Labor Relations Manager

Salary : $81,116.00 - $121,749.00 Annually

Location : Richland WA, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202200208

Department: Human Resources

Division: Human Resources

Opening Date: 12/30/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

Nature of the Position

**FIRST REVIEW OF CANDIDATES 1/6/25**

Position Range: $81,116-$121,749.
Hiring Range: $91,311-$111,603
Most applicants' offers will fall within this hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's needs.

OUR MISSION
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES
We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION
Manage labor related programs and processes, including administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements; assist in negotiation planning, bargaining and contract implementation; foster strong partnerships with management and labor to enable business changes and working condition impacts; manage grievances, mediation and arbitrations; represent Human Resources and management on labor relations and project management initiatives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities/KSA

• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership to provide strategic guidance regarding collective bargaining agreements and employment labor law; recommend and develop agency strategies and direction; establish labor and human resource objectives to support Agency goals.
• Represent the Agency in all labor related matters such as grievances, Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) hearings, mediation, arbitration, negotiation of collective bargaining agreements; monitor contract compliance, interpret contract language for managerial staff; work to ensure on-going positive labor/management relations; interface with state and federal agencies, as necessary.
• Partner with management to interpret, communicate and administer collective bargaining agreements and Agency policies, procedures, programs; comply with all applicable statutory regulations.
• Prepare and manage all correspondence on behalf of the Agency for labor related matters, in accordance with Agency decisions and within established timeframes.
• Track all labor related activity; coordinate, prepare and maintain records in relation to such activity.
• Provide management and employees with direction on contractual administration; establish department accountabilities regarding labor relations.
• Conduct and/or assist with investigations regarding labor matters; mediate workplace conflicts; consult with Director and outside legal counsel as needed.
• Identify and research labor and human resource issues; maintain active knowledge of Public Employee Relations Commission case law and human resource issues.
• Prepare and fulfill information requested or required for compliance with laws and collective bargaining agreements. Verify all information with Director for approval prior to fulfillment.
• Participate in various Agency meetings and committees; collaborate with labor, internal departments and external groups.
• Facilitate the delivery of leadership training on collective bargaining agreements and union related matters.
• Ensure data compliance for Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

• Work with and maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing human resources.
• Identify and implement practices and procedures of employment and labor law.
• Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resource modeling, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources.
• Comprehend and utilize HRIS technology and database reporting software to track personnel information.
• Experience in research methods, data collection, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis to prepare and maintain technical records and reports.
• Work confidentially with discretion when providing consultation to management on regulations governing sensitive employee information.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgement within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Exemplify high standard of integrity and leadership, with the ability to gain trust and influence decision making.
• Apply principles and practices in interpersonal relationship building and employee coaching.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited institution and three-years of progressive experience in a human resource and labor environment; or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and education. Must possess a valid driver's license.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS
None.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Five-years' of progressive experience in labor relations. Prior experience leading a Human Resources department in a labor environment.
Other

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

BFT IS AN EEO EMPLOYER

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by the full-time Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) Exempt Non-Represented employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent.

Paid Holidays
8 per year
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
GL hours for regular, full-time, and part-time exempt employees shall accrue according to length of service at the rates indicated below: PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual Rates:

Retirement Plan
All Ben Franklin Transit employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Ben Franklin Transit and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. BFT employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 10/01/2023. ()

Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans
Ben Franklin Transit offers two voluntary retirement savings plans. The first option is through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and is a 457 self-funded plan. The second option is Administered by Mission Square Retirement and is also a 457 self-funded plan. You may enroll in both, one, or neither.

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Ben Franklin Transit offers Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance. BFT currently pays 95% of insurance premiums for the employee and 80% for their dependents.

HRA Veba
Ben Franklin Transit provides this employer funded health reimbursement arrangement that can be used for medical expenses.

Life Insurance
Ben Franklin Transit currently pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage ($35,000) for basic life and ($5,000) for accidental death and dismemberment. Employees may purchase Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through MetLife.

Long Term Disability
Ben Franklin Transit offers long-term disability for employees through WA Health Care Authority Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program.

Wellness Program
The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home.

Employee Assistance
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist you and your family members. Our EAP provides counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered

• Flexible Spending Account (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Bereavement Leave

01

Please note that all answers must be truthful and supported by the contents in the application. Ben Franklin Transit will verify the validity of each answer. Please select "Yes" to acknowledge.

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the option that best describes your level of education.

• Some High School
• High School Diploma / G.E.D equivalent
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Master's Degree

03

How many years of relevant experience as it relates to the essential functions of this position do you have?

• No experience
• 0-1 years experience
• 1-2 years experience
• 2-3 years experience
• 3-4 years experience
• 4-5 years experience
• 5-6 years experience
• 6-7 years experience
• 7-8 years experience
• 8-9 years experience
• 9 or more years experience

04

Describe your experience to support the years of experience you indicated in the question above. If no experience, please put N/A.

05

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question