Manager, Labor Relations - Drug and Alcohol Policy Compliance

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Labor Relations Subways Field Operations, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, will be responsible for the administration and implementation of agency drug and alcohol policies and related consequences pursuant to agency collective bargaining agreements and applicable agency policies. This includes coordinating with MTA Occupational Health Services to notify operating departments of stand downs requiring employee removal from safety-sensitive functions, drafting and issuing disciplinary charges for violation of agency drug and alcohol policies, and conducting related pre-arbitration hearings and supporting attorneys at arbitration hearings as necessary, drafting a settlement agreement and coordinating referrals to the employee assistance program or union assistance program as appropriate, and return to duty processing. This position also addresses discipline and/or termination for treatment program noncompliance. Coordinating appropriate timekeeping status with the applicable department. The incumbent will provide training as necessary.

The incumbent also responds to information requests from internal investigative units and the Law Department in support of litigation and administrative hearings.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as liaison between OHS and the operating departments regarding violations of the drug and alcohol policies, including coordinating standdown notifications to remove employees from safety-sensitive duties, as appropriate.
• Determines and implements appropriate consequences for drug and alcohol policy violations pursuant to agency CBAs and applicable policies.
• Draft and process related disciplinary charges and pre-arbitration hearings. Draft and process the best settlement agreements.
• Coordinate treatment referral to EAP and UAP and return to duty.
• Implements consequences and coordinates termination for treatment program non-compliance
• Updates and coordinates with the department regarding appropriate timekeeping status during the drug/alcohol disciplinary process.
• Provide support to the attorney at the arbitration.
• Provide training as needed.
• Respond to information requests from internal investigative units and the Law Department related to litigation and administrative hearings.
• Track case progress and provide reports as needed.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience with DOT drug and alcohol regulations
• Experience acting as Designated Employer Representative for a large safety-sensitive workforce employer.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-profile, high-pressure environment.
• Ability to interpret and administer organization policies and procedures.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Public Policy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience

The Following is/are preferred:

• Minimum 3 years of Labor Relations Experience
• Experience interacting with all levels of management in matters regarding the administration of a drug and alcohol testing program.
• Prior experience with a public transit agency with a unionized workforce.
• Ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with MTA policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Prior training experience.
• Proficient in PeopleSoft or a similar employment management system.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.