CHI Franciscan Health is seeking an experienced labor relations leader to serve in a new position
with our organization – Director of Labor Relations. This individual will oversee labor relations in
a highly matrixed organization that includes union and non-union work sites. CHI Franciscan
Health is comprised of 8 acute care hospitals, over 100 clinic locations and other healthcare
services. We employee 12,000 people throughout the South Puget Sound and have 23 labor
contracts. This position will be based in Tacoma, Washington.
We Offer:
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A highly collegial and values-based culture
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The opportunity to be part of a healthy and growing health care system with the
resources that come with being part of a system and our parent company, Catholic
Health Initiatives
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The opportunity to work with individuals across the organization, including a team of HR
professionals
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Highly competitive base salary plus a very generous and comprehensive employee
benefits Program.
Essential Job Functions:
Plans, strategizes, and leads the negotiating team in advance and "at the table" to ensure the
interests of CHI Franciscan Health are appropriately represented for all contract negotiations.
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Confers with site-based stakeholders and SVP-Human Resources to develop negotiation
strategies, the bargaining cycle and bargaining positions/proposals while maintaining
region-wide standards; participates in closed sessions with Senior Leadership regarding
labor negotiations.
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Serves as management representative and/or principal Franciscan spokesperson for
collective bargaining activities and may serve as Chief Negotiator.
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Collects and interprets cost or budget impact information relating to salary or benefit
proposals; develops alternative proposals and strategies during collective bargaining
activities.
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Analyzes union proposals and collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance
federal and state laws; drafts new/revised contract language in line with CHIFH needs and
organizational parity standards.
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Works to minimize the risk of operational disruption; anticipates potential issues or labor
disputes and ability to address with appropriate mitigation plans to minimize negative
impact to operations.
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Develops and maintains
leaders/representatives
effective
relationships
with
bargaining
unit/union
Leads and supports regional Human Resource colleagues in developing and implementing
proactive and integrated labor/employee relations approach across CHI Franciscan Health,
providing early issue identification and mitigation processes, and creating a consistent
approach to positive employee relations across Franciscan facilities.
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Assesses and coordinates with HR and facility leaders in the development of action plans to
proactively address locations vulnerable to employee engagement issues, union organizing,
social compliance, and contract labor.
Reviews, researches, and evaluates risk,
grievance/arbitration matters, as required.
prepares
solutions
and
responds
to
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Conducts fact finding investigation activities related to labor relations inquiries and
concerns and, in collaboration with site-based HR leader, prescribes appropriate actions, as
required.
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Oversees the compilation, preparation, and analysis of data for use in union negotiations,
mediation and related activities; working closely with management, formulates responses
relating to unfair labor practice charges and other legal proceedings.
Consults with, and provides advice to, departmental management and supervisors on matters
pertaining to employer-employee relations.
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Responds to inquiries from HR partners on day-to-day union contract administration
matters.
Develops policies to guide CHIFH-wide labor and employee relations activities; prepares and
recommends policy statements or revisions; and provides expertise for specific projects and
organization-wide task force studies on labor relations matters.

Identifies relevant metrics and prepares reports on labor relations matters.

Provides advanced professional consultation and support to leadership and HR
management on complex issues and programs; may consult legal counsel as needed.
Develops communications and training materials for managers/employees with regard to
collective bargaining and labor relations activities.

Participates in the development of communication strategies to promote employeremployee understanding of the purposes, policies and programs relating to collective
bargaining and contract administration.

Provides management with periodic updates related to negotiation progress and status.

Prepares and delivers relevant management training as necessary.
Minimum Job Qualifications:
Education/Work Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources/Organizational Management,
Industrial/Labor Relations, Labor Studies, Law, Political Science, Industrial and Organizational
Psychology or other closely related field and eight years of directly applicable work experience
that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities. Work experience
in unionized, healthcare setting is strongly preferred. Juris Doctorate degree is preferred.
Master’s degree in a directly-related discipline may be substituted for two years of the work
experience requirement.
Job Knowledge/Abilities:
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Knowledge of the principles, professional standards and practices relating to contract
administration and negotiation, collective bargaining, arbitration and grievance processes.
Knowledge of local, state and federal (e.g. NLRB, NLRA, State Labor Code, FLSA, etc)
regulations and legal requirements/precedents pertaining to matters within designated
scope of authority.
Knowledge of the general principles, practices, and trends relating to Human Resources
and labor-management relations.
Knowledge of research and data collection techniques; communication techniques for
gathering, evaluating, and transmitting information.
Knowledge of current trends/patterns in contract negotiations and arbitration decisions.
Knowledge of, and ability to use strong problem-solving skills combined with a strong
service orientation.
Ability to demonstrate effective performance in areas such as: labor contract negotiation,
preparation of labor agreements, mediation, resolution of grievances relating to labor
agreements, etc.
Ability to build strong professional relationships with staff at all levels of the organization
and to effectively influence change.
Ability to use critical thinking and effective verbal and written communication skills to
facilitate difficult discussions and reach positive resolution.
Ability to keep abreast of trends, current developments and regulatory requirements
impacting matters within designated scope of authority.
Ability to recommend and implement effective collective bargaining strategies, tactics and
proposals.
Ability to address large groups clearly and concisely; and work cooperatively and maintain
control when meeting with organizations, sometimes under significant emotional pressure
and after long hours of negotiations.
Ability to analyze, interpret and apply contract provisions and appropriate laws, rules,
regulations, memoranda of understanding, policies, procedures, and instructions.
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct research, and investigatory and statistical work.
Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of
the position.
Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an
acceptable level.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of
the position.
Licensure/Certification:
SPHR Certification preferred.
To Apply:
Please apply on-line at www.fhshealth.org and click on “Careers”
Select “All Franciscan Health Positions”
Enter the Requisition Number: 1400031404
Click on the Job Title and then just follow the prompts to upload your resume, complete the
employment application and complete our candidate assessment. The assessment has some
fun “thinking questions,” so we suggest you take it in a quiet space, allow about 45 minutes, and
have scratch paper, pen and caffeine available.
CHI Franciscan Health is proud to be an EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED employer. Individuals
with disabilities who require assistance with the application process are invited to call us at
(253) 426-6288.