LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Specialist. This role supports the Senior Labor Relations Specialist by serving as a liaison with union representatives during contract negotiations, documenting proceedings, and helping develop negotiation positions and strategies. It participates in strategy meetings, assists in preparing County proposals, and maintains control of negotiation records, tentative agreements, and contract documentation. The position helps compile union contracts and wage scales for Board approval and coordinates implementation of wage components across County departments. It also provides support to Labor Counsel, the State’s Attorney’s Office, outside counsel, and union representatives on labor‑related issues. Additionally, the role maintains key databases and historical records related to grievances, job classifications, and prior agreements, and consults with senior labor relations leadership on highly confidential matters, offering recommendations on policy and appropriate courses of action. 

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

Under the general supervision of the Senior Labor Relations Specialist, acts as a liaison with union representatives on behalf of County management during contract negotiations and documents proceedings. Assists the Senior Labor Relations Specialist with collective bargaining agreement (CBA) issues and collaborates with the Senior Labor Relations Specialist and the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor Relations (DCHRO/DLR), or designee, in determining negotiation positions, policies, and strategies. Under the general supervision of the Senior Labor Relations Specialist, serves as a spokesperson for the County during contract negotiations and impact bargaining sessions. Coordinates and attends strategy meetings and negotiation sessions and assists in the compilation of County negotiation proposals. Documents all management and union negotiation proposals, maintains control of all tentative agreements in negotiations, and works with counsel and union representatives to compile union contracts. Prepares union contracts and wage scales for Board approval and directs the implementation of wage components with appropriate County departments and offices as necessary. Provides assistance to Labor Counsel, the Assistant State's Attorneys, outside counsel, union representatives, and other entities regarding various labor-related issues, including wage scale and rate implementation, impact bargaining, contract implementation, and dues deductions. Maintains databases, records, and information from past grievance files, personnel records, salary grades of specific union job classifications, and previous union labor agreement information. Consults with the Senior Labor Relations Specialist, the DCHRO/DLR, and counsel on matters of the highest confidentiality and effectively recommends policy changes and courses of action related to these matters.

• Performs research activities in conjunction with the Senior Labor Relations Specialist when necessary, related to contract negotiations for the DCHRO/DLR, Labor Counsel, union representatives, and individual County departments whenever necessary.
• Participates in collective bargaining negotiations as a representative for the County; collects and maintains control of proposals and tentative agreements, and works with Labor Counsel, DCHRO/DLR, and outside counsel to identify issues and develop strategies for collective bargaining.
• Works with the Senior Labor Relations Specialist and Deputy Director of Labor Relations in determining negotiation positions, policies, and strategies.
• Assists the Labor Relations department staff with grievance resolution and CBA related disputes.
• Conducts liaison activities between management and labor union representatives to identify and resolve disputes or contractual discrepancies.
  Analyzes texts of CBAs to ensure clarity of language and intent, and may make recommendations to the Senior Labor Relations Specialist for contract language revisions.
• May serve as an informational resource for union contract negotiations by conducting research and furnishing reference documents and statistical data to the management negotiating team.
• As directed by the Senior Labor Relations Specialist, assists in the resolution of unfair labor practice charges and arbitration cases.
• As directed by the Senior Labor Relations Specialist, assists with the implementation of terms and conditions of CBAs; works closely with County departments, including the Comptroller, Budget Office, Enterprise Technology, and Human Resources to implement cost of living adjustments, reclassifications, and salary upgrades, and other economic matters.
• Monitors and coordinates the timely preparation of resolutions for the County Board and Health and Hospital System Board for approval of wages and contracts.
• Prepares resolutions for the County Board and the Cook County Health and Hospital System Board for approval of wages and contracts. Receives and reviews correspondence from various trade organizations regarding annual trade rate changes, including prevailing rates.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
• Two (2) years of business administration, public administration, labor relations, or directly related or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Labor Relations; or graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD); or a Paralegal Certificate.
• Four (4) years of business administration, public administration, or labor relations experience.

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. 

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. 

• Knowledge of or ability to quickly and effectively grasp and utilize County policies, protocols and technical vernacular used throughout each union labor agreement for the County.
• Knowledge of all Cook County labor relations functions, principles, techniques, contract terminology, office practices and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of business communication principles and techniques, contract terminology, office practices and procedures relative to labor relations.
• Skill in resolving labor/management contractual negotiation disputes.
• Skill in scrutinizing text of contractual labor agreements.
• Skill in the use of the art of diplomacy and confidentiality with arbitrators, attorneys, County employees, County managerial personnel and union representatives.
• Ability to conduct research functions for purposes of providing accurate documentation and statistical data for union contract negotiations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and to conduct oneself in a professional manner. Good communication skills; ability to gather information from others and make inquiries; ability to convey information and explain or describe County policy and procedure to others in person or by telephone.