Labor Relations Specialist

Salary range is $78k to $144k, with a midpoint of $98k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, supports the organization's internal labor relations functions, assisting with the implementation and administration of labor-related policies, agreements, and procedures. Reporting to the Deputy Director - Internal Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist will support collective bargaining negotiations, help manage and resolve labor disputes, grievances, and issues related to unionized workforces, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), labor laws, and organizational policies. This role plays a key part in promoting positive employee relations, supporting the resolution of conflicts, and fostering a productive working environment across union and non-union teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Serves as a member of the negotiating team and provides administrative support to include researching, preparing, and reviewing materials for bargaining. Takes bargaining notes and maintains records.
• Assists with the administration and interpretation of CBAs ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.
• Conducts research and analysis and prepares reports on labor trends in support of collective bargaining, grievance, and arbitration processes.
• Serves as point of escalation for employees, managers, and union representatives regarding grievances, complaints, and disputes, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Supports the day-to-day management and operations of labor relations programs, ensuring smooth and collaborative communication between employees, union representatives, and management.
• Organizes and prepares documents, reports, agendas, and related materials and provides notetaking as needed for labor management committee meetings and other labor-related meetings, including those with union representatives, internal stakeholders, and external mediators when applicable.
• Fosters positive relationships and maintains open lines of communication between management and union representatives to build trust and ensure mutual understanding and transparency regarding labor-related matters.
• Responds to labor-related information requests, and assists in communicating labor-related policies, changes, and key initiatives to employees and union representatives.
• Supports audits and compliance checks to ensure the organization remains aligned with labor laws, CBAs, and other regulatory requirements. Identifies and communicates opportunities for process and quality improvements.
• Assists with the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategies to improve labor relations and workforce engagement.
• Supports the design and implementation of training programs aimed at improving union-management cooperation, resolving conflicts, and enhancing organizational performance.
• Maintains regular, predictable, and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours at assigned worksite.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. Four years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, or human resources, in a unionized environment; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with principles and practices of collective bargaining, grievance, and arbitration processes.
• Pertinent public sector labor law practices and precedents.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining contract language, administrative rules, processes and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and policies.
• Conduct research and obtain relevant information. Evaluate its significance and recommend solutions and course of action on identified issues.
• Apply mathematical concepts and processes to present information and make accurate basic mathematical calculations.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to problem solve, make decisions, and perform audits of daily work to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Work effectively to meet timelines and demonstrate exceptional time management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI).
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a diverse population of employees, union representatives, and management at all levels.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• Local travel is required to attend bargaining, training, conferences, and meetings.
• Extended periods of concentration and sedentary work is required.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.