Senior Labor Relations Associate

Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)

Put your experience and talents to work in a role with a unique company - the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). PMA is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation that serves as a multi-employer collective bargaining agent for approximately 75 shipping lines, stevedore companies, and marine terminal operators at California, Oregon, and Washington ports. West Coast port operations (including non-containerized cargo such as bulk and autos) now support 9 million U.S. jobs and contribute 12.5 percent of the U.S. GDP.

PMA's primary purpose is to negotiate and administer labor contracts with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union on behalf of the Association's member companies, as well as administrating payroll and certain benefits. Our headquarters and administrative office is located in San Francisco, California, with area offices in Southern California (Long Beach and satellite offices in San Diego and Port Hueneme) and the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Oregon and Seattle and Tacoma, Washington) in addition to Northern California (Oakland).

Senior Labor Relations Associate

Reporting to the Area Assistant Director, the Senior Labor Relations Associate will require a proficiency in labor contract administration, which may include negotiations, benefits administration, forecasting manpower needs, grievance investigation and resolution, including arbitration.

Core responsibilities include:

• Assist in analyzing collective bargaining agreements and interpretation of intent, spirit, and terms of contract to counsel management in development and application of labor relations policies and practices.
• Collaborate on preparation of statistical reports of types and frequency of actions taken concerning grievances, arbitration, mediation, and related labor relations activities, to identify problem areas.
• Coordinate and produce routine reports from PMA databases for Area Office. Develop working knowledge of the terms of the labor contract to monitor the day-to-day implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions.
• Assist in the investigation of complaints of violations against longshore workers. Report on findings and provide recommended actions.
• Furnish reference documents and statistical data concerning labor legislation, labor market conditions, prevailing union and management practices, wage and salary surveys, and employee benefits programs for labor contract negotiations.
• Provide support to and participate in Joint Labor Relations Committee meetings. Other duties may be assigned.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills; communicates confidently, listens effectively, and collaborates across departments.
• Working knowledge of the ILWU-PMA Pacific Coast Longshore and Clerk Agreement, Pacific Coast Walking Boss/Foreman Agreement, and applicable dispatch procedures.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic; takes ownership of departmental and organizational goals.
• Professional, positive, and results-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Exercises sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Effectively manages multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrates initiative and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Builds and maintains positive, cooperative, and productive working relationships.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Oracle and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; able to analyze and present data clearly and effectively.

Education and/or experience: Bachelor's degree in business administration, industrial relations or political science from a four year college or university preferred. Juris Doctorate degree a plus. Three to four years of Labor Relations experience is preferred. Maritime industry experience is a plus.

Working environment:

PMA offers a flexible, fun, and professional work environment. PMA's culture fosters collaboration, autonomy, and the ability to perform challenging work. This position works with a labor relations team in Long Beach. Some travel required to outside work sites. On-call work is required one week per month. This is an onsite position with the ability to work from home two days per month.

Work location:

One World Trade Center, Long Beach, California

Compensation and benefits:

PMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits: Healthcare provided under the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan (with no employee premiums and low out of pocket exposure).

PMA offers a 401(k) with a competitive discretionary employer match that equals 100 % of the first 5% and 50% of the next 10% of eligible pre-tax contributions.

In addition, PMA provides tuition reimbursement, company-paid training conferences, and certifications.

Additional compensation Auto allowance and discretionary bonus.

EEO statement:

PMA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.