Organizational Overview

Under supervision of the Labor Relations Manager, the Labor Relations Specialist will perform a full range of professional duties required to support labor relations administration including complex and/ or sensitive activities. Support collective bargaining processes, researches, analyzes and documents union represented complaints, negotiation process and proposed policies.  In addition, performs employee disciplinary investigations and provides guidance to other departments within the HR directorate on a variety of compliance matters.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent management as the Labor Relations representative on issues related to IBEW, SCPSA, and USW bargaining unit employees for assigned departments/client groups.
• Partner with line managers and other stakeholders on issues related to Labor Relations, including investigations and disciplines, Laboratory/HR policies and applicable laws.
• Conduct investigations related to violations of policies or other expectations.
• Represent the Laboratory at third step grievance hearings.
• Prepare cases for arbitration and assist presenting attorney.
• Participate as a member of the bargaining team in labor contract negotiations and preparatory sub-teams.
• Provide training to supervisors in Labor Relations and related topics.   

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/ Labor Relations or related field, or equivalent experience, generally on the basis of 2:1 (experience: college) years.
• Minimum of (4) four years related work experience showing progressively more complex responsibilities in a relevant human resources position; additional education in fields specifically related to the experience requirements may offset qualifying experience.
• Experience in grievance handling, arbitration preparation, labor contract negotiations and handling of unemployment compensation issues preferred.
• Knowledge of labor and employment laws, e.g., NLRA, FLSA and FMLA.
• Ability to research, understand and apply Laboratory policies, labor contracts, arbitration awards, memoranda or letters of agreement or understanding and grievance settlements
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships both with management and unions
• Detail orientation and superior analytical skills
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Masters of Industrial and Labor Relations
• Knowledge of current DOE processes and typical contract designs within a federal contractor organization

 At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• Lab-funded Retirement Plan
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation:  Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)