DAVID G. GUZMAN
Fairfield,CA
Summary
Dedicated labor relations professional with extensive negotiation and contract administration experience, excelling in strategy, conflict resolution, negotiations, and stakeholder engagement. Proven track record in grievance management and strategic planning, leveraging analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills to enhance organizational effectiveness and outcomes. Adept at fostering collaborative environments and driving process improvements across diverse teams.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director - Chief Negotiator
University of CA, Office of the President
Okaland
04.2024 - Current
- Advanced University's mission through effective labor relations and compliance with HEERA.
- Represented University of California in system-wide labor negotiations with major unions.
- Compiled, researched, and analyzed bargaining data to inform negotiation strategies.
- Coordinated with campus stakeholders to align on labor relations initiatives.
Prepared responses to Unit Modification Petitions from employee organizations via PERB. - Strategized with legal counsel on Unfair Labor Practice Charge responses and hearings.
- Interpreted and administered collective bargaining agreements across campuses and medical centers.
- Utilized critical thinking to resolve grievances while applying the Seven Tests of Just Cause.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance university-wide policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with leadership to align departmental goals with institutional objectives.
- Managed cross-functional teams to facilitate effective communication and project execution.
- Developed training programs to improve staff skills and operational efficiency.
- Analyzed data to inform decision-making and strategic planning efforts.
- Oversaw compliance with regulatory requirements and university standards.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement to gather input for proposal development.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to junior staff members in their roles.
- Developed team atmosphere to drive supportive and productive work environment.
- Maintained positive relationships with stakeholders by responding promptly to inquiries, requests and complaints.
- Participated actively in decision making processes at a high level within the organization.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in processes, procedures, systems and services.
- Conducted meetings to lead discussions as subject matter expert on assigned projects.
State Labor Relations Manager
Department of Administrative Services
Salem, Oregon
12.2019 - 04.2024
- Developed recommendations for Governor and Department of Administrative Services on labor relations policies affecting Executive Branch employees.
- Served as chief negotiator for employer in negotiations with Department of Corrections and Oregon State Police.
- Negotiated complex bargaining issues with union representatives to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Analyzed statewide union and employer proposals for economic impacts on labor agreements.
- Presented cases in mediation and arbitration hearings while representing employer interests.
- Resolved grievances through arbitration, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
- Oversaw administration of labor agreements and provided guidance to agencies on implementation.
- Designed training materials addressing employee relations, contract administration, and discipline issues.
- Facilitated negotiations between management and employee representatives.
- Developed labor policies in compliance with state regulations.
- Managed grievance processes and resolved disputes effectively.
- Conducted training sessions on labor relations for staff.
- Analyzed labor market trends to inform strategic planning.
- Collaborated with legal teams on contract interpretations.
- Advised leadership on employee relations best practices.
- Maintained accurate records of negotiations and agreements.
- Monitored performance metrics related to labor relations activities including grievance timelines, response times, cost savings initiatives.
- Facilitated communication between management teams and union officials in order to promote mutual understanding of each parties' objectives.
- Collaborated with Human Resources personnel to ensure that policies were implemented fairly and consistently across the organization.
- Provided training sessions for managers on their rights and responsibilities under union contracts and applicable labor laws.
- Conducted labor-management meetings to discuss and resolve grievances, contract negotiations, and other labor relations issues.
- Developed strategies for resolving collective bargaining disputes through mediation, arbitration or other dispute resolution techniques.
- Researched industry trends related to labor relations matters such as wage scales, working conditions, benefit plans and collective bargaining agreements.
- Investigated employee complaints regarding unfair treatment or violations of collective bargaining agreement provisions.
- Drafted correspondence regarding grievances, disciplinary actions taken by management against employees, termination decisions issued by management teams.
- Coordinated with payroll departments regularly regarding any discrepancies between pay rates established by collective bargaining agreements versus those actually paid out.
- Analyzed relevant labor laws and regulations, made recommendations on policy changes, and provided advice on legal compliance with applicable statutes.
- Assisted in developing long-term labor relations strategies to maintain positive relationships between management and unions.
- Negotiated contracts with union representatives in order to secure fair wages and benefits for employees.
Labor Relations Manager
Covered California
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Maintained harmonious labor relations to foster a collaborative environment.
- Served as department representative in Joint Labor Management Committees.
- Researched and prepared responses to bargaining topics, ensuring thorough analysis.
- Conducted research and analysis for grievances and arbitration preparations.
- Addressed complaints and grievances promptly at departmental level.
- Supervised seven employees, managing performance and development initiatives.
- Led Human Capital Management software acquisition, coordinating vendor presentations.
- Provided notice to labor organizations regarding subcontracting acquired by the department.
- Administered bargaining unit agreements for four bargaining units.
- Responded at the department level for complaints and grievances.
- Conducted analysis and provided recommendations to all levels of management.
- Discussed and reached various agreements with union representatives to ensure management's rights were protected and to promote harmonious labor relations.
- Maintained and billed appropriately union leave.
- Researched and analyzed special projects as assigned.
- Analyzed policies for any impact to labor/management.
- Developed and presented training to large groups of Covered California employees at various sites.
- Served as acting HR Chief which required the review and signing off of RPAs, salary advances, assigning tasks, adverse actions, medical options, etc.
- Met with other stakeholders on behalf of the HR Chief.
- Served as the Section Chief over the Disability Management Unit which administered FMLA/CFRA/PDL entitlements.
- Managed the department's workers compensation program.
Labor Relations Manager
Cal OES
Mather
05.2019 - 11.2019
- Maintained harmonious labor relations with respective unions through effective communication and negotiation.
- Served as department representative during interactions with union leaders to address concerns.
- Provided consultation to management on interpretation and administration of bargaining agreements.
- Researched and prepared departmental responses to various bargaining topics and issues.
- Developed Job Action Contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted governmental services during job actions.
- Administered bargaining unit agreements for eight units, ensuring compliance and clarity.
- Performed research, analysis, and preparation for grievances and arbitration cases.
- Conducted training sessions for large employee groups to enhance understanding of labor relations.
- Developed labor policies in alignment with organizational goals.
- Conducted training sessions on labor laws and employee rights.
- Resolved disputes through mediation and conflict resolution strategies.
- Monitored compliance with labor regulations and collective agreements.
- Advised leadership on best practices in labor relations management.
- Analyzed relevant labor laws and regulations, made recommendations on policy changes, and provided advice on legal compliance with applicable statutes.
- Assisted in developing long-term labor relations strategies to maintain positive relationships between management and unions.
- Facilitated communication between management teams and union officials in order to promote mutual understanding of each parties' objectives.
- Investigated employee complaints regarding unfair treatment or violations of collective bargaining agreement provisions.
- Collaborated with Human Resources personnel to ensure that policies were implemented fairly and consistently across the organization.
- Conducted labor-management meetings to discuss and resolve grievances, contract negotiations, and other labor relations issues.
- Coordinated with payroll departments regularly regarding any discrepancies between pay rates established by collective bargaining agreements versus those actually paid out.
- Participated in grievance hearings as necessary in order to represent the company's interests effectively.
Labor Relations Analyst
CAL FIRE
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Represented Director of CAL FIRE in various communications and decisions.
- Administered collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Conducted grievance and arbitration research, analysis, and preparation.
- Administered Statewide Substance Abuse Testing program for CAL FIRE.
- Developed and administered next of kin death benefits and honors for family of fallen firefighters.
- Analyzed policies for potential impacts on labor and management relations.
- Provided executive management with analysis and strategic recommendations.
- Led training sessions for large groups of CAL FIRE employees on contract changes, employer rights, and employee and labor relations.
- Participated in negotiations with respective bargaining units to address concerns.
- Served as note taker in respective negotiations and meet and confer sessions.
Correctional Officer II
City of Roseville
Roseville, California
08.2003 - 12.2011
- Provided care and oversight for incarcerated individuals in correctional facility.
- Responded effectively to emergencies within facility settings.
- Managed interactions with difficult populations, including intoxicated or combative individuals.
- As Jail Training Officer (JTO) supervised training programs for employees and evaluated performance consistently.
- Developed and implemented training initiatives for new staff members.
- Administered Sentenced Prisoner Program, improving alternative sentencing processes.
- Participated in committees to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce fiscal impacts.
- Executed clerical tasks, including criminal history analysis and arrestee information collection.
- Executed clerical functions to obtain and interpret criminal history data for bookings.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmate housing and common areas for contraband.
- Assisted in inmate classification processes based on behavior and security needs.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands, and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Applied non-violent response tools and physical restraint during problematic situations.
- Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
- Transported prisoners between facilities using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
- Provided first response medical care in emergency situations until professional medical staff could take over.
- Reviewed police officer documentation and analyzed court records for precision.
- Maintained comprehensive inmate records through prompt completion of booking paperwork.
- Supervised inmates to ensure safety.
- Responded to incidents swiftly, adhering to established emergency protocols.
- Documented daily operations and incidents in thorough reports for regulatory compliance.
- Enforced institutional policies to maintain order and security within correctional facility.
Correctional Officer II
County of Nevada
Nevada City, CA
10.2001 - 07.2003
- Executed clerical functions to obtain and interpret criminal history data for bookings.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmate housing and common areas for contraband.
- Assisted in inmate classification processes based on behavior and security needs.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands, and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Applied non-violent response tools and physical restraint during problematic situations.
- Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
- Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
- Provided first response medical care in emergency situations until professional medical staff could take over.
- Reviewed police officer documentation and analyzed court records for precision.
- Maintained comprehensive inmate records through prompt completion of booking paperwork.
- Supervised inmates during recreation, meals, and work assignments to ensure safety.
- Monitored inmate behavior during daily activities to prevent conflicts and uphold order.
- Responded to incidents swiftly, adhering to established emergency protocols.
- Documented daily operations and incidents in thorough reports for regulatory compliance.
- Enforced institutional policies to maintain order and security within correctional facility.
Education
Bachelor of the Arts - Organizational Communication
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA01.2013
Master of the Arts - Organizational & Instructional Communication
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CASkills
- Labor relations
- Labor negotiations
- Arbitration
- Mediation
- Meet and confer
- Meet and discuss
- Performance management
- Succession planning
- Equal employment opportunity
- Training and development
- Health and safety
- Conflict resolution
- Stakeholder engagement
- Grievance management
- Employee relations
- Regulatory compliance
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Communication strategy
- Team leadership
- Critical thinking
- Performance monitoring techniques
- Relationship building strategies
- Program development initiatives
- Decision-making processes
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Key relationship management
- Coaching and mentoring practices
- Public speaking expertise
- Analytical thinking skills
- Crisis management strategies
- Process improvement methodologies
- Proposal writing skills
- Project management expertise
- Recruiting and interviewing techniques
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Policy writing
Accomplishments
• Life Saving Award
• Communication Honor Society
• Communication Honor Society
Hr Experience
- Associate Director - Chief Negotiator, University of CA, Office of the President, 4/24 - Present
- State Labor Relations Manager, Department of Administrative Services, 12/19 - 4/24
- Labor Relations Manager, Cal OES, 5/19 - 11/19
- Labor Relations Manager, Covered California, 05/15 - 4/19
- Labor Relations Analyst, CAL FIRE, 6/13 - 4/15
Timeline
Associate Director - Chief Negotiator
University of CA, Office of the President
04.2024 - Current
State Labor Relations Manager
Department of Administrative Services
12.2019 - 04.2024
Labor Relations Manager
Cal OES
05.2019 - 11.2019
Labor Relations Manager
Covered California
01.2015 - 12.2019
Labor Relations Analyst
CAL FIRE
01.2013 - 12.2015
Correctional Officer II
City of Roseville
08.2003 - 12.2011
Correctional Officer II
County of Nevada
10.2001 - 07.2003
Bachelor of the Arts - Organizational Communication
California State University, Sacramento
Master of the Arts - Organizational & Instructional Communication
California State University, Sacramento