Intern-Labor Relations

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Metra Internship Program provides opportunities for college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students to gain practical experience through on-the-job learning. Metra assigns students to projects pertaining to their academic/educational fields of study, which complements classroom instruction. The knowledge they gain contributes to career development, while the experience provides insight into a wide variety of jobs in the railroad industry.

Labor Relations is charged with the negotiation and administration of 17 collective bargaining agreements between Metra and its employees represented by 14 unions. These responsibilities include representing Metra in arbitration with respect to minor disputes and the ongoing negotiations meant to reach amicable settlements and thus avoid a major dispute as defined by the Railway Labor Act with each of these unions.

In addition to other assigned work, the Internwill support Labor Relations-related functions in:

• Reviewing, organizing, and updating the materials used for negotiations for the seventeen (17) union contracts.
• Will develop and create a Section 6 Binder for each of the seventeen (17) union contracts for the next round of negotiations.
• Update the arbitration awards achieve document.
• Research and update with current awards and topics and add to the arbitration awards achieve document.
• Coordinate the update and redesign of the internal website with the development of useful guides and tools for internal customers.
• Prepare a detailed draft providing a training tool and manual for users of the LRIS system for first review.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

The Intern must be currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in an undergraduate program, or in a graduate program, from an accredited institution. Strongly preferred, but not required, areas of study are Labor Relations, Political Science, Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proven skills in essay writing and documentation. Ability to address tasks with high confidentially. Experience with research and Microsoft Office programs strongly preferred.

Must be 18 years or older; able to legally work in the United States; a student in good standing for each semester/quarter during their internship; and available to work between 12 and 20 hours per week and the option to work 12-40 hours per week during summer months.

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Metra is unable to sponsor visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) at this time.

.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants andemployees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.