Labour and Employee Relations Manager

Position Overview

The role involves overall management and supervision of labour relations activities at FC India, ensuring effective negotiation of labour contracts, resolution of disputes, and establishment of Labour & Employee Relations (L&ER) policies. This position collaborates closely with union representatives, statutory bodies, and internal plant HR teams to maintain compliance and a harmonious industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and welfare regulations as per the Factories Act and other relevant laws.
• Conduct comprehensive audits to verify compliance of Parker and its contractors with statutory requirements.
• Prepare and maintain statutory returns, registers, and documentation mandated by labour laws like the Factories Act and Contract Labour Act.
• Liaise effectively with government authorities including Revenue, Police, Judicial, Electricity Board, Labour, PF, and ESI departments for approvals and compliance filings.
• Represent the company at Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals, PF & ESI hearings, and conciliation meetings; coordinate legal counsel for employment-related cases.
• Facilitate POSH committee activities and conduct awareness initiatives along with regular employee meetings.
• Drive employee engagement through cultural programs, team-building activities, sports, community relations, and workshops promoting total employee involvement such as Suggestions, KAIZEN, and 5S.
• Lead and oversee various employee committees including canteen, sports, and recreation clubs.
• Organize and moderate skip-level and open forums enhancing transparent communication.
• Plan and coordinate industrial visits for union leaders to share and benchmark best practices.
• Develop and enforce industrial relations policies and grievance handling procedures; manage disciplinary actions including warnings, show cause notices, and charge sheets.
• Conduct domestic enquiries, manage grievance resolution, and handle complex labour disputes effectively and promptly.
• Formulate executive briefings on labour relations matters and contribute to strategic workforce reduction plans including downsizing scenarios.
• Advise on staff augmentation projects aimed at boosting flexibility and productivity.
• Maintain expert knowledge on labour conditions, legal trends, and industry practices through continuous learning and networking.
• Manage union relationships and participate actively in long-term wage settlements alongside plant management.
• Prepare and review collective agreements, educate management on contractual changes, and oversee implementation.
• Coordinate Labour-Management Consultative Committee activities to foster cooperative union-management relations.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to prepare for mediation or arbitration and ensure compliance with settlements or court orders.
• Draft and certify Standing Orders as required.
• Supervise welfare services including canteen, transportation, safety and health programs, cultural events, and employee get-togethers.
• Manage health-related programs such as employee medical examinations and insurance coverage including Workmen Compensation, Group Health, and Personal Accident Policies.
• Advise workers on company policies and assist safety teams in audits, accident investigations, and preventive analysis.

Qualifications

• MBA in Human Resources or MSW with over 10 years experience in manufacturing industry labour relations; a law degree is an additional advantage.
• Proven expertise in negotiation and building successful labour relations in unionized environments.
• In-depth knowledge of labour laws, labour dispute resolution, and collective bargaining.
• Strong leadership skills to guide labour negotiations and manage union relationships.
• Ability to develop and implement policies and ensure compliance effectively.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and maintaining positive employee-management relations.