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Senior Labor Counsel

Job ID: 6922

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Labor Relations NYCTA

Date Posted: May 16, 2025

Description

POSTING NO.

6922

JOB TITLE:

Senior Labor Counsel

DEPT/DIV:

Labor Relations

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway

FULL/PART-TIME

Full-Time

SALARY RANGE:

$126,833 - $146,835

DEADLINE:

Until filled

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

SUMMARY:

This position is accountable for providing legal representation in various legal bodies, including arbitration, on all labor relations matters associated with the operation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, its affiliates and/or subsidiaries (collectively “the Authority”), not limited to handling complex contract interpretation and disciplinary matters, labor law issues generally and may also represent the Agency’s interest in CPLR Article 75 matters. The position also consults with and provides legal advice and/or guidance to executive, senior and filed managers on various issues relating to collective bargaining agreements between the Authority and the various labor unions representing tis employees and/or disciplinary procedures involving represented, non-represented and managerial employees. In addition, may also participate in labor contract negotiations and implementations of collective bargaining agreements, as well in responding to information requests from unions, the media and political or government agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Provides legal representation, as well as continuous in-house legal guidance to MTA HQ, MTA Agencies and/or senior staff on a wide variety of litigation and non-litigation labor and related matters, including complex contract interpretation and/or discipline matters involving represented, non-represented and managerial employees.

+ Provides advice and counsel to executives, senior and field managers on issues of labor relations requiring the interpretation, and applicability of legal principles, NY Civil Service Law, collective bargaining agreements, court rulings, arbitration awards, as well as on employee availability management/methodologies and/or techniques to improve internal controls and monitoring processes.

+ Work closely with Agency labor relations teams to review, coordinate, formulate, and establish MTA Labor Relations’ position on proposed legislation and coordinate the preparation of all related correspondence.

+ Ensure labor policies, practices and agreements developed during prior MTA HQ and/or individual or various MTA Agencies consolidations are integrated into the development and outcome of future consolidations to maintain consistency throughout MTA HQ departments and/or MTA Agencies.

+ Identify issues of potential conflict arising from the consolidation process and participate in recommending and achieving concrete resolutions. Draft agency policies and reconcile any related inconsistencies.

+ Prepares bulletins, informational memos, and oversee the dissemination of instructional materials aimed at providing MTA HQ management, as well as other MTA Agencies with the tools needed to properly and effectively navigate the broad array of applicable rules and working conditions resulting from the consolidation process.

+ Works directly with various agency counsels, on behalf of MTA and/or its affiliates regarding labor relations matters handled by the constituent operating agencies’ general counsel’s offices.

+ Oversees and coordinate with outside counsel on all major labor disputes.

+ Assist in providing guidance/mentorship to Labor Counsel and Labor Attorneys on case preparation and/or presentation.

+ Act as designee for the supervisor in their absence.

+ Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

+ Excellent litigation and organizational skills.

+ Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal and labor contract matters

+ Demonstrated ability to communicate and work with all internal levels of the organization.

+ Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.

+ Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a high profile and high pressure environment.

+ Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.

+ Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.

+ Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

+ Juris Doctorate Degree required.

+ A minimum of eight to ten years experience in labor law or labor relations.

+ Must have had direct involvement and experience in significant labor contracts negotiations and managed important litigation.

+ Must possess the proven ability to manage a variety of complex matters concurrently.

+ Must have excellent legal and labor relations skills, including analysis of issues.

+ Must have ability to interact with and assist a broad range of MTA employees and officials

+ Must have excellent written and oral communications skills with ability to work under pressure and manage a diverse case load.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.