Labor Relations Staff Attorney

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Labor Relations Staff Attorney is accountable for independently performing a full range of labor relations activities related to public sector bargaining and municipal employees. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Labor Relations, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment and is reviewed through meetings and evaluation of results.

May lead/supervise lower level employees as assigned. May lead management negotiating teams during collective bargaining. Hybrid remote work options may be available once work routines are established.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Acts as a negotiator including serving as chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of labor contracts for the City. Advises and counsels City officials in labor relations matters.

As a negotiator, facilitates harmonious working relationships among parties in contract negotiations. Assists in recommending economic guidelines for settlement. Conducts grievance conferences with City and union officials.

Conducts legal research. Conducts research into pertinent labor relations issues to develop negotiating positions and strategies. Coordinates research concerning comparative settlements.

Coordinates, plans and manages assigned activities. Develops or assists in development of labor relations related policy. Interprets and administers pertinent statutes, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.

Develops labor relations contract proposals. Drafts and negotiates precise technical contract language to effectuate agreements. Ensures consistency of policies and procedures and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements.

Facilitates mediation process. Issues written findings to settle grievances and preserve integrity of labor agreement. Prepares and presents City's case at binding rights and interest arbitrations, grievance arbitrations, and civil litigation.

Prepares case briefs for submission to Arbitrator, Hearing Officer, or Judge. Prepares exhibits and witnesses. Provides guidance to management concerning all labor/union related matters including contract interpretation and administration.

Responds to and represents the City in unfair labor practice complaints. Reviews and analyzes existing contracts as well as pertinent grievance and arbitration awards. Reviews cost and impact analyses of union proposals and analyzes impact of non-economic proposals.

May represent the City in court. May serve as a witness. Investigates allegations of employee misconduct. Performs other related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of professional experience with primary responsibility for labor relations matters, labor contract negotiations and/or presentation of arbitration or prohibited practice complaints.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of collective bargaining and labor relations; Considerable knowledge of rules of evidence; Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines; Considerable knowledge of rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies; Knowledge of human resources administration and affirmative action; Knowledge of public sector job classification, compensation and benefits; Considerable negotiating skill; Considerable skill in writing technical contract provisions; Considerable ability to apply judicial and administrative decisions to provisions of labor agreements; Considerable ability to interpret and apply statutes, contracts and regulations; Considerable ability to prepare and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings and court; Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to demonstrate computer literacy at a level needed for daily use; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city, state and federal officials, subordinates and representatives of allied and cooperating agencies.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a law degree and be a member in good standing with the Connecticut Bar and the Federal Bar. Must possess a valid CT drivers' license with a good driving history. May be required to travel

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a 'General Fund' tested position. Salary of $123,600 effective 07/01/2024.

This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE. Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employer will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period.

Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process.

This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date. Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

Conclusion

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