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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Labor Relations Coordinator supports daily labor relations activities within a ... Support supervisors and managers in understanding contract provisions related to attendance ...

Position Summary The Labor Relations Coordinator supports daily labor relations activities within a ... Support supervisors and managers in understanding contract provisions related to attendance ...

Support employee and labor relations, performance management, and policy interpretation activities. * Fosters a positive work environment, champions employee engagement activities, and provides day ...

Support employee and labor relations, performance management, and policy interpretation activities. * Fosters a positive work environment, champions employee engagement activities, and provides day ...

Support employee and labor relations, performance management, and policy interpretation activities. * Fosters a positive work environment, champions employee engagement activities, and provides day ...

Essential Duties Support employee and labor relations, performance management, and policy interpretation activities. Fosters a positive work environment, champions employee engagement activities, and ...

Essential Duties Support employee and labor relations, performance management, and policy interpretation activities. Fosters a positive work environment, champions employee engagement activities, and ...

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Labor Relations Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$54.9K

$104.6K

$156.4K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Iowa is $104,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $119,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Labor Relations Manager, you need expertise in labor law, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources, labor relations, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining agreement software, and relevant certifications such as SHRM or HRCI can be advantageous. Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate persuasively make a candidate stand out. These competencies are vital to maintain positive employer-employee relationships, ensure compliance, and achieve organizational goals through effective labor management.

What does a Labor Relations Manager do?

A Labor Relations Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the relationship between an organization and its employees, specifically focusing on matters related to labor unions and collective bargaining agreements. They work to resolve disputes, negotiate contracts, interpret labor laws, and ensure that company policies comply with relevant labor regulations. Their goal is to maintain productive working relationships while protecting the interests of both the employer and the employees.

How does a Labor Relations Manager typically collaborate with both management and union representatives to resolve workplace disputes?

A Labor Relations Manager acts as a crucial liaison between company management and union representatives, aiming to foster effective communication and resolve workplace disputes efficiently. They participate in negotiations, facilitate meetings, and help interpret labor contracts to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly. This role often requires balancing organizational goals with employee rights, making strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills essential. Successful collaboration builds trust and helps maintain a positive, productive workplace environment.

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

AspectLabor Relations ManagerHuman Resources Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in HR, labor relations, or related field; certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are commonSame as Labor Relations Manager: bachelor’s degree, HR certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on union negotiations, employee relations, and compliance within organizationsHandles recruitment, onboarding, employee benefits, and general HR functions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries with unionized workforces such as manufacturing, transportation, and public sectorUsed across various industries including corporate, healthcare, and retail

The main difference is that Labor Relations Managers specialize in union negotiations and employee relations within unionized environments, while Human Resources Specialists handle broader HR functions like recruitment and benefits. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in organizations with or without union presence.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations managers often handle complex negotiations, conflict resolution, and employee disputes, which can be stressful due to the high stakes involved. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage tense situations regularly.

What is the highest paid labor job?

In labor relations, executive-level roles such as Director of Labor Relations or Vice President of Human Resources tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of labor laws and union management.

Is labor relations the same as HR?

Labor relations is a specialized area within human resources that focuses on managing relationships between employers and employees, particularly regarding collective bargaining, unions, and labor laws. While HR handles a broad range of employee management tasks, labor relations specifically addresses union negotiations, contract administration, and conflict resolution related to labor agreements.

What is the role of a labor relations manager?

A labor relations manager oversees interactions between an organization and its employees' labor unions or workforce, ensuring compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. They handle negotiations, resolve disputes, and develop policies to maintain positive labor relations, often requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. The role may also involve advising management on labor issues and managing grievance procedures.

What Does a Labor Relations Manager Do?

Labor relations managers negotiate contracts and agreements between labor organizations or individual employees and their organization. As a labor relations manager, your primary duties involve researching industry data, handling all aspects of negotiations, and resolving labor disputes. Most labor relations managers work in the human resources department of a company. The career requires knowledge of labor laws, union practices, and bargaining procedures, as well as wage information for your industry. Additional qualifications include at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration or human resources, prior management experience, and strong negotiation skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations Manager jobs in Iowa? For Labor Relations Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,605 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Facility Labor Relations Manager

Facility Labor Relations Manager

NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

Massena, IA • On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Summary
Develops human resource management strategies and policies to meet business needs. Leads the planning and administration of activities related to recruitment, training and development, compensation and benefits, mobility, talent acquisition, diversity, talent management and organization development and employee/labor relations.
Manages the labor relations and human resources functions for NYPA's union employees. These labor relation functions include grievances, contract compliance for both management and union, negotiation activities, and other related items. Implements and supports the Authority's NYPA human resource activities, strategies and programs at the assigned facility in support of the labor environment.
Responsibilities
  • Promote collaborative labor relations with local union consistent with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between NYPA and the local union(s).
  • Coordinate Facility Project management team protocol group meetings and advise Regional Manager and Project senior management on regular basis to reinforce knowledge of CBA content and ensure consistent implementation of its terms and conditions.
  • Facilitate and consult on succession planning, particularly in areas where craft skills will be impacted due to retirement and\or movement to management opportunities. This may include performance planning, knowledge loss risk assessments, annual compensation planning, and other corporate planning processes.
  • Participate on NYPA labor relations protocol group as assigned relating to collective bargaining negotiations, impact bargaining sessions, Step D Grievance meetings, Safety Committee, Health Care Cost Containment Committee, arbitration hearings and Public Employment Relations Board proceedings.
  • Schedule, attend and facilitate MARC training for new supervisors and for those that need refresher training. Conduct on-going briefings with site management on emergent labor relations issues or skill building-type presentations.
  • For the craft, establish and oversee appropriate cross-training / rotational / project opportunities within the plant, with a specific focus on ensuring succession planning candidates receive developmental opportunities.
  • Champion and provide on-site support for HR technologies and planned upgrades / enhancements and employee productivity (monitor employee absences / attendance).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Current knowledge of all major disciplines within human resources.
  • Ability to work comfortably with all levels and all areas of the organization.
  • Strong interpersonal skills (e.g. tact/diplomacy, persuasion, cooperation, negotiations).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills (e.g., presentation, listening, report writing).
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to resolve disputes and observe confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Education, Experience and Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Master's degree preferred
  • Experience in the electric utility industry and/or a Union environment is preferred
  • Minimum 5 years of HR Labor Relations experience preferred.
  • PHR / SPHR is preferred

Physical Requirements
Up to 25% travel required within NY State.
The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $93,000- $127,600. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates' relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates' disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.