Labor Relations Counsel

Labor Relations Counsel

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Labor Relations Counsel for our office in Chicago, Illinois. Under minimal direct supervision and within the limitations of Association policy, the Labor Relations Counsel provides assistance to pilot governing bodies and to individual members on all subjects that affect their employment. In coordination with department managers, they use thorough understanding of applicable laws and Association policies and procedures to handle an extensive range of complex labor relations assignments, often on short notice, and function as a labor relations professional. They also provide staff assistance in all phases of negotiating agreements; coordinate all activities during negotiations while concurrently maintaining communication with all interested parties; monitor and administer contracts; manage FAA and company actions against individual pilots; prepare summaries of NTSB Accident/Incident hearings; handle all case management functions; and may occasionally work on national projects in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. They actively listen, build trust, and adapt their style and tactics to fit the audience. Infrequently, they may be called upon at any hour to respond to safety-related emergency inquiries. Travel, occasionally significant and, at times, on short notice is required.

Travel: usually 5 - 15%.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Law (LLM), or similar advanced degree from an approved school of law required.
• Member in good standing of the Bar.
• Five (5) years of related experience in labor law and litigation, preferably in aviation; twelve (12) or more years strongly preferred. At management discretion, significant and in-depth, directly applicable, labor negotiation experience may be substituted for some of the above requirements.
• Experience in collective bargaining, grievance handling, and arbitration preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, senior legal and aviation professionals, and pilots.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate long-term projects.
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment to formulate decisions and/or solve problems, under time pressure and urgent conditions.
• Knowledge of the Railway Labor Act and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) preferred.
• Experience using online legal research, Westlaw or the equivalent, preferred.
• Software: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Physical Demands:

Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and (locally, nationally, and internationally). Also includes occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period;
• Generous health care benefits on day one - Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
• Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
• Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 117,406.00 - $ 206,707.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.

PM19