Labor Counsel

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.

Position Objective:

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, ensuring that the Authority’s position is effectively presented. Formulates litigation strategy and settlements, prepares witnesses, gathers evidence, researches legal issues, drafts legal briefs and other litigation papers, presents 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, 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, and 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 maintain a channel of effective communication with the unions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

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. 
• The position requires a 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

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”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

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.