LABOR NEGOTIATOR

Pursuant to 62.51 (1) (a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the City Labor Negotiator is appointed by the Mayor and requires confirmation by the Milwaukee Common Council. This position is exempt from Civil Service.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Labor Negotiator serves as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet and is the City of Milwaukee’s chief spokesperson and agent in labor relations matters.

The Labor Negotiator develops and administers a comprehensive labor relations program for the City under the general direction and guidance of the Mayor and the Common Council. Under current law, three unions have full bargaining rights: the Milwaukee Police Association (MPA), the Milwaukee Police Supervisors’ Organization (MPSO), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 215-Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters. In addition to other employee relations functions, the Labor Negotiator oversees compliance with the meet and confer provisions of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Section 340-3-2(a).

The City’s labor relations activities are governed by the Municipal Employment Relations Act (MERA), Chapters 111.70 and 111.77, Wis.Stats.; regulations of the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC); federal laws, and City of Milwaukee ordinances.

Contract Negotiations:

• Develop and implement strategies to effectively manage the City’s interest in the collective bargaining process.
• Identify bargaining issues and strategies and make recommendations to the Mayor and the Finance and Personnel Committee of the Common Council.
• Negotiate labor contracts with City of Milwaukee unions.
• Draft contract language and seek legislative approval from the Mayor and Common Council.
• Analyze and develop recommendations relative to wages, hours, and the terms and conditions of employment.

Contract Administration, Interpretation, and Training:

• Provide leadership and guidance in the interpretation of all contract terms and provisions.
• Educate management staff regarding collective bargaining provisions and their application.

Arbitration:

• Prepare and present the City’s case at interest and grievance arbitration proceedings in conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office.
• Analyze and make decisions regarding the handling of grievance arbitration requests.

Employee Relations and Grievance Administration:

• Oversee compliance with the meet and confer provision established under Section 340-3-2(a) of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.
• Represent the City’s interest in Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission matters such as unit determinations and clarifications and prohibited practice hearings.
• Consult with City departments and Employee Relations staff on matters relating to contract administration and negotiations.
• Ensure departments comply with ‘just cause’ and ‘due process’ considerations and provide related training and direction.
• Ensure managers and supervisors are properly trained to execute best practices and procedures.
• Administer the disciplinary and safety grievance procedure for general City employees; serve as the hearing officer in all grievance procedures; issue findings and ensure implementation.
• Ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of employment established in Chapter 350 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances and relevant provisions of the Salary Ordinance.

Management and Administration:

• Oversee the labor relations division, including planning, staff supervision and evaluation, hiring, and staff training and development.
• Provide advice with regard to legislative and other actions that may affect employee relations.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Bachelor’s degree with a major in labor or industrial relations, public administration, business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of significant experience in labor relations activities, including collective bargaining and negotiations and preparation and presentation of cases in final and binding interest and grievance arbitration proceedings. Labor relations experience must include at least one year in a supervisory-level human resources position.

 Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

 NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in human resources, labor or industrial relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Public sector bargaining experience, including bargaining with protective service unions.

Technical:

• Knowledge of collective bargaining, contract and grievance administration, and interest and grievance arbitration.
• Knowledge of the standards and practices for establishing due process and just cause.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret the Municipal Employment Relations Act and Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission proceedings and decisions.
• Knowledge of benefit cost containment strategies and administration.
• General knowledge of the functions and structure of municipal government.
• Expert-level knowledge in public sector human resources management.
• Ability to read and interpret a wide variety of materials, including periodicals, legislation, policies, reports, and technical publications.
• Working knowledge of contract costing and ability to make accurate calculations.
• Proficiency using various software applications, particularly spreadsheet, word processing, and enterprise software for human resources and financial management.
• Knowledge of research methods, ability to conduct research, and ability to analyze findings and make recommendations.

Communication/Interpersonal:

• Superior written communication skills, including skill in drafting contract and legislative provisions.
• Strong oral communication skills to lead meetings and to present ideas and recommendations clearly and convincingly before groups large and small.
• Negotiation, persuasion, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with City and Union officials.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking/Professionalism:

• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; sound judgment.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and accomplish work within deadlines.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.
• Professionalism, initiative, honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

The starting salary (1PX) is $125,201-$175,275 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $128,957-$180,533 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.  

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leave 
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

 For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits. 

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.

• Please email a cover letter and resume by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024 to: KRURBAN@milwaukee.gov.
• Please indicate “Labor Negotiator” in the subject line.  
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Kristin Urban at 414.286.8643 OR KRURBAN@milwaukee.gov.

The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

EEO 100

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.