Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator

Organization Information

GrowNYC is a 54-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action to make NYC a livable city, one where every person can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable life. GrowNYC Programs include:

• Our network of Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and the work of GrowNYC Wholesale ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, healthiest local food.
• We build and support community and school gardens through volunteer days, technical assistance, training, grants and more.
• We provide 70,000 children each year with programs that provide meaningful interactions with the natural environment.

Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator (Full-Time):

Position Summary

The Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator supports interactions and future negotiations between management and union representatives. The LERC is responsible for ensuring compliance with GrowNYC’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), coordinating with relevant departments to address union-related issues while maintaining accurate documentation to support all aspects of labor relations matters. The LERC will lead implementation and enforcement of employee policies, handbooks, etc. while simultaneously ensuring full compliance with CBA. The LERC manages employee grievances, disciplinary processes, resolves internal workplace disputes, and advises management on appropriate responses. The LERC will also train management on labor relations and other policies and procedures and will provide guidance and clarity on CBA terms.

Requirements

Labor and Employee Relations Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

Union and Employee Relations

• Facilitates communication and serves as a point of contact for both HR and union representatives, ensuring smooth and effective communication regarding employee concerns, policy changes, and future contract negotiations.
• Assists in resolving employee grievances, acting as a mediator between employees and management, and ensuring fair and equitable outcomes.
• Provides an interpretation of the terms of the CBA and is responsible for understanding it while ensuring that all parties are following them.
• Trains new leaders with union eligible employees on the grievance and other labor-related processes
• Coordinate and participate in Labor Management Committee (LMC) meetings and grievance hearings
• Investigates allegations made in grievances and/or complaints
• Prepares leaders for their grievance hearings and works with leaders on their grievance responses
• Maintains grievance data and monitors trends to share with HR Operations Manager and HR Director
• Reports sensitive and/or high-profile issues timely to HR management
• Meets with employees and leaders on performance concerns and provides guidance
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
• Liaise with unions and union representatives
• Stay current on federal, state, and local labor laws, and ensure organizational compliance
• Serves on labor related committees, providing expert advice on labor relations matters
• Conducts SOP’s training and addresses any union-related inquiries
• Serves as an enforcer of company policy and CBA

Reporting and Data Management

• Procure and prepare supporting documentation for any disciplinary matter, grievances, etc.
• Maintain organized and trackable employee relations case files.
• Monitor labor relations trends and provide strategic recommendations to leadership to mitigate risks and enhance union engagement.
• Maintains spreadsheets, reports, and other information to track grievances, employee discipline processes, and performance management metrics.
• Handles the preparation and distribution of all reports to the union and ensures timely and accurate submission of worker eligibility rosters

Other ad hoc

• Assist HR team with a variety of small projects as needed

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and 2 or more years performing employee relations work in a predominately unionized staff workforce or a combination thereof of interviewing and investigations experience
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships and negotiating with union representatives.
• 2 or more years of relevant HR experience
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and remain composed in challenging or sensitive situations.
• Knowledge of basic employment laws and standards
• Proficient in HRIS systems, Google Suite, Excel and other computer applications
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to analyze complex issues, provide strategic advice, and make sound recommendations.
• Knowledge of Labor laws / collective bargaining

Ideal Requirements

• Certifications such as PHR or SPHR are highly desirable.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources
• Experience of grievance procedure

Schedule

The position will be expected to work primarily Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 35-40 hours per week, on-site at GrowNYC’s office in downtown Manhattan (three days). In-office presence is required every Wednesday.

Compensation

This position pays $60,000 - $70,000 per year and includes full benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, incentive savings plan, paid time off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and potential for parental leave for full-time regular employees who have been employed with GrowNYC for 175 days and FSA programs). This position is non-union eligible/not a part of the bargaining unit.

Location

100 Gold Street New York, NY. Occasional visits to the Wholesale Food HUB located at 298 Halleck St Bronx, NY and participation in other employee-related events.

Contact

GrowNYC

P.O. Box 2327

New York, NY 10272

212-788-7900

For additional information, please see our website: grownyc.org

GrowNYC is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and hires without regard to race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or physical disability.