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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Consumers Energy

Labor Relations Cnslt

Jackson, MI · On-site

Ability to utilize dispute resolution and conflict management techniques to settle disagreements ... Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related and2+ years of experience working ...

Meijer, Inc.

Team Relations Manager

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

The Team Relations Manager will use a working knowledge of applicable employment laws and HR best ... Identify team and labor relations trends within business units and collaborate with HR, legal and ...

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All JobsLabor Relations JobsLabor Relations Manager JobsLabor Relations Manager Jobs in Michigan

Labor Relations Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$51K

$97.1K

$145.1K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Michigan is $97,069.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $110,700.00 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.

More about Labor Relations Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations Manager jobs in Michigan? For Labor Relations Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations Manager jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations Manager jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:
Labor Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Michigan 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 $97,069 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Assistant Labor Relations Manager

Infinity Staffing Professionals

Whitehall, MI

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Assistant Labor Relations Manager

Responsibilities
The Assistant Labor Relations Manager supports the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and plays a key role in maintaining effective, constructive labor–management relationships. Working in close partnership with the Labor Relations Manager, this role ensures consistent enforcement of work rules, supports grievance and disciplinary processes, provides contract interpretation guidance, and mitigates organizational risk through fair, ethical, and compliant employee relations practices.

This role is based in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Starting pay: $70,000+ annually
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan with employer match
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
  • Life insurance and employee assistance programs
  • Professional development and compliance training opportunities

Primary Responsibilities
  • Support administration of the labor agreement by ensuring consistent enforcement of work rules, practices, and policies for the hourly union workforce.
  • Investigate, document, and resolve employee complaints and grievance activity.
  • Prepare and review employment-related documentation associated with grievances, arbitrations, and union information requests.
  • Partner with managers and supervisors to collect documentation and data required for grievance responses and reporting.
  • Conduct investigations related to potential disciplinary situations and support determination of appropriate actions.
  • Assist with interpretation of union contract language and provide guidance to leaders responsible for contract implementation.
  • Support training and communication efforts to ensure consistent understanding of contract intent and application.
  • Foster positive, constructive relationships between the organization and union representatives.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual requirements to minimize financial exposure related to attendance, pay, and other provisions.
  • Assist in managing apprenticeship programs, including monitoring participant progress, rotation schedules, assignments, and program content.
  • Administer the grievance process by tracking cases, scheduling meetings, and managing timelines across all grievance steps.
  • Maintain electronic document systems for grievances, arbitrations, memorandums of understanding, and related materials.
  • Investigate workplace concerns raised through compliance channels and internal issue resolution processes.
  • Partner with leave coordination and medical resources to address leaves of absence, work restrictions, and accommodation requests.
  • Assist with administration of work-hour compliance rules, including tracking waivers and maintaining monthly metrics.
  • Comply with all environmental, health, and safety requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support labor relations and organizational objectives.

Job Roles
  • Fair and ethical – Demonstrates unquestioned integrity; evaluates issues impartially; supports consistent and fair enforcement of standards.
  • Relationship and communication – Builds trust through confidentiality, clarity, and professionalism; communicates calmly and transparently across differing perspectives.
  • Organization and structure – Maintains detailed, accurate records; manages processes and timelines effectively; delivers timely documentation and decisions.
  • Analytical – Separates fact from perception; understands situational and enterprise-level tradeoffs; reads dynamics accurately.
  • Presence – Communicates directly and confidently; influences through discernment; balances firmness with approachability; represents the organization effectively.
  • Proactive – Anticipates issues; provides guidance in advance; reinforces alignment through timely communication.
  • Flexibility – Manages competing priorities; adapts to changing conditions; transitions smoothly between responsibilities and systems.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a human resources role with responsibility for employee relations
  • Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support operations across shifts
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field