Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Title: Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

Overview Statement: The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist (ER/LR Specialist) acts as an advisor to assigned business units and interacts with every level of the organization in the day-to-day management of employee and labor relations. The ER/LR Specialist provides support to business units in interpreting and

consistently applying policies, conducting investigations, and participating in union negotiations and contract interpretations. Working with the business units, the ER/LR Specialist will help identify and resolve employee and labor relations needs while delivering prompt and efficient support.

Essential Functions:

• Establish relationships with assigned business units and coordinate with various departments to address and resolve employee and labor relations needs and issues;

• Act as a resource to assigned business units for the interpretation of policies and collective bargaining agreements.

• Partner with Counsel to prepare for contract negotiations;

• Act as a subject matter expert for assigned business units and clearly articulate requirements to managers and business partners on the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), compensation, and benefits;

• Respond to union-specific requests and partner with Human Resources, Finance and other stakeholders.

• Partner with legal counsel to conduct effective, thorough and objective investigations when necessary and identify fair and effective resolutions to employee complaints; Provide guidance to management on employee counseling and documentation;

• Improve manager and employee performance by identifying and clarifying opportunities; evaluating potential solutions; assisting with implementation of selected solutions; and coaching and counseling managers and employees on performance issues;

• Participate in special projects as requested or desired.

• This is an on-site role with work hours of 9am-5pm Wednesday through Sunday located at Belmont Racetrack

Qualifications:

Preferred Skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking in reviewing and interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and conducting investigation

• Exceptional written and verbal communication

• Organized and time management skills; ability to handle multiple engagements with employees working remote or at off-site facilities

Skills Proficiency:

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)

• Knowledge and ability to work with AI such as Microsoft CoPilot

• Experience working with HRIS Systems

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• College degree minimum

• 3 years of progressive experience working in employee and labor relations.

• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or PHR preferred.

• Proven experience supporting union environments.

• Demonstrated experience managing highly confidential information.

• A positive attitude, initiative and business acumen;

• Demonstrated ability to interact with and influence a diverse customer base;

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to present a professional image and excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Flexibility to travel for meetings between Belmont Racetrack and our office location at Garden City, NY when needed.

• Strong computer literacy, including Excel and HRIS databases.

• Ability to work a schedule of Wednesday through Sunday based at Belmont Racetrack

• Flexibility or availability to travel to Saratoga Racecourse during summer racing meet if needed

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Working in office environment using computer and sitting for a majority of the day.

Pay Range / Salary: $76,000.00 - $99,000.00