This role is Remote – Must be located in or near Minnesota for local travel throughout Minnesota. 

Purpose:

Assists VP & DGC in supporting all aspects of labor relations for the Company’s retail operations, including labor contract negotiations, employee benefits, labor contract administration and dispute resolution to ensure the optimum outcome for the company, including multiemployer benefit pension plan and health plan obligations as part of a team of labor relations and associate relations professionals. Supports the chief negotiator for company in a wide range of labor negotiations. Handles grievances and under the supervision of the VP & DGC, arbitrations, on behalf of the company’s retail operations. Advises business units and makes recommendations regarding policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to labor relations and employee benefits as directed by the VP/Director of Labor Relations, provides legal counsel and guidance to officers and management regarding contract negotiations, employee benefits, changes in laws and regulations, business planning and dispute resolution concerning unionized associates.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Serves as content expert on all matters arising under labor contracts and advises business partners on all issues arising under labor contracts, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans and other issues involving unionized associates.
• Handles grievances and implements strategy around how to minimize and resolve in the best manner.
• Represents the Company’s position and/or work with internal or external labor counsel in developing and presenting case in arbitrations.
• Supports chief labor negotiator on a wide range of labor contract negotiations and related matters.
• Serves as trustee under the direction of VP & DGC of LR on multiemployer benefit plans.
• Partners with the Benefits Department in implementing health plan and retirement plan benefits for unionized associates covered by the company benefit plans.
• Partners with Legal Department and business partners in other matters relating to administrative agency charges; litigation; WARN analysis and implementation; ADA, FMLA, Child Labor and related laws; new or changes in state law.
• Represents the Company’s position and/or works with outside counsel on developing the position with the National Labor Relations Board arising out of unfair labor practice charges and inquiries, selects and supervises outside counsel where appropriate.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
• Ability to travel up to 70% locally throughout Minnesota. 

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with prior experience in labor relations or human resources in a unionized environment required.
• Law degree and/or prior law, prior labor law, labor negotiations, or union dispute resolution experience preferred.

Experience:

• 5-7 years labor relations, labor negotiations, or union dispute resolution experience.

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Knowledge of governmental regulations and laws relating to labor and employment law and employee benefits, possess basic understanding of general business economic principles.
• Possess excellent public relations and communications skills, both verbal and written, as well as the ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of Company and outside personnel.
• Possess ability to work in cooperation with others to achieve desired results.

Physical Enviornment/Demands: 

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
• Ability to travel up to 70% locally throughout Minnesota. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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