% time

1

20%

Supervises and coordinates activities of Labor Relations Representatives relating to grievance handling and negotiating dispute resolutions with Union officials, ensuring resolutions are in adherence to CTA's practices and policies.

2

20%

Maintains individual caseload of grievances filed by CTA's unions and represents CTA in addressing, investigating and resolving labor issues between management and CTA's unions.  

3

20%

Represents the CTA at grievance meetings, arbitration hearings and any other agreed to administrative forums and renders decisions on behalf of the CTA. 

• Recommends appropriate course of action in response to requests for arbitration, including expedited arbitration.
• Negotiates resolutions with union officials and counsel when appropriate.
• Assists CTA’s Law Department in preparation for arbitration.

4

10%

Assists in the establishment, maintenance, interpretation and revision of labor relations procedures, policy, and practices.  Maintains all Labor Relations records and updates electronic database of practice group data. 

5

10%

Coordinates and facilitates labor-management meetings to address issues of concern and develop a course of action toward resolution. Maintains active involvement and interaction with local union representatives and department managers in order to help foster a positive labor/management relationship.

6

10%

Assists manager with drafting and preparation of Notices of Discharges/Administrative Separation. Responsible for fulfillment of union hardship vacation payout request.

7

5%

Assists in the preparation and presentation of management training programs relating to the contractual grievance process, grievance handling and dispute resolution.

8

5%

Performs other duties as assigned and duties of manager during periods of absence.

Job Title

• Contract/Labor Relations Representatives

• Maintaining an amicable working relationship between management and unions.
• Negotiating dispute resolutions with the unions that are in the best interest of the CTA.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and/or a combination of education and three (3) years work experience relating to the position required.
• Masters in Industrial Relations, paralegal certification, or law degree preferred.
• Previous experience in contract negotiation, interpretation, and administration of labor relations policy.

• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Chicago Transit Authority requires all employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.  If you are offered employment, proof of  COVID-19 vaccination will be required as a condition of employment and as part of the hiring process. Visit www.transitchicago.com/careers for full notice.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

• Advanced knowledge of labor relations theory, policy, and procedures, including the practice of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
• Working knowledge of the CTA’s labor agreements, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and operations.
• Working knowledge of employee disciplinary and grievance procedures and CTA union rules and regulations pertaining to employee conduct.
• General knowledge of terminal, garage, and shop operations, including the types of work performed at these locations.
• Strong research, analysis, and time management skills in order to provide oral and/or written guidance quickly and accurately regarding contract interpretation.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to present, discuss, and defend the CTA’s position on labor matters with union officials, attorneys, consultants, and management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Suite including Word and Excel, as required to maintain electronic records of caseloads.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of CTA personnel and outside contacts.
• Strong data analysis/entry skills.

• Usual office working conditions.
• Required to travel throughout the service area to address dispute resolution issues.
• Periodically required to visit field locations where moving vehicle, equipment, or electrical hazards are present.

• Must be familiar with office equipment such as personal computer and related software, facsimile, photocopy machine, etc.