The Charter County of Wayne is Michigan's largest county. We are home to 34 cities and nine townships. From Rockwood to Livonia, from Sumpter Township to the Grosse Pointes, each community in Wayne County offers residents and businesses a unique blend of opportunity to live, work, play and raise families. Headquartered in Detroit, our largest city and the automotive capital of the world, Wayne County offers a diversified economy and high standards for our residents' quality of life. Our history is rich and we take pride in being one of the most diverse communities that values culture, arts, and world-class amenities. The Wayne County Executive Office provides leadership that ensures the County operates efficiently, effectively, and responsibly.

The Personnel and Human Resources Department (P/HR) is responsible for management of Wayne County's human resources and labor relations functions. The Department develops and manages strategic programs, services, administration and projects related to talent management, civil service appeals, collective bargaining/union relations, payroll/timekeeping administration, health and welfare benefits, leaves of absences, accommodations, workers' compensation, organizational analytics and employee engagement initiatives for employees, departments, other Elected Offices, and job applicants, in accordance with the County Charter, Civil Service Rules and human resources best practices. Wayne County classified employees are represented by twenty-six (26) Local unions covered under seventeen (17) different bargaining unit contracts ("Agreements").

DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR JOB DUTIES

The Labor Relations Manager administers collective bargaining agreements to resolve disputes between employees and managers, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, and coordinates grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. The Labor Relations Manager presents Wayne County's position in contract negotiations and grievance arbitrations. The position is responsible for drafting contract proposals and compiling information and statistics on the economic proposals of both labor and management. The Chief Labor Relations Manager facilitates meetings between labor and management to discuss and attempt to resolve issues of mutual concern. Generally, the position serves as resource for managers and County executives.

• Advise managers on the proper application of collective bargaining agreements ("CBAs") and various other labor relations matters
• Responsible for planning, implementation, and administration of assigned labor relations programs ensuring adherence to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement
• Directly support the labor strategy and activities related to the preparing for labor negotiations
• Serve as Wayne County negotiator for assigned units and/or issues
• Provide specific expertise in areas including, but not limited to, contract administration/ interpretation, grievance processing /resolution, discipline and discharge activities, arbitrations, and litigation
• Investigate employee and/or union complaints alleging harassment, improper conduct, workplace violence, and/or CBA violations
• Advise managers on the appropriate steps for employee discipline and corrective action
• Advise managers on labor issues when needed
• Serve as Step 4 grievance hearing officer and draft responses
• Advocate for County at arbitration hearings and other labor hearings
• Draft briefs related to above mentioned hearings
• Resolve grievances and draft settlement agreements when appropriate
• Ensure the effective implementation of newly negotiated CBAs
• Draft Memorandums of Agreement and Memorandums of Understanding
• Facilitate Special Conferences with unions with an eye to resolving any issues
• Support all other aspects for labor /management negotiations
• Any other duties and responsibilities as assigned

ELIGIBLE PERSONS

At the time of application, eligible persons must have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field
• Juris Doctorate is preferred, or a master's degree in Industrial Relations or closely related field is sufficient depending upon years of experience
• At least five (5) to ten (10) years of relevant experience in:
  • Labor Relations,
  • Collective Bargaining Negotiations,
  • Grievance Administration,
  • Arbitration, and
  • Other areas consistent with the duties of the position.

The equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Wayne County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to: recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

For information regarding the Department of Justice - EEO Utilization Report, please visit https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/phr/legal-postings.aspx.

Accommodations: If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Wayne County Department of Personnel/Human Resources at 313-224-5901 or via email at hrexam@waynecounty.com. Hearing or speech impaired persons using TDD's or similar devices may contact the Michigan Relay Center, toll free at (800) 649-3777 or 711 to communicate directly with the Department of Personnel/Human Resources during regular working hours.