State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Labor Relations Specialist (5256MP)

$55.30-$75.41 Hourly / $4,423.99-$6,032.50 BiWeekly /
$115,466.00-$157,448.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Office of Policy and Management, Office of Labor Relations this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of labor relations activities related to the administration of collective bargaining agreements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Labor Relations Assistant Chief or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead/supervise lower level employees as assigned. Leads management negotiating teams during collective bargaining.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Acts as a negotiator including serving as chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of labor contracts within Executive Branch;
  • Coordinates, plans and manages assigned activities;
  • Develops or assists in development of related policy;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent statutes, regulations and collective bargaining agreements;
  • As a chief negotiator facilitates harmonious working relationships among parties in contract negotiations;
  • Develops labor relations contract proposals;
  • Reviews and analyzes existing contracts as well as pertinent grievance and arbitration awards;
  • Coordinates research concerning comparative settlements;
  • Assists in recommending economic guidelines for settlement;
  • Conducts research into pertinent labor relations issues to develop negotiating positions and strategies;
  • Reviews cost and impact analyses of union proposals;
  • Analyzes impact of non-economic proposals;
  • Drafts and negotiates precise technical contract language to effectuate agreements;
  • Facilitates mediation process;
  • Prepares and presents state's case at binding rights and interest arbitration;
  • Prepares exhibits and witnesses;
  • Conducts legal research;
  • Prepares case briefs for submission to Arbitrator;
  • Advises and counsels agency officials in labor relations;
  • Conducts grievance conferences with agency and union officials;
  • Issues written finding to settle grievance and preserve integrity of labor agreement;
  • Responds to unfair labor practice complaints;
  • Ensures consistency of policies and procedures and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements;
  • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • May consult with and assist Office of the Attorney General in preparation of court action;
  • May serve as a witness;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines;
    • collective bargaining and labor relations;
    • rules of evidence;
    • rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies;
  • Knowledge of
    • human resources administration and affirmative action;
    • public sector job classification, compensation and benefits;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • negotiating skill;
    • skill in writing technical contract provisions;
  • Considerable ability to
    • interpret and apply statutes, contracts and regulations;
    • apply judicial and administrative decisions to provisions of labor agreements;
    • prepare and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience with primary responsibility for labor relations, labor contract negotiations and/or presentation of arbitration or prohibited practice complaints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A law degree or a Master's degree in labor relations may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.
  • For state employees one (1) year of experience at the level of a Labor Relations Associate may be substituted for the General Experience.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(27)-Personnel

BARGAINING UNIT

(03)-CONFIDENTIAL

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

MP 68

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Labor Relations Specialist in Salary Group MP 68 approved effective February 3, 2017. (Revised to add Acknowledgement section and modify content) Final 22-007

EFFECTIVE DATE

04/01/2022
CLASS: 5256MP; EST: 5/20/1977; REV: 12/28/2022;