Labor Relations Manager, Washington State Ferries

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

WSDOT is looking for a seasoned HR professional to manage the Labor Relations program at Washington State Ferries (WSF). The WSF system is the largest ferry system in the United States and an essential component of Washington's transportation network. Nearly 2,000 employees in the Puget Sound region collaborate to safely and effectively transport approximately 20 million passengers each year!
The WSF business relies heavily on this Labor Relations Manager position, which provides the entire organization with strategic direction and oversight regarding Ferries' labor relations. In addition, the WSF Labor Relations Manager acts as the company's representative in all interactions with the eleven (11) Ferries unions, participating in and coordinating PERC hearings, negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and other forms of labor dispute resolution.

The successful individual selected for this role will also assist with employee relations, recruitment, classification and compensation, risk mitigation, and proactive guidance regarding labor relations. This position also provides consultative services and proactive guidance regarding a broad range of sensitive human resource functions.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Labor Relations Manager will:

• Administer and interpret labor relations contracts and work with management/directors and unions to resolve issues of mutual concern during the term of the agreement.
• Resolve employee grievances via the contracts and grievance procedures, including arbitration and mediation.
• Develop and present training programs on labor relations and employment-related matters.
• Interface proactively and build relationships with union officials to anticipate potential labor relations issues.
• Execute proactive labor/management relations strategies and actions to ensure positive employee relations and enable business priority and achievement.
• Represent the department in labor negotiations and contract administration; provides day-to-day and strategic labor relations consultation.
• Evaluate union proposals to determine how they align with management’s business priorities and strategic planning efforts.
• Develop counter proposals to support business needs and implement the department's bargaining strategy.
• Coordinate with other departments, including the Office of Financial Management, the State Human Resources and Labor Relations Section (OFM/SHR/LRS), and the Attorney General's Office (AGO), to ensure that the Ferries Division is effectively represented in all labor relations-related activities and litigation.
• Act as the point of contact for coordinating activities related to interest arbitration before and during collective bargaining.

• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following qualifications are required:

• Human Resources Practitioner Background – Experience functioning as a human resources professional providing direct guidance and operational support…