Assistant Labor Relations Agent

The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy.  We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them.  We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers. 

DOL's State Board of Labor Relations is a quasi-judicial agency that investigates all petitions and complaints, holds informal conferences with the parties and attempts to mediate settlements. By this process, most disputed questions or entire cases are settled. Determinations are then made as to which cases should be presented to the Labor Board. The Board conducts hearings and issues decisions. It also defines and protects the statutory rights of public sector and some private sector employees to form, join or assist labor organizations. It also encourages and protects the right of employees and employers to bargain collectively. The Board administers the major portion of four collective bargaining statutes covering state and municipal employees, public school teachers and certain administrators and some private sector employees.

The Board of Labor Relations, located in Wethersfield, CT, has a current opportunity for an Assistant Labor Relations Agent, This position will assist the Labor Relations Agent in administering legislation within the Board's jurisdiction.

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DOL.HR@CT.gov.    

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license. Travel is required.

In the Department of Labor, Board of Labor Relations, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in assisting the Agent for the State Board of Labor Relations in administering legislation within the Board's jurisdiction.

Investigates and seeks to resolve any prohibited practices, complaints or representation petitions arising under Labor Relations Act, Municipal Employee Relations Act, State Employee Relations Act and School Board - Teacher Negotiations Act; convenes conferences and determines truth and accuracy of information from employers, union representatives and employees in order to settle dispute; makes recommendations for necessary action by the Board; mediates disputes connected with unfair and prohibited labor practices and representation cases; investigates federal and state case law and proposes comprehensive solutions to disputed issues; writes proposed settlement agreements and/or reports of findings and recommendations; conducts pre-trial evidentiary hearings to stipulate facts and issues; arranges and conducts elections to determine unit parameters and appoint representatives for bargaining purposes in accordance with existing legislation; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of National Labor Relations Act, state acts governing labor relations and administrative and judicial case law; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of contract and grievance mediation, conciliation and arbitration methods and procedures; considerable knowledge of mandatory, permissive and illegal subjects of bargaining; knowledge of concepts and terms used in labor relations; knowledge of functions of other state and federal labor related agencies; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; negotiating skills; investigative ability; ability to apply law to facts.

Eight (8) years of experience in professional labor relations or human resource management involving responsibility for employee relations or collective bargaining issues.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
   
2. A Master's degree in industrial or labor relations may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
   
3. A law degree with courses in arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, labor law or administrative law may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.