Vanessa M. Lastrapes

Laveen, AZ ***** acvy85@r.postjobfree.com 303-***-****

Summary

First Chair Negotiator Distribution/Retail Employee Relations Employee Discipline

Counseling/Training Grievance Handling Conflict Manager Dispute Resolution

Succession Planning Leadership Development HRIS/PeopleSoft MS Office Proficient

Leadership Experience

Safeway Inc. 1976 – 2015

Labor Relations Manager – Denver Division (2010-2015)

Labor Relations Director – Denver Division (2006-2010)

Labor Relations Manager – SoCal Vons Division (2004-2006)

Successfully provided leadership and expertise to facilitate dispute resolution with non-union and union represented employees in a distribution and retail environment. Oversaw investigations, reviewed investigation results and delivered final disciplinary decisions. Administered and enforced union contracts across multiple regions including, Southern California, Nevada, Phoenix, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and New Mexico.

Reviewed union contract grievances and negotiated resolutions from six different unions. Fostered an effective partnership with Safeway’s coalition unions.

Partnered with the HR team to ensure proper administration of employment laws and state and federal statutes regulating HR functions.

Managed and assisted legal counsel in labor arbitrations as well as unfair labor practices charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); helped to develop legal defenses; investigated charges and provided required documents to the NLRB; prepared for arbitration proceedings; and testified as a Company witness.

Advised and trained managers, supervisors, HR representative and loss prevention investigators on union contract language (interpretation and application), grievances, coaching and discipline and union avoidance.

Partnered with senior leadership on labor relations’ issues. Ensured leaders were well-trained and understood Company policies, procedures and contractual obligations in order to fully leverage the provisions of collective bargaining agreements to achieve business outcomes in the most effective and affordable manner.

Managed, trained, developed and mentored up to five labor relations professionals to ensure the execution of consistent processes that foster cooperative union management relationships, as well as accurate interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements.

Prepared and conducted union contract negotiations; represented Safeway in union contract negotiations.

Key Accomplishments

Significantly reduced grievances by increasing awareness and accountability through training, coaching and union contract grievance reviews with management.

Drove efficiency by creating and implementing comprehensive data reports to evaluate grievances, respond to inquiries and support corporate business objectives.

Substantially decreased the costs associated with arbitration hearings by successfully negotiating grievance resolutions.

Served as a Trustee on the Rocky Mountain UFCW Union & Employer’s Health Benefit Plan, the Denver Area Meat Cutters & Employers Pension Plan and the Bakers’ & Confectionary, Health & Welfare Trust Fund.

Additional Safeway Career Experience

Labor Relations Representative, SoCal Vons Division; HRIS Business Analyst; Payroll/Personnel Supervisor; Lead Payroll/Personnel Coordinator; Various functional positions within the retail stores.

Academic Credentials & Professional Development

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration California State University, Dominquez Hills

Professional courses include: International Foundation Seminars; Diversity Training Leadership; Supervisory Training

Technical Expertise

MS Office PeopleSoft Payroll and Query Writer

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