Labor Counsel

Description:

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:
Reporting to the Senior Director, Employee & Labor Relations, this position is responsible for providing expert legal advice on Labor Relations matters to MTA senior staff and managers. This role represents the authority in disciplinary cases and trials, determines the strategy for litigation, and serves as an advocate in administrative proceedings for the MTA and its agencies.

Responsibilities:

• Arbitrations and Administrative Tribunals: Serve as the authority's legal advocate in contract grievances, disciplinary cases, arbitrations, trials, mediations, and administrative proceedings; ensure that the Authority's position is effectively presented. Formulate litigation strategy and settlements, prepare witnesses, gather evidence, research legal issues, draft legal briefs and other litigation papers, and present oral arguments to arbitrators, mediators, and Administrative Law Judges.
• Serve as counsel to Authority management, providing day-to-day advice and legal evaluation in connection with disciplinary matters, labor issues, New York State Civil Service Law, contract interpretations, and policy formation. Ensure compliance with the legal obligations required under the collective bargaining agreements as well as under New York State and Federal law. Review labor legislation and formulate the Authority's statement in support/statement in opposition to legislation. Ensure the Authority's position on proposed legislation is delivered in a timely manner to the MTA's legislative team.
• Evaluate evidence, assess possible litigation outcomes, draft disciplinary charges, formulate proposals, day-to-day contact and negotiations with union representatives to resolve litigation matters, and respond to information requests / FOIL requests for information sought by labor.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, record minutes of collective bargaining negotiations, assist in developing collective bargaining strategies, ensure the smooth implementation of collectively bargained terms. Negotiate labor contracts within cost guidelines and patterns set by the MTA.
• Participate in Labor/Management meetings. Prepare minutes from prior Labor/Management meetings. Address and resolve issues without the need for grievances or litigation and to maintain a channel of effective communication with the unions.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the statutory framework of labor relations in New York, including knowledge of New York State Civil Service Law, Administrative Law, and Taylor Law.
• Knowledge of OATH practice, arbitration, and labor administrative tribunals and their practices
• Prioritize the heavy workload and demands of the Labor Relations department as well to present cases to further the goals of the Authority.
• Must possess the ability to write clearly, concisely, and to argue persuasively.
• Must possess the ability to analyze problems and come to practical solutions.
• The position requires a strong legal advocate while maintaining a balanced approach to labor management issues.

Required Education and Experience:

• J.D. degree from an accredited Law School is required. Admission to practice law in the State of New York is required
• Minimum of 6 years of legal experience with primary emphasis on litigation and/or labor relations.
• ATT-JD – Attorney. Admission to practice law in the State of New York required.

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”).

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