Labor Relations Specialist

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as the organization's subject matter expert on labor and union relations, partnering with leadership to foster productive relationships with union representatives while ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), labor laws, and organizational policies. This role advises managers on labor-related matters, administers grievance procedures, supports contract negotiations, conducts investigations, and promotes a positive and legally compliant work environment.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining, conflict resolution, and employee relations, with the ability to balance organizational objectives while maintaining strong union partnerships.

Essential Responsibilities

Labor Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all labor relations matters involving unionized employees.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to ensure consistent application across the organization.
• Advise managers and supervisors on contract interpretation, disciplinary actions, employee performance, attendance issues, and labor-related concerns.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with union representatives.
• Participate in labor-management meetings and committees.
• Monitor compliance with negotiated agreements and recommend improvements to labor relations practices.

Grievance Administration

• Manage the grievance process from initial filing through resolution.
• Investigate grievances, gather documentation, interview witnesses, and prepare written responses.
• Coordinate arbitration preparation, including organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and working with legal counsel when necessary.
• Track grievance trends and recommend proactive solutions to reduce recurring issues.

Collective Bargaining

• Support contract negotiations by researching labor market data, preparing proposals, analyzing contract language, and maintaining negotiation documentation.
• Assist leadership in developing bargaining strategies.
• Participate in negotiations as assigned.
• Prepare contract summaries and educate leadership on negotiated changes.

Employee Relations

• Conduct workplace investigations involving employee misconduct, policy violations, discrimination, harassment, and other workplace concerns.
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and employment laws.
• Provide guidance on progressive discipline and performance management.
• Promote fair and consistent employee relations practices throughout the organization.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), ADA, Title VII, and other applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Maintain accurate labor relations records and documentation.
• Assist with audits and regulatory reporting as needed.

Training & Leadership Support

• Develop and deliver labor relations training for managers and supervisors.
• Educate leaders on contract administration, employee relations best practices, progressive discipline, and labor law updates.
• Provide coaching to leadership on effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.

Reporting & Analytics

• Track labor relations metrics including grievances, arbitrations, disciplinary actions, absenteeism, and contract compliance.
• Analyze trends and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field required.

Experience

• 5 years of progressive labor relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience managing grievance and arbitration processes.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations preferred.
• Strong employee relations and workplace investigation experience.