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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Excellent documentation and case management skills * Experience with labor unions and advising on labor relations matters highly preferred * Ability to travel as needed About our Line of ...

Each member of this team, including Managers, are expected to adhere to these standards: Workplace ... Effectively collaborate cross functionally with HR, Labor Relations, Legal, Audit, Security ...

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Labor Relations Manager information

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$51K

$97.1K

$145.1K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 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.

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 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.

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 work in high-pressure environments, as they handle negotiations, conflicts, and compliance issues between employers and employees. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex and sometimes contentious situations, which can contribute to job stress.

What degree do you need for labor relations manager?

A labor relations manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, or a related field. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or professional certifications in labor relations or HR management. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment laws are also important for this role.

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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,069 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

The Grosse Pointe Public School System

Grosse Pointe, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and other personnel matters.

  • Assist in administering collective bargaining agreements, interpret labor contracts, and support grievance and labor-management meetings.

  • Partner with administrators throughout the recruitment and selection process, including participating in interviews and developing recruitment strategies.


Job description

Position Type:
Non-Instructional Supervisors & Professionals
Date Posted:
8/3/2026
Location:
Administration Building, Central Office
Closing Date:
Until Filled
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist serves as the Chief Personnel Officer's primary professional Human Resources partner and provides day-to-day support in the administration of employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, compliance, and strategic Human Resources initiatives.
Working under the direction of the Chief Personnel Officer, this position provides responsive consultation and coaching to district administrators, conducts workplace investigations, assists with labor contract administration, supports recruitment and retention initiatives, and promotes the consistent application of district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws.
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist expands the district's Human Resources capacity by providing day-to-day operational leadership and professional Human Resources support while allowing the Chief Personnel Officer to focus on executive leadership, strategic workforce planning, collective bargaining, organizational development, and Board and Superintendent priorities.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Employee Relations
  • Serve as the day-to-day Human Resources partner for principals, supervisors, and district administrators regarding routine employee relations matters.
  • Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and other personnel matters under the direction of the Chief Personnel Officer.
  • Prepare investigative reports, findings, and recommendations.
  • Coach administrators regarding performance management, attendance concerns, documentation, conflict resolution, and progressive discipline.
  • Draft disciplinary correspondence, counseling memoranda, performance improvement plans, and settlement documentation.
  • Assist administrators in resolving workplace conflict while promoting positive employee relations.
  • Escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive matters to the Chief Personnel Officer.

Labor Relations
  • Assist the Chief Personnel Officer in administering collective bargaining agreements.
  • Interpret labor contracts and provide day-to-day guidance to administrators regarding contract language.
  • Assist in responding to grievances and preparing supporting documentation.
  • Participate in grievance meetings and labor-management meetings.
  • Support collective bargaining preparation through research, costing, data collection, and implementation of negotiated agreements.
  • Monitor compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
  • Partner with administrators throughout the recruitment and selection process.
  • Coordinate recruitment efforts for instructional, administrative, and exempt staff positions.
  • Participate in interviews and selection processes.
  • Develop recruitment strategies to address hard-to-fill positions.
  • Support executive-level recruitment.
  • Coordinate onboarding for new employees in collaboration with the HR Coordinator.
  • Evaluate recruitment effectiveness and recommend process improvements.

Workforce Planning & Retention
  • Analyze workforce trends including vacancies, turnover, retirements, and staffing patterns.
  • Conduct exit interview analysis and identify retention opportunities.
  • Assist in developing recruitment and retention strategies.
  • Support succession planning initiatives.
  • Prepare workforce analytics and reports for district leadership.
  • Assist with employee engagement and recognition initiatives.

Leadership Support
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to principals and department leaders on routine Human Resources matters.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance regarding employment practices, district policies, and personnel procedures.
  • Assist in developing and delivering administrator training related to employee relations, investigations, documentation, supervision, and labor contract administration.
  • Partner with district leaders to proactively identify and resolve employee concerns.

Compliance & Risk Management
  • Assist in the administration of ADA accommodations and the interactive process.
  • Coordinate FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and other employee leave programs.
  • Monitor compliance with employment laws, Board policy, administrative guidelines, and district procedures.
  • Maintain confidential personnel records and employment documentation.
  • Assist with state reporting and compliance requirements.

Strategic Human Resources
  • Prepare Human Resources reports, Board reports, staffing analyses, and workforce metrics.
  • Assist with implementation of Human Resources initiatives aligned with the district Strategic Plan.
  • Participate in policy review and development.
  • Recommend improvements to Human Resources processes, procedures, and systems.
  • Participate in special projects assigned by the Chief Personnel Officer.

Department Operations
  • Prepare HR Board reports, staffing reports, and required state reports.
  • Track administrator certifications and district compliance requirements.
  • Coordinate executive and administrative hiring processes.
  • Oversee implementation of HRIS contract changes and assist with system troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate special HR initiatives and grant-related personnel projects.
  • Support onboarding of instructional and administrative staff.
  • Collaborate with Payroll, Business Services, and district leadership regarding personnel actions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Personnel Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional Human Resources experience.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.
  • Experience providing employee relations guidance and coaching to supervisors.
  • Experience interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements.
  • Experience in a unionized environment.
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred
  • Master's Degree.
  • Legal Coursework
  • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
  • Public school Human Resources experience.
  • Collective bargaining experience.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
12-month position, 261 days.
Some evening work required for Board meetings, grievance meetings, negotiations, or special district events.
SALARY
$49,970.88-$74,174.40 hiring range. NIS Members are also eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health/dental/vision/life and long-term disability insurance. Membership in the Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement System www.michigan.gov/ors.
Application Procedure:
  • External Applicants: Click on the Apply button to initiate the application process. Please electronically attach or send the following materials:
    • Cover Letter
    • Resume
    • Copy of your transcripts