Labor Relations Specialist

• Assist in developing, recommending, and implementing effective and equitable human resources and labor relations strategies that positively impact the organization, support organizational goals, and meet the needs of employees.  Including review disciplinary actions, separations, contract non-renewals, compensation, grievance responses, and other employment decisions for consistency and adherence with applicable labor agreements, policies, and laws. Consult with the HRBP team, Compensation team, Legal, management, and other departments to research and interpret contract and policy language to ensure compliance, provide for consistent application, and promote understanding across the workforce. 

• Utilize an engagement strategy to identify concerns, determine needs, and clarify expectations to continually meet the needs of and build positive relationships with all employees and unions.

• Meet with internal and external stakeholders on workplace concerns and provide resources to seek resolution, including explaining complaint processes, relevant policies, and contract provisions. 

• Investigate and respond to grievances in accordance with applicable labor agreements. Work with internal and external partners on grievances including negotiating settlement of grievances

• Assist in developing and implementing a contract negotiation strategy that includes a proactive communication to obtain input and direction, build trust, and maintain respectful, positive, and productive labor relations. Participate in collective bargaining processes, including organization of the pre-bargaining planning and preparation and post-settlement implementation processing.

• Draft language for contracts and mid-term agreements for review. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with union leaders and members to identify and support areas of mutual interest and agreement, ensure clear communication, fair resolution of disputes, and overall adherence to the collective bargaining agreements. 

• Provide training in labor relations, updates to contracts and other relevant HR topics, processes, and best practices. 

• Assist in the coordination of layoff and bumping processes. 

• Participate in associated committees and activities. 

• Assess and mitigate inequitable impacts of policy recommendations and employment decisions on underrepresented and underserved communities.

• Participate in the resolution of highly complex and/or sensitive employee and labor relations issues including other projects associated with contract administration.

• Work with stakeholders to analyze the financial impact of policies, contract provisions, and employment laws. 

• Responsible for updating the Labor Relations intranet page.

• Responsible for posting bargaining update communications on OHSU’s internal news page.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, labor relations, HR or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. 

• At least 3 years of professional labor relations experience including contract negotiations participation, implementations, grievance handling, mediation, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Ability to participate in a small team of professionals working towards shared goals.

• Demonstrated experience incorporating principles that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion into HR and organizational practices and policies. 

• Ability to navigate large, complex organizations to effectively implement labor relations solutions that meet organizational needs and align with values.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in de-escalation, managing difficult conversations, negotiating, and navigating conflict resolution conversations.  

• Ability to assist employees and managers through complex, difficult, and emotional issues and influence decisions without direct decision-making authority.

• Ability to resolve problems or issues by gathering and assessing information, seeking input, and using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, values, and regulations. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain an equitable and inclusive workplace through interactions, decisions, and recommendations.

• Experience resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations.

• Knowledge of Oregon public labor relations laws and other employment related laws.

• Experience in medical, academic, and/or academic medical settings.

• Ability to advocate for employees while identifying and navigating the cultural, financial, and legal impacts on the organization. 

• Experience collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify the financial impact of decisions.

• Experience improving and implementing processes and policies using principles of change management and project management.

• Bachelor’s degree. 

• Previous experience in a unionized environment with collective bargaining experience preferred.

• Knowledge of Oregon public, state, and federal employment laws including PECBA and ERB. 

Flexibility in work schedule to meet workflow demands including regular in-person onsite attendance.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.