Description

The Labor Counsel will participate as part of the Authority’s management team in the negotiation and administration of 29 labor agreements covering twenty-nine (29) unions and represent the Authority in grievance hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and civil service hearings.

• Counsel the Authority’s business and operational units on labor matters.
• Assist and support management in administering collectively bargained agreements and related policies.
• Participate in dispute resolution and the settlement of labor grievances. 
• Represent the Authority’s position in arbitrations, mediations, administrative proceedings and in arbitration appeals in Superior Court. Collect, review, organize, research, and prepare case materials for presentation.
• Interview witnesses, assess the strengths and weaknesses of cases and issues, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Analyze the impact of arbitration awards and advise management regarding implementation issues.
• Advise Directors, Department Heads and other members of the management team concerning fair and consistent discipline, application of the Authority’s policies and rules, and other contractual compliance and administration matters.
• Keep abreast of protected leave statutes and advise Authority management of the impact of those policies in a disciplinary context.
• Represent the Authority during collective bargaining negotiations.
• Assist and manage outside counsel, where assigned.
• Consult and coordinate with Authority management in the development of proposals for inclusion in collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures relating to labor relations matters. 
• Participate in joint labor-management committees.
• Review and amend proposed Authority policies.   Participate in internal policy development committees.
• Interpret and advise Authority management regarding wage, budget, and other economic data for purposes of collective bargaining.
• Keep abreast of new developments in labor law and make recommendations for actions when appropriate. 
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from management, customers, vendors, or coworkers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti­Discrimination, Anti­Harassment and Anti­Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of legal experience. 
• Current member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar; or member in good standing of the bar of another state, with the ability to waive into the Massachusetts Bar within six (6) months of employment, and waiving into the Massachusetts bar in that timeframe. 
• Experience conducting investigations and/or preparing and presenting cases in a court, administrative hearing, or arbitration setting.
• Demonstrated ability furnishing legal advice related to contract compliance, employee performance and conduct issues.
• Excellent verbal, written, research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Aptitude in managing a variety of tasks with shifting priorities. Exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, time management, research, and interpersonal skills.
• Skilled at finding creative ways to maximize available resources.
• The ability to use Word, Excel, and Database applications.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent customer service, negotiation, and presentation skills. 
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience, especially in high stress. 
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Two (2) years of experience in conducting investigations or preparing and presenting positions in collective bargaining sessions and grievance proceedings.

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