Union Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Union Specialist runs the company's day-to-day relationship with the labor unions. The role ensures the Company is compliant with every applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA): correct wage rates, accurate fringe benefit reporting, timely dues remittance and clean dispatch records. It is the go-to contact for union business agents, field supervisors, human resources and payroll on any union question.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Maintain current copies and organized records of all applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Monitor and interpret Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provisions related to wages, classifications, seniority, overtime, holidays, vacation, benefits, scheduling, job assignments, transfers, layoffs, recalls, and other employment conditions.
• Assist HR, payroll and management with consistent application of CBA provisions.
• Track contract expiration dates, wage increases, benefit changes, and other negotiated requirements.
• Maintain union wage schedules, classifications, progression schedules, and other negotiated compensation information.
• Identify potential contract compliance issues and bring them to the attention of HR leadership.
• Assist with preparation for contract negotiations by compiling wage, headcount, seniority, overtime, and other workforce information.
• Maintain accurate electronic personnel records for union employees.
• Track union classifications, rates, apprenticeships, certifications, licenses, and progression requirements as applicable.
• Coordinate union transfers, promotions, demotions, layoffs, recalls, and other employment actions in accordance with applicable CBAs.
• Assist with employee status changes and ensure appropriate payroll and HRIS updates are completed.
• Gather documentation, time records, personnel information, policies, and other relevant information for labor-related matters.
• Participate in grievance meetings as requested.
• Maintain professional and constructive working relationships with union representatives and business agents.
• Verify union employee timecards.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure union wage rates, premiums, overtime rules, shift differentials, and other CBA-related pay requirements are accurately administered.
• Review changes to union wage rates and communicate approved changes to Payroll and appropriate operational leaders.
• Assist with payroll audits involving union employees.
• Execute monthly benefit payments and verify applicable dues, deductions, fringe benefits, and other contractual payroll requirements are being recorded.
• Assist with resolving employee questions regarding union-related pay and benefits.
• Maintain documentation regarding union benefit contributions and requirements.
• Assist with reconciliation or research of benefit contribution discrepancies.
• Monitor changes to union benefit requirements and communicate changes to affected departments.
• Lead all communications and transactional steps for keyman agreements, when required.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee, compensation, grievance, and labor-relations information.
• Serve as a resource to supervisors, managers, HR, and payroll regarding union employee matters.
• Assist with reporting employee hours and/or payroll information for workers’ compensation and Owner-Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) requirements, as needed.
• Provide requested labor or payroll information to support workers’ compensation, OCIP, insurance, or jobsite reporting requirements.
• Assist with weekly payroll functions and serve as backup for payroll processing.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• This position requires strong attention to detail, discretion, sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with both union and management representatives.
• 2-5 years of experience in Human Resources, labor relations, payroll, union administration, or a related field.
• Experience processing payroll for Union employees within an HRIS.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements for various unions, payroll systems, Union benefits and agreements preferred.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems.
• Ability to interpret written policies, procedures, and contractual language.
• Ability to work professionally with employees, supervisors, management, and union representatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, stoop or crouch.

Work environment is a well-lit, air conditioned/heated office environment.

GENERAL DUTIES and EXPECTATIONS

• Adhere to Company Code of Conduct/Ethics and Core Values.
• Follow direction from management and manage tasks prescribed.
• Multi-task, prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Ensure security of information in all matters pertaining to company, client, and customer information.
• Contribute to the professional culture within the office and company overall.
• Provide leadership qualities regarding safety and company policies.
• 40-hour work week in pursuit of company objectives. Occasional after-hours or weekend work during peak periods, such as CBA deadlines or employee engagement.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• To learn more about Wilkerson Crane Rental, Inc., please visit:
• Website: WilkersonCraneRental.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/wilkersoncranerental/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilkersoncranerental/