Specifications include, but are not limited to: The City of Kalamazoo is seeking professional services from qualified labor negotiators, law firms, and attorneys to negotiate labor agreements and provide labor relations support on an as-needed basis. 4.1. Corresponds and facilitates work with union officials, arbitrators, mediators and others regarding grievances, arbitrations, mediations, negotiations, unfair labor practice charges and other pending labor relations matters. 4.2. Provides labor relations advice to City administrators, directors, managers and supervisors by applying knowledge of contracts, policies, statutes and sound human resources and labor relations principles. 4.3. Provide consultation on labor laws including, but not limited to, the terms and conditions of employment, labor practices, layoffs, statutory changes, pension modification, work schedule changes, revisions of departmental rules and staffing guidelines. 4.4. Meet with designated staff to define management goals and policy for union negotiations. 4.5. Researches and prepares for contract negotiations by gathering information to support bargaining strategies and positions and properly anticipating Union strategies and positions. 4.6. Participate in drafting proposals for negotiations. 4.7. Assist in the formulation and preparation of cost analysis of management and union/bargaining unit proposals. 4.8. Researches and writes appropriate grievance responses by reviewing applicable contracts, grievance answers and prior arbitration awards 4.9. Conducts grievance meetings by determining relevance of facts presented and soundness of arguments made by Union and Management. 4.10. Serves as Chief Spokesperson, as necessary, in negotiations with labor organizations; reviews and analyzes union proposals, develops counter-proposals. 4.11. Act as the City's management advisor in mediation, fact finding and related procedures. 4.12. Consultations with the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, HR Director, Management Services Director and City Commission as applicable. 4.13. Provide debriefing for the City Manager, HR Director and City Commission on the status of negotiations as needed.