The Office of Labor Relations (OLR) represents the Mayor in the conduct of all labor relations between the City of New York and labor unions representing employees of the City. The Commissioner serves on behalf of the Mayor as the City’s liaison with both labor and management in the private sector. The office is authorized by Executive Order 38 (February 7, 1967), amended by Executive Order 13 (July 24, 1990). Additionally, OLR administers the Health Benefits Program, Management Benefits Fund, Employee Assistance Program, Work Well NYC, Medicare Part B Reimbursement and Pre-Tax Benefits & Citywide Programs including the Deferred Compensation Plan and NYCE IRA. In addition to negotiating collective bargaining agreements, OLR serves as a resource to agencies with regard to workforce labor issues and works with the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) to pursue innovations in a variety of areas, particularly regarding City health insurance programs. The staff at OLR assist their fellow agencies in handling personnel and payroll issues, conducting labor-management meetings, representing the City at representation hearings, and handling all employee grievances and arbitration matters while also negotiating collective bargaining agreements with the City's 149 bargaining units.
Under general supervision, performs the following tasks:
- Assists in negotiations and administration of collective bargaining agreements
- Stays abreast of the status of negotiations; works closely with negotiator in preparing for negotiations; attends collective bargaining sessions and takes detailed notes.
- Research collective bargaining demands as needed and provides accurate information.
- Serves as a specialist on all contracts of assigned bargaining units.
- Maintains an electronic file with all relevant information (bargaining notes, demands, sign-in sheets, costings, etc.).
- Prepares pay authorizations to ensure the proper implementation of contract terms once an agreement is reached.
-Calculates wage and benefits costs for use in negotiations, impasse and related proceedings:
- Calculates costs in a clear, easily understood manner.
- Prepares cost data and appropriate backup to supervisor and/or OMB for review within prescribed time limits.
- Adheres to the methodology agreed to by the parties.
- May assist and/or train staff in costing methodology.
- Conducts salary and benefit surveys:
- Collects data from other jurisdictions; makes necessary follow-up to clarify ambiguous responses; keeps organized records of all responses.
- Analyzes data and prepares clear, concise, well-documented reports in accordance with established format.
- Responds to surveys and information requests from other jurisdictions.
- Prepares special reports and studies:
- Gathers information as directed.
- Reports and memos are presented in a well-organized and easily understood manner.
- Reports are completed by the assigned deadline.
- Responds to inquiries from City Agencies and other sources:
- Answers all calls and written requests courteously within one week. Answers are accurate and pertinent sources are cited.
- Refers questions as necessary to appropriate staff and/or other agencies.
Minimum Qualifications
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
- High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.