations and work policies in various City departments, and quasi City agencies.
• Knowledge of techniques of oral persuasion for the successful negotiation of labor contracts.
• Knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures governing labor relations and public sector employment.

Skill In:

• Analysis - Collaboration - Conflict resolution - Customer and Client Focus - Decision making.
• Driving results - Effective negotiation and resolution - Effective written and oral communication.
• Gathering, organizing and analyzing information - Human Resources Capacity.
• Human Resources information systems applications - Initiative and Self-Management.
• Interpersonal relationship building - Organization - Policy administration - Policy/Planning.
• Problem Solving - Professionalism and Credibility - Project Management - Research and Investigation.
• Teamwork - Thoroughness and attention to detail - Time Management.

Ability To:

• Accurately secure, evaluate, analyze, and record facts.
• Analyze grievances, and determine associated strengths and weakness and recommend appropriate actions.
• Collect, analyze and interpret statistical data.
• Communicate effectively with labor representatives, public officials and representatives of other City departments.
• Compute mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Develop creative, innovative approaches to resolving conflicts.
• Develop strategies to address management and union concerns and promote management positions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations and gain confidence of those contacted in the work environment.
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information.
• Persuade adversaries to engage in cooperative and mutually beneficial interactions.
• Prepare clear and succinct reports, graphs, correspondence, and statistical reports.
• Read, analyze and logically interpret and apply appropriate laws, rules, regulations, memoranda of understanding.
• Research and analyze case law and arbitration decisions.
• Respond to workplace dynamics in a timely, visionary and proactive manner.
• Secure cooperation of public officials, department managers, employee organization representatives, and others.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class.

Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.