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Director Labor Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGC of Michigan

Director of Labor Relations

Lansing, MI

The Labor Relations Director Position The Labor Relations Director sits at the intersection of strategy, negotiation, and relationship-building, serving as the primary advocate and advisor for AGC-MI ...

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American

$135K - $150K/yr

The Director of Labor Relations will serve as the first point of contact and advisor to academic and administrative departments on labor relations matters and provide guidance relating to the ...

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Director Labor Relations information

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$82K

$137.9K

$189.5K

How much do director labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director labor relations in the United States is $137,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is labor relations the same as HR?

Labor relations is a specialized area within human resources that focuses on managing relationships between employers and unionized employees, including negotiations and contract enforcement. While HR handles a broad range of employee management tasks, labor relations specifically addresses collective bargaining, labor laws, and union interactions.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Labor Relations in maintaining positive union-management relationships?

Directors of Labor Relations often navigate complex negotiations between management and union representatives, balancing organizational goals with employee concerns. Common challenges include addressing grievances promptly, managing contract negotiations under tight deadlines, and adapting to changes in labor laws or union expectations. Success in this role requires strong communication, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to build trust on both sides, often working closely with HR, legal teams, and operational leaders to ensure alignment and compliance.

What is the highest paying labor job?

The highest paying labor-related jobs often include specialized roles such as construction managers, industrial production managers, or skilled trades like elevator installers and power plant operators. These positions typically require technical skills, certifications, and experience, and they can offer high salaries due to the complexity and responsibility involved.

What does a Director of Labor Relations do?

A Director of Labor Relations is responsible for managing the relationship between an organization and its employees, particularly in matters involving labor unions, collective bargaining agreements, and workplace policies. They negotiate labor contracts, resolve disputes, ensure compliance with labor laws, and often serve as the main liaison between management and employee representatives. Their goal is to foster a positive working environment while balancing the needs of both the employer and the workforce.

What does a labor relations director do?

A labor relations director oversees interactions between an organization and its employees' labor unions or workforce, managing negotiations, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. They develop strategies to maintain positive labor relations, often using negotiation skills and knowledge of employment regulations to support organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Labor Relations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Labor Relations, you need deep knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining, and organizational policy, usually backed by a degree in human resources, labor relations, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems, contract management software, and relevant certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are typically required. Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively managing labor negotiations, maintaining positive union relationships, and ensuring organizational compliance.

What is the difference between Director Labor Relations vs Labor Relations Manager?

AspectDirector Labor RelationsLabor Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced certifications in HR or labor lawBachelor's degree; relevant HR or labor law certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, policy development, senior management collaborationOperational focus, employee negotiations, day-to-day labor issues
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, unionized industries, HR departmentsMid-sized companies, unionized workplaces, HR teams

The Director Labor Relations typically handles high-level strategy, policy, and negotiations with unions, working closely with senior management. In contrast, the Labor Relations Manager focuses on implementing policies, managing employee relations, and conducting negotiations at the operational level. Both roles require knowledge of labor laws and strong negotiation skills, but the Director role is more strategic and leadership-oriented.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations professionals, including directors, often work in high-pressure environments due to negotiations, conflict resolution, and compliance with labor laws. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex, sensitive issues, which can contribute to job stress. However, effective planning and experience can help mitigate stress levels in this field.
More about Director Labor Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Labor Relations jobs? Cities with the most Director Labor Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Director Labor Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Labor Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Labor Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Labor Relations jobs are:
Director Labor Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Labor Relations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,916 per year, or $66.3 per hour.
Manager Labor Relations

Manager Labor Relations

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Long Island City, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

JetBlue rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

Manager, Labor Relations
Position Summary
The Manager Labor Relations reports to the Director Labor Relations and is responsible for managing labor relations, including the grievance/mediation/arbitration and negotiations processes, with leadership, Legal and Crew Relations for unionized work groups and maintaining our culture and positive relations with those work groups. The Manager is an effective communicator and consensus builder and enjoys interacting with people at different levels within the organization and building and maintaining relationships. The Manager is comfortable working in a non-routine environment. The Manager is a skilled influencer, demonstrates solid time and project management skills, and is a resilient individual whose personal values match JetBlue's values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion and Fun.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Point-person for all People department related labor issues pertaining to Flight Ops/Dispatch, including administration and implementation of the collective bargaining agreements (CBA)
  • Act as People liaison at meetings relating to the grievance/mediation/arbitration/negotiations processes
  • Partner with operational leaders of the unionized work groups, Crew Relations, and the Legal departments as needed to help maintain consistency and ensure CBA and legal compliance
  • In conjunction with Sr. Analyst LR, oversee the grievance/mediation/arbitration processes and strategy for same
  • Support the grievance mediation and collective bargaining negotiations processes to include acting as first chair
  • Performs research and analysis and preparation of memoranda related to Labor Relations issues
  • Be the subject matter expert on top pilot/dispatcher concerns and track and drive progress towards resolution by actively managing projects and holding stakeholders accountable
  • Provide recommendations to leadership to drive change regarding variables that may influence our Direct Relationship with other workgroups including reviewing and maintaining policies
  • Create and deliver LR training in conjunction with other departments as needed to include investigative training and drafting of discipline
  • Counsel operational leaders and drive consensus on matters relating to LR processes
  • Is responsible for the oversight, development and growth of their Direct reports as well as Playing a significant role in the development of all other LR team members to support their engagement, growth, and goal achievement
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Experience and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field; OR demonstrated capability to perform job responsibilities with a High School Diploma/GED and at least four (4) years of previous relevant work experience
  • Five (5) years of labor relations experience, including experience in drafting/negotiating collective bargaining agreements
  • Three (3) years leadership experience
  • Presenting and facilitating in front of senior leadership
  • Ability to appropriately compile and utilize data to make decisions
  • Ability to communicate and influence at all levels of the organization.
  • Familiarity with the Railway-Labor Act and knowledge of labor relations laws and best practices
  • Knowledge of other airlines' labor issues and collective bargaining agreements
  • Proficient knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Suite products (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Available for overnight travel (30% to 50%)
  • Able to work flexible hours
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
  • Authorization to work in the US is required, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Preferred Experience and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in legal, labor or HR studies
  • Knowledge of contractual language
  • Airline operations experience (scheduling, airport operations, etc.)
  • Demonstrating solid project management skills and the ability to effectuate initiatives
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) experience, practical or educational
  • Making proactive and educated decisions with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrating strong communication skills; written and verbal
  • Grievance mediation and arbitration experience
  • Understanding of the law(s)/precedent that govern labor and collective bargaining agreements
  • Organizational knowledge

Crewmember Expectations:
  • Regular attendance and punctuality
  • Potential need to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short notice
  • Able to maintain a professional appearance
  • When working or traveling on JetBlue flights, and if time permits, all capable crewmembers are asked to assist with light cleaning of the aircraft
  • Must be an appropriate organizational fit for the JetBlue culture, that is, exhibit the JetBlue values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion and Fun
  • Must fulfill safety accountabilities as prescribed by JetBlue's Safety Management System
  • Promote JetBlue's #1 value of safety as a Safety Ambassador, supporting JetBlue's Safety Management System (SMS) components, Safety Policy and behavioral standards
  • Identify safety and/or security concerns, issues, incidents or hazards that should be reported and report them whenever possible and by any means necessary including JetBlue's confidential reporting systems (Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) or Safety Action Report (SAR))
  • Responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations (FAA, OSHA, DOT, etc.) and Company policies, procedures and risk controls
  • Uphold JetBlue's safety performance metric goals and understand how they relate to their duties and responsibilities
  • The use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position

Equipment:
  • Computer and other office equipment

Work Environment:
  • Traditional Office Environment

Physical Effort:
  • Generally not required, or up to 10 pounds occasionally, 0 pounds frequently. (Sedentary)

Compensation:
  • The base pay range for this position is between $103,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue's total compensation package, which may also include performance bonuses, restricted stock units, as well as access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crewmember stock purchase plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more.

#LI-Hybrid
JetBlue Airways is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

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