Senior Labor Relations Specialist

The Senior Labor Relations Specialist plays a key role in developing and implementing OHSU’s labor relations strategy and program. The person in this position will develop and implement HR initiatives, and practices that contribute to positive labor and employee relations. The person in this position is responsible for union contract negotiations and ensuring HR practices are consistent with labor agreements and that HR strategies align and address business challenges, operating needs, and provide for a healthy workplace culture.

• Develop, recommend, and implement effective and equitable human resources and labor relations strategies that positively impact the organization, support organizational goals, and meet the needs of employees. 

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

• Collaborate with management to make recommendations and implement solutions around workplace conflicts, administration of corrective actions, identification of employment risks, and anticipation of employee and organizational issues. 

• 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, overall adherence to the collective bargaining agreements, and to facilitate the implementation of operational strategies, tactics, and necessary operational changes.

• Develop and implement a contract negotiation strategy that includes a proactive communication plan to obtain input and direction, build trust, and maintain respectful, positive, productive labor relations.

• Lead and/or participate as a member in collective bargaining processes, including pre-bargaining planning, preparation, negotiations, post-settlement process, implementation, and training. 

• Draft language for contracts negotiation, id term agreement, and legally required notifications. 

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

• Investigate and respond to grievances in accordance with applicable labor agreements.

• In partnership with internal stakeholder, 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.

• Negotiate settlements of grievances, Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs), and other disputes.

• Provide consultation to internal stakeholders to research and interpret contract and policy language to ensure compliance, provide for consistent application, and promote understanding across the workforce.

• Develop and provide training on labor relations and other relevant topics, processes, and best practices. 

• Coordinate layoff and bumping processes and associated committees and activities.

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

• Participate in the development and review of HR communications provided to the workforce.

• Participate in the resolution of highly complex or sensitive employee and labor relations issues. 

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

• Other duties as assigned

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

• At least 5 years of professional labor relations experience including contract negotiations, implementation, grievance handling, mediation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to lead and develop a small team of HR professionals 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 influence and coach 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.

• Expert-level knowledge of labor and employment laws and labor relations.

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

• Experience collaborating with Budget to identify the financial impact of policy decisions.

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

• Ability to work in person as needed.

• 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.