Labor Counsel

JOB TITLE:                         Labor Counsel
SALARY RANGE:               $96,635 - $126,833
HAY POINTS:                      725
DEPT/DIV:                           Labor Relations
SUPERVISOR:                    TBD
LOCATION:                          Various Locations
HOURS OF WORK:            9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)
DEADLINE:                         Open Until Filled            

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.   

Summary   

The Labor Counsel 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.
• Formulates litigation strategy and settlements, prepare witnesses, gather evidence, research legal issues, draft legal briefs and other litigation papers, 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 timely 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, response 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications   

• With wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, decision making and initiative, this position involves presenting the Authority’s position in litigated proceedings as well as in day to day incidents involving disciplinary matters; advocating to judges, arbitrators, mediators, unions and senior level management that certain actions are necessary for the operational needs of the Authority and/or the resolution of disputes; proposing strategies to ensure the appropriate resolution of disputes that is consistent with law and the Authority’s goals and policies.  
• Preparation of litigation strategy and evidence.  
• Presentation of evidence at arbitrations, administrative proceedings and disciplinary conferences and trials.   
• Knowledge of 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.  
• The position requires strong legal advocate while maintaining a balanced approach to labor management issues.  

Education and Experience   

J.D. degree from an accredited Law School is required.   

Admitted 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.   

Other Information   

As an employee of MTA Headquarters, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the State of New York, if your position earns more than $108,638. (this figure is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

How to Apply   

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.   

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.   

Equal Employment Opportunity   

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

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