With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

Agency Description:

The Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations (OLR) is responsible for negotiating the collective bargaining agreements with the City’s municipal labor unions. The OLR administers all collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards between the City and the labor unions. The OLR manages and provides direction for the dispute resolution process(es) in effect between the City and the labor unions, including grievances, arbitrations and unfair labor practices.

The OLR is responsible for advising and consulting with City Management regarding all matters concerning collective bargaining and arbitration on behalf of the City and to develop and facilitate training programs for City employees to promote effective labor relations.

A key mission of the OLR is facilitating the relationship between City management and labor organizations representing City employees.

Salary: $40,000 - $55,000; Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline: Open until filled 

The Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations is looking for a qualified individual to join the labor relations team.  Work is performed under the direction of the Deputy Director. This is an entry level professional labor relations position. Employees in these positions acquire knowledge of all areas of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations responsibilities through acting as an employer advocate or assisting in the arbitration of issues ranging from basic labor contract language or routine disciplinary actions to interest arbitration; perform research and analysis of specific subject matters; assist the bargaining team by maintaining accurate records of what transpires during the negotiation process, completing language proposals and/or administrative documents and reports, and developing general knowledge of the contracts, Pennsylvania’s Public Employee Relations Act (PERA), and Federal employment law; assist more experienced staff in presenting basic supervisory training and advanced labor management training and specialized or department-tailored labor relations training classes; and consulting with City agency human resources representatives.

Essential Functions:

• Learns the application of state and local labor relations laws to the labor relations program of the City; learns the organization and structure of labor organizations representing City employees; studies collective bargaining agreements and interest arbitration awards governing the wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment for represented employees. 
• Attends grievance meetings; conducts investigatory interviews; researches disputes and prepares narrative reports detailing the positions of management and labor; prepares exhibits for grievance arbitrations and assists in presentation of arbitration cases. 
• Researches topics relating to collective bargaining, including economic and non-economic benefits; prepares position papers for use in collective bargaining and in interest arbitration; attends bargaining sessions and interest arbitration proceedings. 
• Participates in training programs for supervisory and managerial employees on the City's labor relations program.

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or equivalent.

Compentencies

• Approaches conflict as an opportunity; works to achieve win/win solutions; resolves conflict in a manner that is respectful for all individuals involved
• Adapts to change and stress in the work environment and manages competing demands while maintaining high performance levels; adjusts priorities when appropriate
• Builds constructive and effective relationships; encourages collaboration; actively participates to move the team toward the completion of goals;
• Articulates thoughts and ideas effectively both verbally and in writing; listens openly to different opinions; restates the opinions of others to clarify understanding
• Analyzes and synthesizes complex or diverse information; identifies data relationships and dependencies
• Meets challenges with resourcefulness; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; tries new approaches when problem solving

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and writing skills
• A self-starter with flexibility to work both independently and as part of a team
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel /Access is preferred
• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Interested applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter.

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx