Labor Relations/Union Specialist

Company: Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
Location: Batavia
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Job Description:

Job Summary:
The Labor Relations Specialist supports O-AT-KA employees and management by conducting Labor Relations activities aligned with execution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and providing customer service support to employees regarding all functional areas of HR including but not limited to; benefits, leaves of absence, performance management, etc. Duties and Responsibilities:
Train and guide Operations and Warehouse leadership on administration of employment practices in compliance with the CBA and develops processes to increase administration efficiency. Prepare data and statistics for reporting at Labor Management Meetings, maintains meeting minutes and follows-up on corrective actions to ensure a collaborative working relationship with Stewards and the Union Agent. Conducts investigations and disciplinary action related to employee performance and/or policy violations. Understand root causes of a situation, then provide exceptional guidance and coaching to leaders on how to proceed. Assists employees with general HR and Payroll related inquiries. Responsible for execution of ongoing activities in compliance with the CBA, including but not limited to; Annual vacation canvassing, bid management, grievance management, negotiation and execution of MOU's, participation and support of contract negotiations, etc. Remains current of Company policies and procedures to be able to provide employee's and leadership guidance and assistance as needed. Supports the company culture through participation in department activities and all interactions with the union. Other related duties as required and assigned.
Experience & Education Required:
Associates degree (Bachelors preferred) with a minimum 5 years' experience in Human Resources including a minimum of 4 years labor relations experience (or the equivalent combination education/experience is required. Preferred: PHR certified or SHRM-CP certified
Knowledge & Skills - Required
Proficient in Microsoft Office application (Word, Excel, PPT). Technical aptitude. Proficient working knowledge and competent understanding of Human Resources management and NLRB, principles and applicable laws and the ability to stay abreast of legislative changes. Strong negotiation and influencing skills with proven success in influencing employees at all levels of the organization in a consultative manner. Able to maintain confidentiality of the office of Human Resources at all times. Must be well organized, able to effectively prioritize to handle multiple tasks concurrently. Demonstrated experience as collaborative, contributing team member. Strong interpersonal communications, facilitation and conflict resolutions skills. Must be able to interact and communicate professionally with all levels of employees. Strong attention to quality and process detail. Strong customer service and problem-solving skills. Ability to problem solve through application of knowledge to unique situations and events. Analytical approach to process improvement and change.
Confidentiality
This position is regularly exposed to employee confidential information. A High degree of discretion is required.
Management Responsibility
The Labor Relations Specialist is an individual contributor role that operates under the direction and supervision of the Manager, Human Resources
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment with considerable time spent in and out of the manufacturing Plant. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Position is frequently required to don and doff designated PPE and follow Company GMP to interface with Operations management/supervision and Union employees.

Keywords: Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Cheektowaga , Labor Relations/Union Specialist, Other , Batavia, New York