09/11/1996 05312

LABOR RELATIONS STAFF SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is advanced analytical and responsible professional personnel work in the Labor Relations program of the Office of Administration.

An employee in this class represents the Commonwealth in sensitive and complex negotiations with labor unions and presents the Commonwealth's position in the arbitration of the most sensitive and/or precedent setting contract interpretation disputes, in interest arbitrations, or in fact finding hearings. Employees act as Commonwealth representatives in the most sensitive collective bargaining discussions either functioning as chief negotiator or primary advisor to the chief negotiator. Employees are recognized experts in contract interpretation and administration for major collective bargaining agreements and in other sensitive and complex labor relations issues. An employee in this class functions as the principal advisor regarding the implications of collective bargaining and other labor relations issues for the Commonwealth's personnel system. Critical to the allocation of positions in this class is responsibility for serving as a major participant in the development of the Commonwealth's collective bargaining proposals for major negotiations which serve as precedents for other bargaining unit proposals, and articulating and negotiating those proposals as a chief negotiator or major advisor to the chief negotiator. Work is reviewed by the Director of Labor Relations and the Deputy Secretary for Employee Relations through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Represents the Commonwealth in sensitive and complex collective bargaining negotiations with major employee organizations by serving as the chief negotiator or primary advisor to the chief negotiator.

Functions as a recognized expert in contract interpretation and administration for major collective bargaining agreements, and is a recognized expert in sensitive and complex issues such as seniority, dues deductions and fair share agreements, fair labor standards, confidential positions, and alternate work schedules.

Functions as the principal advisor to the Director of Labor Relations and the Deputy Secretary for Employee Relations regarding the implications of collective bargaining proposals and other labor relations issues for the Commonwealth's personnel system. Reviews such proposals and issues for their impact on the personnel management program and provides advice on positions to adopt during negotiations and in the administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Advocates the Commonwealth's case in interest arbitration and fact-finding hearings.

Advocates the Commonwealth's position in arbitration on the most sensitive and precedent setting contract interpretation disputes.

Serves as a principal participant in the development of the Commonwealth's collective bargaining proposals for negotiations with the largest employee organizations which serve as precedents for other bargaining unit proposals, as well as developing Commonwealth responses to union proposals. Advises Bureau of Labor Relations and Bureau of Personnel staff in the development of collective bargaining proposals and responses for other bargaining units.

Drafts contract language for major collective bargaining agreements on the most sensitive and complex contractual issues, and negotiates the final construction of such language with union representatives.

Advises agency personnel directors and labor relations coordinators, and Bureau of Labor Relations and Bureau of Personnel staff on complex and sensitive statewide issues of
contract interpretation and administration.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of advanced principles, methods, and practices of public personnel administration and labor relations.

Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of contract negotiation, fact-finding, and arbitration proceedings.

Knowledge of employee union contracting terminology and generally accepted phraseology, and its standard usage in collective bargaining agreements.

Knowledge of the various personnel functions and the impact of contract language on those functions and programs.

Ability to assemble and present issues, ideas, and data in conferences, meetings, arbitrations, and negotiations.

Ability to assess data needs, assign tasks to professional staff, and evaluate results.

Ability to react quickly and decisively to presentations and proposals put forth in arbitration and/or negotiation sessions.

Ability to draft and direct the preparation of draft contract language by negotiating team members.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, line managers, union officials and representatives, and employees.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Personnel Analyst 4 (Labor Relations).

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Five years of professional labor relations experience as a union or management representative, labor mediator, or arbitrator which included two years of experience negotiating local or unit agreements, or presenting cases in arbitration.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training. A master's degree in public administration, labor relations, industrial relations, labor economics, labor law or a relatedfield may be substituted for up to two years of general experience.