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Labor Relations Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

General Summary of Job Responsibilities The Labor Relations Consultant serves as a primary contact to internal clients for the purpose of providing tailored, labor relations recommendations in areas ...

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Labor Relations information

See Michigan salary details

$51K

$97.1K

$145.1K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations 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 person do?

A labor relations person manages the relationship between employers and employees, often focusing on negotiations, contract administration, and resolving workplace disputes. They work to ensure compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements, using skills in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

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

Labor Relations specialists act as key intermediaries between management and union representatives, facilitating communication and negotiation during disputes or contract discussions. They often organize and participate in meetings, clarify contract terms, and mediate disagreements to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly and within legal guidelines. This role requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. Working closely with HR, legal teams, and union leaders, Labor Relations specialists help maintain a productive and cooperative work environment.

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

To thrive in Labor Relations, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources or industrial relations. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining software, and relevant certifications like SHRM or PHR is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These capabilities are crucial for fostering positive employer-employee relationships, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating productive workplace negotiations.

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 enforcement, and conflict resolution related to labor agreements.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations professionals often work in high-pressure environments involving negotiations, conflict resolution, and compliance with labor laws. The job can be stressful due to the need to balance the interests of employers and employees, manage disputes, and meet tight deadlines. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and emotional resilience are important for success in this field.

What is the difference between Labor Relations vs Human Resources?

AspectLabor RelationsHuman Resources
Primary FocusManaging employer-union relationships, collective bargaining, labor agreementsEmployee recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and employee relations
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces, industries with collective bargainingVarious industries, non-unionized settings
Required CredentialsLabor relations certifications, labor law knowledgeHR certifications, general management or business background
Employer UsageLarge organizations with unionized employeesMost organizations, including non-unionized

While both roles involve employee management, Labor Relations primarily focuses on union negotiations and collective bargaining, whereas Human Resources handles overall employee management, policies, and benefits. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

What are labor relations?

Labor relations refer to the interactions between employers and employees, particularly regarding the negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, workplace conditions, and dispute resolution. Professionals in labor relations often work to ensure compliance with labor laws, facilitate communication between management and unions, and help resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace. Their goal is to foster a productive work environment while protecting the rights and interests of both employees and employers.

What degree do I need to be a labor relations specialist?

A labor relations specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, industrial or organizational psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of employment laws, negotiation, and communication, and some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or professional certification such as the SHRM-CP or IR/HR certifications.
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 jobs in Michigan? For Labor Relations jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Labor Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $97,069 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Labor Relations Consultant

Labor Relations Consultant

Spectrum Health

Southfield, MI

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Director, Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Consultant is responsible for promoting healthy labor-management relations; develops and administers the organization's labor relation policies, including disciplinary actions, grievance and dispute management; partners with Human Resources and other departments implementing, in a proactive and positive manner, employee and labor relations strategies and initiatives consistent with the Beaumont's mission, vision and values, and labor relations philosophy; designs and delivers training to all levels of leadership on labor relations and positive employee relations; and collective bargaining negotiations, with minimal guidance from the LR Director.
The successful candidate will support the development and implementation of the union campaign strategy, including the independent development and delivery of leadership and staff education, coordination of campaign activities, management of resources, leadership of manager briefing sessions and preparation of executive summaries.
The successful candidate will interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements and participate in collective bargaining meetings and also acts as a consultant to management. This includes but is not limited to assisting in the development of all of the communication and implementation of Labor Relations' philosophy, goals and objectives to benefit employees and the organization as a whole and responsible for assisting in operations of the Labor Relation's department.
The successful candidate will be responsible for conferring with site supervisors/department heads and related personnel on all matters within the jurisdiction of labor relations and providing policy recommendations on labor relations matters; assisting in the resolution of grievances and disciplinary matters; preparing Memoranda of Understanding and other documents relating to Labor Relations assignments, providing advice, training, interpretation, and orientation of union-contract related issues to operational management.

Essential Functions
  • Designs and delivers training to all levels of leadership on labor relations and positive employee relations. Implements the independent development and delivery of leadership and staff education, coordination of campaign activities, management of resources, completion of bargaining unit analysis, leadership of manager briefing sessions and preparation of executive campaign summaries.
  • Provide guidance and training for managers regarding labor relations issues. Services as a resource to human resources staff on labor relation and contract interpretation issues.
  • Maintains formal and informal channels of upward communication, encourages the expression of new ideas, suggestions, and complaints. Reviews them for appropriateness and further action.
  • Confers with and advises others on administrative policies and procedures, technical problems, priorities, and methods.
  • Gathers data, investigates and interviews managers, when necessary, to prepare recommended/appropriate federal mediation and/or grievance responses.
  • Conducts employee misconduct internal investigations and provides summary of recommendations. Investigates validity of issues. Develops and implements solutions.
  • Develops and implements solutions and maintains a grievance tracking system. Responsively reacts to day- to -day issues/problems to resolve in a manner consistent with established policies and practices and the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Responsible for relationship management with the union and non-unionized personnel. Keeps abreast of developing issues and advises HR leaders of findings. Develops and implements solutions. Monitors labor/employee relations practices, trends, and issues to avoid/minimize further unionization of workforce.
  • Conducts ongoing analysis of policies and procedures to assure compliance with labor agreements. Recommends policy changes as appropriate.
  • Assists in conducting formal and informal labor/management meetings. Serves as member of negotiating team and employee committees, as appropriate.
  • Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems. Recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
  • Other duties assigned.
Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations, industrial relations, human resources or related field. Appropriate experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
  • 7 years of relevant experience Seven years progressively responsible employee/labor relations experience in a unionized environment, including handling grievances, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and leading organizing campaigns.

Preferred

  • JD or master's degree in one of the above disciplines.
About Corewell Health

As a team member at Corewell Health, you will play an essential role in delivering personalized health care to our patients, members and our communities. We are committed to cultivating and investing in YOU. Our top-notch teams are comprised of collaborators, leaders and innovators that continue to build on one shared mission statement - to improve health, instill humanity and inspire hope. Join a nationally recognized health system with an ambitious vision of continued advancement and excellence.


How Corewell Health cares for you
  • Comprehensive benefits package to meet your financial, health, and work/life balance goals. Learn more here.
  • On-demand pay program powered by Payactiv
  • Discounts directory with deals on the things that matter to you, like restaurants, phone plans, spas, and more!
  • Optional identity theft protection, home and auto insurance
  • Traditional and Roth retirement options with service contribution and match savings
  • Eligibility for benefits is determined by employment type and status

Primary Location

SITE - Corewell Health Southfield Center - 26901 Beaumont Blvd

Department Name

HR Labor Relations - Corporate

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

Hours of Work

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Days Worked

Monday - Friday

Weekend Frequency

N/A

CURRENT COREWELL HEALTH TEAM MEMBERS - Please apply through Find Jobs from your Workday team member account. This career site is for Non-Corewell Health team members only.

Corewell Health is committed to providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, visitors, and community. We require a drug-free workplace and require team members to comply with the MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and Influenza vaccine requirement if in an on-site or hybrid workplace category. We are committed to supporting prospective team members who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment due to a disability, pregnancy, or sincerely held religious belief.

Corewell Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.

An interconnected, collaborative culture where all are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, is vital to the health of our organization. As a health system, we advocate for equity as we care for our patients, our communities, and each other. From workshops that develop cultural intelligence, to our inclusion resource groups for people to find community and empowerment at work, we are dedicated to ongoing resources that advance our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. We invite those that share in our commitment to join our team.

You may request assistance in completing the application process by calling 616.486.7447.