Labor Relations Specialists

Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

Median Annual Wage: $56,950

Education: Bachelor's degree (30%); Master's degree (25%); High school diploma or equivalent (20%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Business Agent; Business Representative; Field Operations Coordinator; Grievance Manager; Labor Relations Director; Labor Relations Specialist

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Labor Relations Specialists.

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  • Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
  • Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.
  • Write letters related to labor relations activities, such as letters to amend collective bargaining agreements, letters of dispute or conciliation, or letters to seek clarification of contract terms.
  • Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
  • Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
  • Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
  • Assess the impact of union proposals on company or government operations.
  • Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
  • Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
  • Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
  • Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
  • Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
  • Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
  • Assess risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.
  • Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
  • Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.
  • Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
  • Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives.
  • Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.
  • Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor relations or labor contracts.
  • Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.
  • Develop methods to monitor employee satisfaction with policies or working conditions, including grievance or complaint procedures.
  • Research case law or outcomes of previous case hearings.
  • Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Labor Relations Specialists.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Labor Relations Specialists.

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