Labor Counsel

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Labor Counsel will participate as part of the Authority’s management team in the negotiation and administration of 29 labor agreements covering twenty-nine (29) unions and represent the Authority in grievance hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and civil service hearings.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Counsel the Authority’s business and operational units on labor matters.
• Assist and support management in administering collectively bargained agreements and related policies.
• Participate in dispute resolution and the settlement of labor grievances.
• Represent the Authority’s position in arbitrations, mediations, administrative proceedings and in arbitration appeals in Superior Court. Collect, review, organize, research, and prepare case materials for presentation.
• Interview witnesses, assess the strengths and weaknesses of cases and issues, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Analyze the impact of arbitration awards and advise management regarding implementation issues.
• Advise Directors, Department Heads and other members of the management team concerning fair and consistent discipline, application of the Authority’s policies and rules, and other contractual compliance and administration matters.
• Keep abreast of protected leave statutes and advise Authority management of the impact of those policies in a disciplinary context.
• Represent the Authority during collective bargaining negotiations.
• Assist and manage outside counsel, where assigned.
• Consult and coordinate with Authority management in the development of proposals for inclusion in collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures relating to labor relations matters.
• Participate in joint labor-management committees.
• Review and amend proposed Authority policies. Participate in internal policy development committees.
• Interpret and advise Authority management regarding wage, budget, and other economic data for purposes of collective bargaining.
• Keep abreast of new developments in labor law and make recommendations for actions when appropriate.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from management, customers, vendors, or coworkers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, AntiDiscrimination, AntiHarassment and AntiRetaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of legal experience conducting investigations and/or preparing and presenting cases in a court, administrative hearing, or arbitration setting.
• Current member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
• Demonstrated ability furnishing legal advice related to contract compliance, employee performance and conduct issues.
• Excellent verbal, written, research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Aptitude in managing a variety of tasks with shifting priorities. Exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, time management, research, and interpersonal skills.
• Skilled at finding creative ways to maximize available resources.
• The ability to use Word, Excel, and Database applications.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent customer service, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience, especially in high stress.
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Substitutions Include

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Two (2) years of experience in preparing and presenting positions in collective bargaining sessions and grievance proceedings.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions: