Labor Relations Specialists

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Business & Financial
• O*NET-SOC code: 13-1075
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.
• Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
• Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
• Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
• Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
• Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
• Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
• Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
• Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
• Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
• Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
• Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.

Tools and technology

Kubernetes, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Oracle HRIS, Oracle PeopleSoft, ServiceNow, Workday software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
• Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
• Human Resources Managers
• Human Resources Specialists
• Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
• Compensation and Benefits Managers
• Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
• Public Relations Managers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Labor Relations Specialists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.