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Labor Relations Manager information

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$58K

$110.4K

$165.1K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Virginia is $110,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $125,900.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations Manager jobs in Virginia? For Labor Relations Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:
Labor Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,414 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Manager, HR Employment and Labor Relations

Celanese International Corporation

Narrows, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

The Labor Relations Manager serves as the primary company representative for all labor relations matters at a highly regulated chemical manufacturing site with approximately 600 employees, which includes approximately 450 union-represented employees across two distinct labor unions. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day labor relations activities, maintaining constructive relationships with union leadership, and ensuring positive employee relations aligned with business objectives, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The position plays a critical role in fostering a collaborative labor-management partnership while protecting the company’s operational and contractual interests.


Labor Relations & Union Management

  • Serve as the primary point of contact and lead company representative for labor relations matters involving two separate labor unions.
  • Manage daily labor relations issues, including contract interpretation, grievance handling, labor investigations, disciplinary actions, and dispute resolution.
  • Lead and participate in bi-weekly union-management meetings, ensuring effective communication, issue tracking, and timely resolution of concerns.
  • Develop and maintain strong, respectful working relationships with union leadership to promote trust, transparency, and partnership.
  • Partner to inform and align proposed strategies with Global Labor Relations Lead, Director of HR locally, and Americas Regional Lead.

Collective Bargaining & Negotiations

  • Prepare for and actively participate in collective bargaining negotiations, including proposed language changes, assist with strategy development and agreement implementation.
  • Serve as second chair in collective bargaining negotiations.
  • Support long-term labor relations strategies that align with site and corporate objectives.
  • Ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) across the site developing areas of consistency according to CBA, MOA, etc.

Employee Relations & Culture

  • Promote a positive employee relations climate rooted in fairness, consistency, and mutual respect.
  • Advise unit leadership on labor relations best practices, contract compliance, and sound employee relations decision-making.
  • Assist with providing coaching and training to leaders on union relations, grievance handling, and contract administration.

Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including those applicable to unionized environments.
  • Partner closely with Stewardship Specialist and Operations teams to ensure labor practices align with regulatory and safety requirements inherent in a chemical manufacturing environment.
  • Identify labor relations risks and proactively recommend solutions to minimize disruption and maintain operational continuity and partner to inform and align proposed strategies with Global Labor Relations Lead, Director of HR locally, and Americas Regional Lead.

Collaboration & Leadership

  • Act as a trusted advisor to unit leadership.
  • Collaborate with HR Director to ensure integrated people strategies.
  • Drive continuous improvement in labor relations processes and outcomes.

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 7–10+ years of progressive labor relations experience in a unionized manufacturing or industrial environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in grievance handling, arbitration preparation, and collective bargaining negotiations.
  • Strong working knowledge of labor laws and employment regulations (e.g., NLRA).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in a highly regulated industry such as chemical manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, or heavy industrial operations.
  • Direct experience serving as the lead company spokesperson in grievances and arbitrations.
  • Exposure to safety-critical or process-driven environments.

Core Competencies

  • Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal effectiveness
  • Strategic thinking with practical execution skills
  • Ability to influence at all organizational levels, especially at the operations level
  • Sound judgment and discretion in sensitive situations
  • Ability to remain effective in high-pressure or contentious environments

Working Conditions

  • Professional, safetyfocused work environment within a regulated chemical manufacturing operation, with strong emphasis on employee health, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance consistent with OSHA requirements and industry best practice
  • Primarily office, but frequent presence in manufacturing areas required to support labor relations activities, investigations, negotiations, and employee engagement initiatives, in compliance with site safety policies and PPE requirements. Possible exposure to chemicals.

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets, work experience, and qualifications.  The expected salary range for this Virginia position is between $108,700 and $146,800.

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