Employee and Labor Relations Specialist - (SIUE) (CS25-146)

Company Description

SIUE is a nationally recognized university located in Edwardsville, IL, with a focus on educating professional and community leaders through excellent faculty and programs. The campus offers the advantages of a small, liberal arts college with one of the lowest tuitions among state universities in Illinois. With a commitment to undergraduate education and faculty research, SIUE provides practical applications for student learning and fosters interaction between students and faculty at all levels.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role as an Employee and Labor Relations Specialist (CS25-146) at SIUE.

• The Employee and Labor Relations Specialist is responsible for managing activities related to union contracts, negotiations, grievances, and other labor-related matters
• As a specialist in labor relations, this role provides expert advice to university and college units, administers collective bargaining agreements, conducts grievance hearings, and negotiates wages and benefits for employees
• The position serves as the primary point of contact for assigned agreements and works closely with management to ensure compliance with labor laws and university policies

Responsibilities

• Administer and interpret labor-management agreements on behalf of university management and employees
• Serve as a key member of the negotiation team, participating as 2nd or 3rd chair in collective bargaining, impact bargaining, and grievance hearings
• Research and analyze union proposals, wage scales, and salary ranges, providing recommendations and cost estimates
• Represent the Assistant Director of Employee and Labor Relations in grievance hearings and administrative inquiries
• Conduct investigations into reports of misconduct, including harassment and workplace violence, interviewing witnesses, and drafting statements and summaries
• Advise supervisors on employee performance issues and recommend actions such as discipline, performance improvement, or coaching
• Draft performance-based and conduct-based action documents, including Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), counseling memos, and disciplinary actions
• Maintain accurate records in office files and case management software for all cases handled
• Serve as the liaison between business agents, bargaining units, and university management
• Assist in training and supervising staff on labor relations topics such as working conditions, safety, and equal opportunity practices
• Stay informed of federal and state labor laws and regulations, applying them effectively in complex situations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position
• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties in labor and employee relations

Benefits:

SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at the percentage of appointment) including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 
• University tuition waivers (full-time receive 100% waiver of tuition)
• Life insurance; 
• SURS retirement plan; 
• Supplemental retirement savings plans;
• Paid vacation and sick leave accrual;
• Generous holiday schedule/paid holidays;
• WorkLife programs;
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness); 
• Employee discounts (local and national retailers);
• Flexible Spending Account Program;  

For more about our benefits and employee services, visit: https://www.siue.edu/human-resources/benefits

Illinois Residency Requirement: Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.