Find & Apply For Arbitrator / Mediator / Conciliator Jobs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Position Summary The Labor Relations Specialist serves as the primary union liaison and technical advisor when employers propose new and changes to personnel policies, rules, practices, working conditions, wages, or hours. Exercising independent judgment and discretion on significant labor matters, this position manages the statewide review, evaluation, and processing of employer consultations and mutual consents. This position bridges field operations and executive leadership by evaluating employer proposals, ensuring Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and statutory compliance. Importantly, this position gathers member feedback, and draft formal counterproposals or response letters. Additionally, the Specialist establishes standardized record-keeping systems and provides subject matter expertise on specific bargaining units. Essential Duties & Responsibilities 1. Neighbor Island Consultations Evaluation Receive employer proposals from public and private employers Assign log number to employer proposal Transmit employer proposals promptly to the respective Division Director for case assignment to the Union Representative. Receive and process the case file from the Union Representative to the State Director 2. Oahu Division and Statewide Coordination & Review Receive employer proposals from public and private employers Review the employer proposals for legal and regulatory compliance and alignment with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Acts as the primary liaison resolving issues or clarifying intent with the employer. • Thoroughly investigate, analyze, gather member concerns and determine compliance, consistency, and completeness under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Prepare a draft response. Provide written recommendations to the State Director for action. Liaison with employers to dispatch final union responses and transmit copies to all affected Division Directors. 3. Systems Standardization & Records Governance Develop, implement, and maintain standardized procedures for case processing—including receipt acknowledgment, point-of-contact disclosure, reference number assignment, transmittal memorandums, and formal case closures. Create and manage a master register to record, track, and analyze consultation and mutual consent data statewide. Establish robust physical and electronic records management protocols for filing, securing, and retrieving open and closed consultation files. Maintain case files in digital format 4. Technical Advisory & Sector Guidance Provide expert advice and guidance to Union Representatives and Division Directors on operational and contractual issues specific to a Department and/or jurisdiction. Monitor trends in employer-requested policy changes to recommend proactive bargaining strategies or policy advocacy to union leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:

Ability to use logic, reasoning, and legal precedent to identify strengths/weaknesses of alternative solutions and handle complex labor disputes.

Contract Analysis & Research:

Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and applying complex Collective Bargaining Agreements, personnel policies, and administrative rules.

Written & Verbal Communication:

Strong skills in drafting precise legal/labor correspondence, counterproposals, and transmittals, as well as conveying complex information clearly to leadership and members.

Judgment & Decision-Making:

Proven discretion in evaluating the costs, risks, and benefits of proposed labor strategies on significant workplace matters.

Time & Workflow Management:

Exceptional organizational skills to manage strict deadlines across multiple neighbor island divisions simultaneously.

Software Proficiency:

Strong working knowledge of office systems, word processing, and spreadsheet software (e.g., MS Office Suite, Excel databases) for tracking and records management.

Minimum Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. (

Note:

Three (3) years of directly related labor relations, union, or human resources experience may be substituted for the degree).

Experience:

Minimum of three (3) years of progressive work experience in labor relations, contract administration, grievance processing, or union advocacy.

Systems:

Demonstrated experience with general office practices, case tracking databases, and records management systems. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience working within public sector labor relations under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS Chapter 89). Direct familiarity with UPW bargaining units, public school operations (DOE), or state/county personnel administration.

Pay:

From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

labor relations, contract administration, grievance process: 3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person