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Labor Relations Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide complex advice and counsel to the Human Resources Director, Human Resources Deputy Director, County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners on labor matters. The Labor Relations ...

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Labor Relations Specialist

Medford, OR · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

This position promotes constructive and collaborative labor relations by providing advice, counsel and support to operations management, employees and human resources staff in all aspects of labor ...

Labor Relations Specialist

Medford, OR · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Provides advice and counsel to employees and all levels of management and client organizations regarding Labor Relations related issues (e.g., grievances, workplace incidents, employee performance ...

Labor Relations Specialist

Medford, OR · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

This position promotes constructive and collaborative labor relations by providing advice, counsel and support to operations management, employees and human resources staff in all aspects of labor ...

Provides advice and counsel to employees and all levels of management and client organizations regarding Labor Relations related issues (e.g., grievances, workplace incidents, employee performance ...

Labor Relations Manager

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$119K - $177K/yr

This position serves as the principal point of contact for all labor relations advice, counseling, contract interpretation, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution at the Company's domestic ...

... counsel and labor leadership. * Support labor-related responses involving National Labor Relations ... Board (NLRB) matters and other labor agency inquiries. Operational & Strategic Partnership

Labor Relations Manager

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$57.51 - $77.63/hr

Provide complex advice and counsel to the Human Resources Director, Human Resources Deputy Director, County Administrator, and Board of County Commissioners on labor matters. The Labor Relations ...

... counsel and labor leadership. * Support labor-related responses involving National Labor Relations ... Board (NLRB) matters and other labor agency inquiries. Operational & Strategic Partnership

Showing results 21-40

Labor Relations Counsel information

See salary details

$58.5K

$111.4K

$166.5K

How much do labor relations counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations counsel 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 a labor relations counsel?

A Labor Relations Counsel is a legal professional who advises organizations on matters related to labor law, collective bargaining, and employee relations. They represent employers or unions during negotiations, handle disputes, and ensure compliance with labor regulations. Their responsibilities often include drafting and reviewing contracts, addressing grievances, and providing guidance on employment policies. Labor Relations Counsels play a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships between management and employees while protecting their clients' legal interests.

How does a labor relations counsel typically collaborate with HR and management teams to resolve workplace disputes?

Labor Relations Counsels work closely with HR professionals and management to address and resolve workplace conflicts, particularly those involving unionized employees. They provide legal advice during negotiations, help interpret collective bargaining agreements, and guide the disciplinary or grievance process to ensure compliance with labor laws. Regular collaboration involves attending meetings, drafting documentation, and sometimes participating in mediation or arbitration sessions. This partnership ensures that both legal and organizational objectives are met while maintaining fair labor practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a labor relations counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Labor Relations Counsel, you need a law degree, admission to the bar, and expertise in labor and employment law, including collective bargaining and dispute resolution. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and labor relations information systems is typically required. Exceptional negotiation, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills help you build trust and effectively represent clients or organizations. These skills are crucial for ensuring legal compliance, minimizing workplace conflicts, and fostering productive employer-employee relationships.

What is the difference between Labor Relations Counsel vs Labor Relations Specialist?

AspectLabor Relations CounselLabor Relations Specialist
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredBachelor's degree, HR or labor relations certification beneficial
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, corporate HR departments, union negotiationsHR departments, union offices, corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageLegal counsel in corporations, government agencies, unionsHR teams, labor departments, union organizations
Search & Comparison IntentLegal expertise, negotiation, complianceEmployee relations, contract administration, negotiations

Labor Relations Counsel and Labor Relations Specialist both work in labor relations but differ mainly in their credentials and focus. Counsel typically has legal training and provides legal advice and representation, while specialists focus on employee relations and contract management. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role for their needs.

More about Labor Relations Counsel jobs

What cities are hiring for Labor Relations Counsel jobs?

Cities with the most Labor Relations Counsel job openings:

What states have the most Labor Relations Counsel jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Labor Relations Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,369 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Labor Relations Manager

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.
Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a General Labor Manager.
POSTION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Labor Relations Manager provides strategic counsel and operational support for the institution's labor and employee relations programs. This role serves as a key advisor and subject matter expert on labor matters, fostering productive relationships with unions, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, and aligning labor strategies with institutional goals.
The position supports the administration of collective bargaining agreements, facilitates grievance management, addresses employee concerns, and ensures adherence to applicable labor laws and institutional policies. As a resource to supervisors, managers, and employees, the Labor Relations Manager promotes effective communication and collaborative workplace relationships.
In partnership with the Office of the Provost, Human Resources, academic leadership, and administrative departments, this role contributes to a work environment that supports the college's academic and operational mission.
Flex work options are available.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assist in the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with contract provisions.
  • Serve as a point of contact for union representatives and employees regarding labor and employment-related inquiries.
  • Support the grievance and dispute resolution process, including documentation, tracking, and coordination with management or legal counsel.
  • Monitor and track labor relations activities, maintaining accurate case records and reporting metrics as needed.
  • Advise managers and supervisors on policy interpretation, labor law compliance, and day-to-day employee relations issues.
  • Cultivate and maintain collaborative, constructive relationships with union representatives.
  • Attend and facilitate monthly labor management meetings with staff union leadership to support collaborative problem-solving, track issues, and promote positive labor-management relationships.
  • Participate in labor-management meetings and assist in preparing materials for negotiations or informational sessions.
  • Collaborate with HR, legal counsel, and academic or departmental leaders to address operational and labor-related concerns.
  • Assist in training managers on labor contract provisions, policies, and best practices in employee relations.
  • Support the preparation of reports, analyses, and recommendations related to labor relations trends and issues.
  • Contribute to special projects, including contract renewals, labor negotiations support, and organizational policy updates.
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, industrial relations, business administration, or a related field.
  • At least three (3) years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, or HR operations; higher education labor relations experience preferred.
  • Experience participating in collective bargaining or union negotiations in higher education a plus.
  • Knowledge of compliance and regulatory reporting related to labor relations.
  • Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, and grievance processes.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and across functional teams.
  • Proficiency with HRIS, case management systems, and standard office software.
  • Ability to independently lead projects or initiatives in labor relations.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.
Position Minimum Annual Salary: $75.000.00
Position Maximum Annual Salary: $90,000.00
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Position subject to a background screening
  • This is a non- union position
  • This is a full-time position
  • This position is overtime ineligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.