Apply on Employer Site

University of California, Merced · 1 week ago

Labor Relations Representative 2 or 3 (Hybrid)

Merced, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$75K/yr - $93K/yr

1+ years exp

The University of California, Merced, is the newest campus in the University of California system and is seeking a Labor Relations Representative. The role involves resolving labor and union-related issues, providing consultation on disciplinary procedures, and ensuring compliance with labor contracts and policies.

Education

Responsibilities

Handles moderately complex questions, concerns, and lower-level grievances from a defined group of unionized employees, referring complex or precedent-setting matters to senior LR staff

Provides guidance to supervisors and managers on the application of labor contract provisions, personnel policies, and basic disciplinary procedures

Assists in preparing routine documentation related to corrective actions, fact-finding, and step-level grievance responses

Conducts initial fact-gathering for labor relations matters and prepares summaries or draft reports for review by senior LR staff

Tracks case activity, maintains organized case files, and ensures timely follow-up

Ensures supervisors and managers are aware of and adhere to contract provisions and campus policies

Interprets and explains standard collective bargaining agreement (CBA) articles and related policies to employees, managers, and HR partners

Assists with developing and delivering basic informational sessions or training materials related to labor relations topics (e.g., leave provisions, contract interpretation basics, grievance timelines)

Supports local preparation for bargaining, including collecting data, assisting with research, drafting summaries, and note-taking in negotiation or meet-and-confer sessions

Analyzes issues of moderate scope to help identify trends and inform bargaining strategies developed by senior LR staff

Assists with the implementation of new contract language, collaborating with HR colleagues to support communication and roll-out

Prepares routine reports on issues, grievances, and trends to support labor relations decision making

Works collaboratively with departments, HR colleagues, Talent Development, and other partners to address labor issues at the operational level

Assists in responding to Public Records Act requests by gathering documents and coordinating with senior LR staff for review

Maintains accurate tracking, databases, and documentation related to labor relations activities

Represents the campus in proceedings, PPSM complaints, grievances and arbitrations (staff and academic appointments)

Supports negotiations/bargaining by providing guidance and advising on union/campus issues/trends, may be asked to draft contract language and/or act as local lead negotiator on ad-hoc meet and confer obligations

Provides consultation to managers on disciplinary procedures, contract interpretation, grievances, personnel rules, labor law, and related personnel issues; prepares effective corrective action documents, and termination documentation, as necessary; resolves grievances through formal and informal procedures between employee organizations and management; provides consultation to executive level managers on complex organizational and personnel performance issues; develops and provides training to managers and employees as needed, and maintain accurate records/file system

Investigates and responds to employee grievances and complaints; provides advice and guidance to senior administrators and managers/supervisors regarding labor and employee relations issues and opportunities

Interprets and effectively explains complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to all levels of academic and staff personnel

Conducts effective and objective, complex employment-related investigations and writes thorough investigative reports, and provides recommendations for management action. Responsible for responding to, reviewing, and coordinating Public Records Requests in accordance with CPRA and HEERA. May be asked to assist with case preparation for unfair labor practices (ULP) and other legal proceedings

Drafts communications to disseminate labor relations updates to supervisors, managers, cabinet, and employees, as applicable. Provides training to managers and supervisors on a variety of labor relations topics

Works in a highly collaborative manner with others across the organization, external contacts of significance, labor organizations, union representatives, and members of campus management at all levels to effectively respond to department/campus priorities

In conjunction with Talent Development, provides ongoing training and informational sessions related to policies, procedures, and state and federal mandates. Improves the institution's effectiveness by providing training in supervisory/management skills to include coaching, performance management, discipline, grievance handling, and contract administration

Analyzes trends and metrics to develop solutions, programs, and policies; conducts exit interviews, collect and analyzes data; identifies trends, recommends process improvements; and develops draft procedures related to employee and labor relations

Assists with preparation of local bargaining with local bargaining units, e.g., sunshine process, draft proposals, attend and participate in labor negotiations, take notes, maintain records, and assists with the implementation of contract language in coordination with HR colleagues and other campus partners

Qualification

Labor relations experienceContract interpretationLabor lawNegotiation skillsHuman resources knowledgeAnalytical skillsMicrosoft Office SuiteCommunication skillsProblem-solving skillsConflict management

Required

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Management, or HR, or equivalent experience/training

One year of directly related, progressively responsible employee and labor relations or HR-related experience, or seven years of equivalent related experience/training as outlined

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, or a related area

Three years of directly related, progressively responsible employee and labor relations or HR-related experience, or seven years of equivalent related experience/training as outlined