Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

Human Resources Office

www.ufcw.org

Organization:

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:

Washington DC, near Metro (on-site)

Position Description:

The Employee and Labor Relations Specialist provides operational support to the Director on labor and employee relations matters. This position plays a key role in helping administer collective bargaining agreements, managing grievance procedures, and guiding managers and staff on FMLA, ADA, and ESL requests. The Specialist ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, assists with workplace investigations, and supports disciplinary processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• • Supports the Director in evaluating and addressing labor and employee relations issues, including reviewing grievances, assessing disciplinary matters, and providing recommendations for resolution.
  • Assists in the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and organizational policies.
  • Administers FMLA, ADA, and ESL and other requests, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and organizational procedures.
  • Ensures adherence to Workers Compensation and other federal, state, and local employment laws.
  • Prepares documentation, analyses, and recommendations to inform Director decisions regarding employee relations matters, including drafting investigation summaries, summarizing grievance trends, and providing risk assessments for potential disputes.
  • Conducts research into employment and labor relations best practices and trends to inform policies, procedures, and organizational strategies.
  • Coordinates workplace investigations, including gathering information, interviewing parties, and summarizing findings for the Director. Assist the Director with interviews, collecting evidence, and preparing detailed reports for decision-making.
  • Acts as a resource for managers and staff seeking guidance on employee relations issues, escalating matters as appropriate.
  • Advising managers on attendance, performance, or conduct concerns.
  • Assisting supervisors in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreement provisions.
  • Offering recommendations on documenting performance or disciplinary actions.
  • Escalating high-risk matters and complex or sensitive employee situations to the Director.
  • Maintains accurate records of labor and employee relations activities, grievance files, and reports, including tracking timelines for grievances, documenting investigation steps, and maintaining compliance with record retention policies.
  • Ensures compliance with all administrative requirements in the collective bargaining agreements, including reporting and notifications.
  • Tracks and monitors key employee relations metrics and provides reports to the Director as requested.
  • Represents the Director in operational meetings and communications, as assigned, to ensure alignment on employee relations strategies.
  • Develops and delivers training programs for managers and staff on employee relations topics, including policy updates, compliance requirements, and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in labor or employee relations, human resources, or a related field; or three years of such experience combined with a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or managing employee relations issues, workplace investigations, and compliance with employment laws.
• Experience working with FMLA, ADA, and ESL processes.
• Experience working in a unionized workplace.
• Experience training staff on personnel related matters.

Computer/Software Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with HRIS or data management systems required.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and maintain accurate records.

Communication Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the Director and the office effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Spanish proficiency preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to provide well-informed recommendations.
• Professional demeanor and commitment to service, excellence, and organizational values.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and support leadership decisions without exercising final authority.

Working Conditions

The work is performed in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communications skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $78,633 – $95,570.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration:

• • This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled.

Vaccination Requirement: The

UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a

condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or

questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To apply submit cover letter, resume to: humanresources@ufcw.org

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer.

Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.