Labor Relations Staff Attorney Position Available In South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Job Description:

The Labor Relations Staff Attorney is accountable forindependently performing a full range of labor relations activitiesrelated to public sector bargaining and municipal employees.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Acts as a negotiator includingserving as chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of laborcontracts for the City. Advises and counsels City officials inlabor relations matters. As a negotiator, facilitates harmoniousworking 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 laborrelations issues to develop negotiating positions and strategies.

Coordinates research concerning comparative settlements.

Coordinates, plans and manages assigned activities. Develops orassists in development of labor relations related policy.

Interprets and administers pertinent statutes, regulations, andcollective bargaining agreements. Develops labor relations contractproposals. Drafts and negotiates precise technical contractlanguage to effectuate agreements. Ensures consistency of policiesand procedures and uniform interpretation and administration ofagreements. Facilitates mediation process. Issues written findingsto settle grievances and preserve integrity of labor agreement.

Prepares and presents City’s case at binding rights and interestarbitrations, grievance arbitrations, and civil litigation.

Prepares case briefs for submission to Arbitrator, Hearing Officer,or Judge. Prepares exhibits and witnesses. Provides guidance tomanagement concerning all labor/union related matters includingcontract interpretation and administration. Responds to andrepresents the City in unfair labor practice complaints. Reviewsand analyzes existing contracts as well as pertinent grievance andarbitration awards. Reviews cost and impact analyses of unionproposals and analyzes impact of non-economic proposals. Mayrepresent the City in court. May serve as a witness. Investigatesallegations of employee misconduct. Performs other related work asrequired.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years ofprofessional experience with primary responsibility for laborrelations matters, labor contract negotiations and/or presentationof arbitration or prohibited practice complaints.

KNOWLEDGE,EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of collectivebargaining and labor relations; Considerable knowledge of rules ofevidence; Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federallaws, statutes, regulations and guidelines; Considerable knowledgeof rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies;Knowledge of human resources administration and affirmative action;Knowledge of public sector job classification, compensation andbenefits; Considerable negotiating skill; Considerable skill inwriting technical contract provisions; Considerable ability toapply judicial and administrative decisions to provisions of laboragreements; Considerable ability to interpret and apply statutes,contracts and regulations; Considerable ability to prepare andpresent cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings andcourt; 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 fordaily use; Ability to establish and maintain effective workingrelationships with city, state and federal officials, subordinatesand representatives of allied and cooperating agencies.

NECESSARYSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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