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Assists manager with managing activities associated with the administration of the CTA’s labor agreements including contract interpretation and disciplinary matters. Maintains individual caseload of grievances filed and represents the CTA in addressing, investigating, and resolving labor issues between management and CTA's unions. Ensures consistent application of contracts, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and discipline guidelines. Maintains amicable working relations between management and unions. Manages data entry and produces information requests when inquiries arrive.

% time

1

20%

Supervises and coordinates activities of Labor Relations Representatives relating to grievance handling and negotiating dispute resolutions with Union officials, ensuring resolutions are in adherence to CTA's practices and policies.

2

20%

Maintains individual caseload of grievances filed by CTA's unions and represents CTA in addressing, investigating and resolving labor issues between management and CTA's unions.  

3

20%

Represents the CTA at grievance meetings, arbitration hearings and any other agreed to administrative forums and renders decisions on behalf of the CTA. 

• Recommends appropriate course of action in response to requests for arbitration, including expedited arbitration.
• Negotiates resolutions with union officials and counsel when appropriate.
• Assists CTA’s Law Department in preparation for arbitration.

4

10%

Assists in the establishment, maintenance, interpretation and revision of labor relations procedures, policy, and practices.  Maintains all Labor Relations records and updates electronic database of practice group data. 

5

10%

Coordinates and facilitates labor-management meetings to address issues of concern and develop a course of action toward resolution. Maintains active involvement and interaction with local union representatives and department managers in order to help foster a positive labor/management relationship.

6

10%

Assists manager with drafting and preparation of Notices of Discharges/Administrative Separation. Responsible for fulfillment of union hardship vacation payout request.

7

5%

Assists in the preparation and presentation of management training programs relating to the contractual grievance process, grievance handling and dispute resolution.

8

5%

Performs other duties as assigned and duties of manager during periods of absence.

Job Title

• Contract/Labor Relations Representatives

• Maintaining an amicable working relationship between management and unions.
• Negotiating dispute resolutions with the unions that are in the best interest of the CTA.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and/or a combination of education and three (3) years work experience relating to the position required.
• Masters in Industrial Relations, paralegal certification, or law degree preferred.
• Previous experience in contract negotiation, interpretation, and administration of labor relations policy.

• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Chicago Transit Authority requires all employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.  If you are offered employment, proof of  COVID-19 vaccination will be required as a condition of employment and as part of the hiring process. Visit www.transitchicago.com/careers for full notice.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

• Advanced knowledge of labor relations theory, policy, and procedures, including the practice of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
• Working knowledge of the CTA’s labor agreements, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and operations.
• Working knowledge of employee disciplinary and grievance procedures and CTA union rules and regulations pertaining to employee conduct.
• General knowledge of terminal, garage, and shop operations, including the types of work performed at these locations.
• Strong research, analysis, and time management skills in order to provide oral and/or written guidance quickly and accurately regarding contract interpretation.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to present, discuss, and defend the CTA’s position on labor matters with union officials, attorneys, consultants, and management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Suite including Word and Excel, as required to maintain electronic records of caseloads.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of CTA personnel and outside contacts.
• Strong data analysis/entry skills.

• Usual office working conditions.

·     Required to travel throughout the service area to address dispute resolution issues.

·     Periodically required to visit field locations where moving vehicle, equipment, or electrical hazards are present.

·     Must be familiar with office equipment such as personal computer and related software, facsimile, photocopy machine, etc.