Trimet Station managers are just flunky hatchet men

It's those "HR specialists" that do all the work when it comes to discipline and harassing employees. The station managers just implement their orders.

Position Summary

Salary Range:
Minimum: $66,429.00
Midpoint: $88,572.00
Maximum:$110,715.00


The Sr. Representative, Labor Relations provides technical assistance and consultation to management regarding labor contract administration, grievance handling, discipline, contract interpretation, and related employee issues within the context of the labor contract. Coordinates, utilizes and consistently communicates information to ensure that resolution of labor disputes are consistent, even-handed, fair, and incorporate best practices.  Maintains data integrity of various databases utilized in Labor Relations. The incumbent ensures a commitment to safety through effective leadership, role modeling and implementing practices that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value and a priority in all aspects of work.  Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

1.  Analyze pertinent issues and information; assess the impact of proposed department work rules or contract language changes on employees and/or labor relations.  Analyze and develop reports, spreadsheets and charts for presentation in response to various labor relations activities, such as grievance hearings, arbitrations, and other meetings requiring statistical or trend data on employee grievances, as requested.  Serve as party representative and/or a witness at grievance arbitration hearings.
2.  Consult with managers and supervisors on labor relations and employee performance issues within the context of the labor contract to ensure integrity and consistency of decision making.
3.  Investigate and research past practices, prior grievance decisions, arbitration and mediation decisions, and recent incidents that provide relevant precedent or guidance for resolving employee disputes and disciplinary decision-making.  Provide technical assistance to managers and supervisors in preparation for fact-finding investigations to resolve grievances and employees disputes.  Advise managers and supervisors on appropriate disciplinary measures, including review of employee performance history and comparable disciplinary actions.  When requested, compose formal disciplinary action letters for manager signature.  Coach and prepare managers for pre-discipline and discipline implementation meetings.
4.  Review letters of intent and final discipline documentation.  Collaborate with Directors, Legal staff, and subject matter experts, as necessary, to ensure compliance with District policy, WWA language, prior District actions, past practice, etc. 
5.  Interpret contract language, including responding to questions from managers and supervisors.  Participate in labor/management meetings, as well as pre-meeting strategy sessions with District management, as assigned. 
6.  Participate in the development and delivery of training materials regarding a variety of labor relations topics, including specific training on new or changed labor contract provisions.  Use training evaluations to recommend enhancements to labor relations training materials.
7.  Provide technical support on the formulation of management proposals in preparation for labor negotiations. 
8.  Assist with training managers and supervisors on new and/or changed contract language, side letters and memorandum of agreements. 
9.  Data input to labor relations databases; monitor accuracy of data, and correct errors or omissions. 
10.  Responsible for day-to-day direct safeguard of District records and employee privacy entrusted in the course and scope of this position; maintain records in accordance with TriMet's Records Management Policy.

Position Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; 
Three to five years of professional experience in labor relations or closely related activities, preferably in the public sector.
Or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.

Selection Criteria

1.  Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public sector labor relations, including grievance processes, progressive discipline, principles of labor contract interpretation, fact finding investigations, and individual employee rights guaranteed by federal or state statute or federal or state constitution. 
2.  Knowledge of documentation techniques and document tracking systems. 
3.  Experience serving as a party representative and/or witness in grievance hearings, administrative hearings, and civil litigation.
4.  Demonstrated understanding of cultural competency and diversity principles.
5.  Working knowledge of information technology systems, methods of data generation, data collection, and database management.
6.  Knowledge methods and techniques of statistical research and analysis, including and advanced knowledge of Excel.
7.  Ability to effectively organize, manage, and effectively implement labor relations initiatives and programs, including the ability to develop and execute work plans that consistently meet deadlines to increase the competencies of individuals and the organization.
8.  Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make presentations, to establish credibility with and influence management throughout the organization
9.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managerial staff, labor representatives, consultants, and the general public. 
10.  Strong analytical and problem solving skills; the ability to set priorities, manage multiple priorities, and coach others.


Type of Position / Grade / FLSA:
Grade 15, Non-Union, Exempt, Regular Full-Time

Selection Process – Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:

1. Application Review/Resume & Cover Letter
2. Supplemental Assessments and Panel Interview
3. References & Degree Verification

Supplemental Information: 
It is your responsibility, and to your benefit, to describe in detail how your education, training and work experience meet the requirements of the position for which you are applying. If applicable, please provide at least ten years of your work history, including any volunteer and internship experience you may have. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and letters of recommendation with your application.

Online applications are permitted five attachments; however each attachment is limited to 5MB. Please include your attachments in the "Resume Attachment" section (please try to combine documents as much as possible). A second option for attaching multiple documents is to send them to careers@trimet.org and we will attach them to your online application. You may also fax your materials to 503-962-3477 or 503-962-7440. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of a completed application.