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Employee Labor Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howard Brown Health

Employee Labor Relations Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supports the execution of established Employee & Labor Relations functional goals in alignment with HR department and organizational strategic plans and priorities * Supports the design, development ...

Howard Brown Health

Employee Labor Relations Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supports the execution of established Employee & Labor Relations functional goals in alignment with HR department and organizational strategic plans and priorities * Supports the design, development ...

George Washington University

$82K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Employee & Labor Relations Manager provides overall guidance to stakeholders in departments/divisions with union employees regarding all aspects of the employee and labor relations spectrum; from ...

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Employee Labor Relations information

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$58.5K

$111.4K

$166.5K

How much do employee labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee labor relations in the United States is $111,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is employee labor relations?

Employee Labor Relations refers to the management and maintenance of relationships between employers and employees, particularly focusing on workplace rights, policies, and dispute resolution. Professionals in this field work to ensure fair treatment of employees, compliance with labor laws, and effective communication between management and staff. They may handle grievances, negotiate with unions, and develop policies that promote positive working environments. The goal is to foster a workplace where both employee rights and organizational objectives are balanced.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee labor relations specialist?

To thrive as an Employee Labor Relations specialist, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, conflict resolution, and HR principles, typically backed by a degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS systems, case management software, and relevant certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and discretion in handling sensitive matters make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure fair workplace practices, minimize legal risks, and foster positive employee relations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in employee labor relations roles?

Professionals in Employee Labor Relations often encounter challenges such as resolving conflicts between employees and management, interpreting and applying complex labor laws, and handling sensitive disciplinary actions. Balancing the needs of the organization with those of employees while maintaining compliance with legal and contractual obligations can be demanding. Additionally, the role frequently requires effective communication and negotiation skills to address grievances and foster a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Employee Labor Relations vs Human Resources Specialist?

AspectEmployee Labor RelationsHuman Resources Specialist
Primary FocusManaging employee relations, union negotiations, resolving labor disputesRecruitment, onboarding, employee benefits, general HR functions
CertificationsLabor relations certifications, HR certifications often preferredHR certifications like PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces, corporate HR departmentsVarious industries, corporate, nonprofit, government
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in industries with unionized employeesAcross all industries, more generalist role

Employee Labor Relations specialists focus on managing relationships between employees and employers, especially in unionized settings, handling negotiations and disputes. Human Resources Specialists handle a broader range of HR functions, including recruitment and benefits. While both roles require HR knowledge, Employee Labor Relations is more specialized in labor issues and union interactions.

Is employee labor relations a stressful job?

Employee labor relations can be stressful due to the need to manage conflicts, negotiate with unions, and ensure compliance with labor laws. The role often involves handling sensitive issues and requires strong communication and problem-solving skills, which can contribute to workplace pressure.

What do employee labor relations do?

Employee labor relations professionals manage the relationship between employers and employees, focusing on resolving conflicts, negotiating labor agreements, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. They often work with union representatives, handle grievances, and develop policies to promote a positive work environment.
More about Employee Labor Relations jobs

What cities are hiring for Employee Labor Relations jobs?

Cities with the most Employee Labor Relations job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Labor Relations jobs?

The most popular types of Employee Labor Relations jobs are:

What states have the most Employee Labor Relations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Employee Labor Relations jobs include:

Employee Labor Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Labor Relations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,369 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Employee Labor Relations Specialist

Howard Brown Health

Chicago, IL • On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Howard Brown Health is a nationally recognized leader in LGBTQ+ health and wellness. Our commitment to inclusive and affirming care has made us a cornerstone of the Chicago community. At Howard Brown, we believe in providing holistic, patient-centered care that empowers individuals and enriches lives.
Why Join Us?
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to health equity and social justice.
  • Work in a supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent environment.
  • Access to continuous learning opportunities and professional development.
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Contribute to groundbreaking health initiatives and research.

Benefits
  • Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance with two PPO plans and an HMO plan.
    • BCBS HMO, PPO, and PPO Select Plans
    • BCBS Dental

    • BCBS Vision

  • Paid Time Off:

    • 3-weeks paid vacation and 1-week of personal time
    • 12 accrued sick days per year
    • 10 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
    • PTO Exchange allows employees to turn unused PTO into liquid assets

  • 401k program with up to 5% employer match after 90 days
  • Employer-paid basic life insurance valued at one times the annual salary
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D, and Short-term and Long-term disability
  • Pre-tax commuter and parking benefit account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Forgiveness Programs; NHSC & PSLF
  • Employee Assistance Program with 5 employer-paid counseling sessions
  • 50% off at Brown Elephant Resale Shops and discounts at local businesses

Salary: $68,000 - $78,400
Functional Operating Excellence/Compliance/Reporting
  • Supports the execution of established Employee & Labor Relations functional goals in alignment with HR department and organizational strategic plans and priorities
  • Supports the design, development and introduction of SOPs toward ensuring alignment to organizational policies, cross-departmental relevance and alignment with collective bargaining agreements
  • Reviews and evaluates application of policies and procedures ensuring consistency in delivery and administration as well as assists with crafting policies focused on employee and labor relations practices where applicable
  • Ensures the timely receipt, acknowledgment, review and assigning of employee relations matters triaged to the HR department via HBH's compliance management technology (Compliatric)
  • Routinely monitors HBH's compliance management technology (Compliatric) activity and notifies Manager, Employee & Labor Relations of outstanding matters requiring follow-up
  • Introduces, monitors and manages a sustainable record keeping and file maintenance approach to all employee and labor relations matters
  • Ensures the drafting, finalization and memorialization of relevant and employee/labor relations process flows for continuous improvements
  • Provides relevant historical data/content relative to employee complaints and investigations in support of matter progression and/or matter next steps
  • Produces routine and ad hoc metric reports as assigned and/or required

Employee Relations
  • Provides guidance and interpretation support to Business Partners on policies and procedures (policy manual and CBA) related to simple employment matters, escalating complex matters to the Sr. Manager, Employee Labor Relations
  • In collaboration with Sr. Manager, Employee Labor Relations, assists with designing, developing and facilitating various organization-level training topics focused on promoting positive employee and labor relations

Labor Relations
  • In collaboration with Sr. Manager, identifies ways to continuously bridge the employee: manager relationship focused on a unionized workforce
  • Ensures timely and accurate process execution focused on initial and follow up notices and other communication to bargaining unit members
  • Ensures adherence to all relevant employment laws and regulations related to unionization and collective bargaining
  • Supports life cycle impact bargaining and contract negotiations including but not limited to: collecting, coordinating, warehousing and recording required data, coordinating and scheduling meetings and bargaining sessions
  • Responds to requests for information in a timely manner
  • Other duties as assigned and/or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in Business Administration, Human Resources, Labor Relations or related discipline required.
  • Minimum three (3) years HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, Labor Relations and/or Employee Relations experience required. Experience in healthcare setting preferred. Experience supporting the coordination and/or execution of contract negotiations preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (K/S/A)
  • Proficient and functional knowledge of and application of federal, state and county law labor law; with emphasis on labor law relevant to a unionized workforce
  • Demonstrated skill at analytical and critical thinking
  • Strong research abilities and acumen
  • Ability to handle and maintain highly confidential information with professional maturity
  • Ability to collaborate effectively while possessing the ability to be self-directed, motivated and take initiative
  • Proficient and functional knowledge of software including MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  • Proficient and functional knowledge of compliance management technology
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise, and effective reports, letters, and other documents
  • Effective communication competencies including written, verbal and listening
  • Ability to demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of equity, inclusion and diversity concepts, and that they are broader than just race, ethnicity, and gender
  • Ability to work affirmatively with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV positive patients

ADA SPECIFICATIONS
  • Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
  • Requires ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment.
  • Requires ability to sit for extended periods of time.
  • May require occasional bending and lifting up to 25 pounds.

OTHER JOB SPECFICATIONS
  • Ability to commute to HBH locations and event locations
  • Ability to work outside of standard hours of business, with notice
  • Ability to travel (local) as needed

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees at Howard Brown are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, genetic information, FMLA status, complaints about discrimination, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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