Job Summary
Leads and executes labor relations processes in partnership with CSX Transportation (CSXT) leaders, internal stakeholders, and labor organizations. Serves as a management advocate in written and oral arbitration proceedings and develops persuasive, well-supported positions in disputes involving the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), established precedent, and past practice. Anticipates business needs, identifies emerging risks, develops practical solutions, and provides strategic recommendations to management and labor representatives. Uses data, technology, and approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve research, analysis, drafting, case preparation, and decision support while applying sound professional judgment and safeguarding confidential information. Drives business results through trusted partnerships with Senior Directors, Directors, Managers, and cross-functional leaders.
Primary Activities and Responsibilities
- Lead a portfolio of discipline appeals and interpretation grievances scheduled for hearings under Section 3 of the Railway Labor Act (RLA), establishing case strategy, priorities, and deadlines.
- Partner with Labor Relations leaders and designated hearing officers on agreement interpretation, case risk, and arbitration strategy.
- Manage the formal on-property handling of discipline appeals, including timely, accurate, and persuasive written communications between management and labor organizations.
- Advise field management and senior leaders on CBA requirements, discipline processes, attendance matters, risk, and consistent application of policy.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on discipline and attendance provisions, related policies, arbitral precedent, and evolving labor relations practices.
- Support designated departments and long-term initiatives aligned with the strategic agenda, working across Labor Relations, Human Resources, Legal, and Operations to advance business objectives.
- Act as a trusted liaison between Operations management and labor organizations, aligning Labor Relations services with internal client needs and identifying opportunities to add measurable value.
- Build and sustain effective partnerships with management, labor representatives, and employees to resolve disputes fairly, consistently, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
- Investigate claims, evaluate evidence, research arbitral precedent and past practice, assess risk, and prepare detailed, well-reasoned written positions and recommendations.
- Use approved AI-enabled tools to accelerate document review, issue spotting, precedent research, data analysis, drafting, and preparation of case summaries, presentations, and training materials; independently verify outputs and comply with all confidentiality, data security, legal, and records-management requirements.
- Monitor case trends, outcomes, and recurring issues; translate findings into actionable insights, preventive strategies, and process improvements for leaders and stakeholders.
- Design and deliver authoritative presentations, guidance, and training on Labor Relations topics for managers, hearing officers, witnesses, and other stakeholders.
- Lead or contribute to special projects and perform other duties as assigned by the manager.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 2 or more years of progressively responsible experience in Labor Relations, Human Resources, employment law support, railroad operations, or other related field.
- Demonstrated experience analyzing complex issues, preparing formal written positions, and advising leaders or stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Knowledge and Skills
- Exceptional written, oral, presentation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
- Working knowledge of the railroad industry, the Railway Labor Act, collective bargaining, grievance handling, discipline, and arbitration processes.
- Strong business acumen, customer focus, and the ability to connect Labor Relations strategy to operational priorities.
- Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, policies, arbitral precedent, past practice, and relevant regulations.
- Advanced analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Sound judgment and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive, and ambiguous matters with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Proficiency with applicable enterprise technology, including PeopleSoft Human Resource Information System (HRIS/LCAT), Oracle, or comparable platforms.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel data analysis and PivotTables, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and approved AI-enabled productivity tools.
- Ability to use generative AI and related analytical tools responsibly for research, summarization, drafting, pattern identification, and decision support while validating accuracy, recognizing limitations and bias, protecting privileged or confidential information, and maintaining human accountability for final work products.
- Knowledge of CSX mainframe and operational systems, such as myJOBtrax, TECS, or Payroll, or the ability to learn comparable systems quickly.
- Ability to influence without direct authority, build credibility across functions, and improve employee and organizational performance while balancing Labor Relations, Human Resources, legal, and operational considerations.
Leadership
The CSX Leadership Model is the foundation of our Talent Strategy and is what drives CSX performance. CSX accordingly selects and develops talent based on each of the following: producing results, creating change, and inspiring excellence.
Job Requirements
- Work hours may vary in length and schedule (may include a non-standard work week)