VP, Labor Relations in Valhalla, New York at Westchester Medical Center

Job Summary: The VP of Labor Relations is responsible for the formulation, interpretation, and administration of labor relations policies for WMCHealth- Westchester Region. This position is also responsible for representing management in labor relations including contract negotiations, interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, and the maintenance of positive and effective labor-management relations. Other duties include interviewing and evaluating disciplinary problems, preparing charges, settling grievances and acting as a Second Stage Hearing Officer. The VP of Labor Relations is responsible for ensuring compliance with Sections 71, 72 and 75 of the New York State Civil Service Law, hospital civil service and personnel rules and procedures, labor laws, including the Taylor Law, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act, several contractual agreements, Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity compliance, appropriate personnel and management practices and applicable health regulations governing the staffing of hospitals. These duties require establishing and maintaining close and effective working relationships with executive level and middle management positions.

Responsibilities:

• Formulates the WMCHealth Westchester Region’s labor relations policy and directs its implementation.
• Prepares for and conducts union-management contract negotiations to develop mutually agreeable compensation structures, to establish and define union-management rights and obligations and to establish and define conditions of employment.
• Interprets WMCHealth Westchester Region’s collective bargaining agreements and educates and counsels all levels of supervisors and managers in the administration of such agreements to ensure proper and uniform interpretation and administration.
• Maintains records and prepares reports on union activities.
• Keeps management informed of potential problems.
• Reviews, investigates, and evaluates employee disciplinary problems to determine a course of action, e.g., warnings or formal disciplinary charges.
• Oversees the preparation of and prosecutes disciplinary charges.
• Prepares witnesses and evidence to be used in disciplinary hearings and manages disciplinary cases through all steps of Civil Service Section 75 procedures and contract grievance procedures.
• Represents the WMCHealth- Westchester Region in the settlement of informal and formal labor grievances.
• Represents the WMCHealth- Westchester Region in both disciplinary and contract grievance arbitrations.
• Interprets and implements procedures for compliance with Sections 71 and 72 of the New York State Civil Service Law, the Taylor Law, Workers' Compensation, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act
• Trains, advises and counsels supervisory and management staff on effective labor relations, affirmative action, and personnel practices to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and policies.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience: Seven years of experience where the primary function of the position was in labor relations, three years which include the processing of disciplinary and grievance actions and experience in negotiating union-management contracts.

Education: A Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree or JD preferred

Licenses / Certifications:

Other:

Special Requirements: Must have a thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of labor relations, personnel management and public administration, knowledge of the disciplinary provisions of the New York State Civil Service Law, knowledge of labor laws including the Taylor Law, Fair Labor Standards Act, Workers' Compensation Law, and Americans with Disabilities Act; familiarity with the organizational and operational structure and functions of a large hospital; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executives, medical administrative and supervisory staff.