VP, Labor Relations

Walt Disney Studios is seeking a dynamic Vice President, Labor Relations to join its Labor Relations Department in Burbank, CA. This pivotal role involves negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, providing strategic labor advice to production units, and representing the company in arbitration and administrative forums. This executive will bring a passion for labor relations, exceptional dispute resolution skills, and the ability to build strong, constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including guilds and unions, while advancing the company’s objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement comprehensive labor relations strategies that align with Disney’s overall business and HR goals.

• Partner with senior leaders to advise on labor relations matters, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and legal requirements.

• Advise business units regarding terms and conditions of industry collective bargaining agreements.

Labor Negotiations:

• Lead and/or contribute to negotiations for collective bargaining agreements with “above-the-line” and “below-the-line” unions in the US, Canada, UK, and other jurisdictions. 

• Serve as a negotiator during contract discussions and disputes, effectively balancing the needs of the business while adhering to union regulations and best practices.

Policy and Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Develop policies and processes that mitigate labor risks and ensure adherence to union collective bargaining agreements, providing guidance to management on union contract interpretation.

Relationship Building:

• Establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with union leaders, employee representatives, and external legal advisors.

• Promote a culture of collaboration and open communication between union representatives and leadership to resolve issues before they escalate.

Conflict Resolution and Advisory:

• Provide guidance and support to management on conflict resolution, grievance handling, and disciplinary actions within the scope of labor agreements.

• Proactively identify potential labor disputes and implement solutions that minimize disruptions to business operations.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide mentorship, strategic direction, and performance management to ensure the team’s success.

• Promote continuous learning and development opportunities to keep the team updated on evolving labor trends and regulatory changes.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in labor relations, with a strong track record of leading labor negotiations in the entertainment or media industry.

• Proven experience managing complex labor issues in a unionized environment and achieving successful outcomes.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law or a related field.

• A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.

• In-depth knowledge of industry collective bargaining agreements.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building rapport and credibility with all levels of the organization and union representatives.

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and effectively manage high-stakes negotiations.