Labor Relations Negotiator

Job Description

Labor Relations has an outstanding opportunity for a Labor Relations Negotiator to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Labor Relations Negotiator is responsible for assisting the Labor Relations Office in collective bargaining and Union interactions. The Labor Relations Negotiator will ensure the coordination and project management of Labor Relations-related activities, analysis and outcomes with other areas of the University, including all units of Human Resources, Academic Personnel & Faculty, the Graduate School, UW Medicine, Finance, Planning & Budgeting (e.g. payroll), Facilities (e.g., transportation, etc.), as well as schools, colleges and other administrative units.

Additionally, the position will act as a liaison between the Labor Relations Office and internal and external clients, respond to contract interpretation inquiries, lead contract negotiation teams and represent the department on University committees, legislative briefings and at Public Employment Relations Commission union representation elections.  The position partners with the Labor Relations team to promote the University’s overall mission.

The Labor Relations office is committed to achieving thoughtful outcomes that recognize the hard work and expertise of UW’s employees and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources. This position provides timely and critical operational support for non-bargaining contract and project management, union interaction, communications management and internal Labor Relations process management.

To effectively manage the internal relationships and processes that support labor relations across the University system, including three campuses, two medical centers and numerous other work locations, this position requires deep familiarity or ability to acquire familiarity with, University operations and institutional structure. To ensure productive and professional partnerships with labor unions outside of the bargaining process that adhere to appropriate laws and regulations, the position requires judgment, strong communication skills, attention to detail and exceptional follow-up.

The Labor Relations team is currently on a hybrid telework schedule with at least two days in the office. However, as work needs dictate, there may be weeks where more in person days are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an intermediary between Labor Relations, staff and HR professionals for issues involving contract administration (grievances, demands to bargain, union notifications, etc) for UW Seattle, UW Bothell and UW Tacoma bargaining units. Participate in contract negotiations including strategy development, proposal drafting and analysis, team management, consensus building, and effective negotiation of final agreements with the UW’s unions.  Serve as chief negotiator for collective bargaining. – 35%

• Advise University management and HR professionals on labor developments and regulations, facilitate implementation of policies and systems changes within the University, mentor staff in dispute management, and conflict resolution techniques, especially as related to academy bargaining units. – 20%

• Serve as the Labor Relations representative at applicable Joint Union/Management and ad hoc meetings with unions representing the UW to promote collegial relationships with employee representatives by discussing promptly issues in departments that impact bargaining unit employees.  – 10%

• Represent the University before regulatory agencies, mediations, and arbitrations preserving the University's rights under the collective bargaining agreements.  – 10%

• Ensure the coordination and assist with the implementation of Labor Relations-related activities, analysis and outcomes with other areas of the University, including all units of Human Resources, Academic Personnel & Faculty, the Graduate School, UW Medicine, Finance, Planning & Budgeting (e.g. payroll), Facilities (e.g., transportation, etc.), schools, colleges and other administrative units. Assist in developing ongoing, pro-active strategies to deal with culture and organizational change while serving as a resource for the implementation of those changes.  – 10%

• Assist and oversee campus and hospital bargaining units Union information requests.  – 5%

• Develop and present labor relations training to all levels of employees to educate administrators, managers and line staff as to labor developments, legislation affecting University employees, manager/employee relationships, and legal requirements of collective bargaining agreements. – 5%

• Coordinate with Compensation and act as Labor Relations point person for classification and compensation issues and communications. – 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration or related.

• Three years of professional level labor relations experience in the public or private sector. Working in a labor relations capacity in a unionized entity.  Experience in drafting and developing collective bargaining proposals.

Additional Qualifications

• Professional level labor relations experience in the public or private sector. Working in a labor relations capacity in a unionized entity.  Experience in drafting and developing collective bargaining proposals.

• Demonstrated Project Management skills

• Strong relationship building skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.

• Knowledge of employment and labor law.

• Knowledge of Human Resources best practices.

• Knowledge of computer systems, word processing, software applications and the internet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Labor Relations, Law or MBA degree.

• Project Management certification.

• Experience in working as chief negotiator in private or public sector collective bargaining.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid position, open office environment and remote.

• At least 2 days per week in office.

About the Team

The mission of Labor Relations is to provide comprehensive service for all labor-related issues to UW departments and academic units, negotiate collective bargaining agreements with unions representing University employees in accordance with prevailing University policy and law, and represent the University's interests when dealing with labor organizations. 

More information about the Labor Relations team can be found at: https://hr.uw.edu/labor/.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$110,004.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$143,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.