1

Labor Relations Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Primary Goals and Responsibilities Labor Relations * Support the day-to-day administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) across locations. * Assist supervisors with contract ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Labor Relations information

See Michigan salary details

$51K

$97.1K

$145.1K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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.

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 a stressful job?

Labor relations professionals often work in high-pressure environments involving negotiations, conflict resolution, and compliance with labor laws, which can contribute to job stress. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex and sometimes contentious situations, making it potentially stressful for some individuals.

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 is 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 you need for labor relations?

A bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field is typically required for labor relations roles. Advanced positions may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications such as the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment laws are also important.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $97,069 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Employee and Labor Relations Coordinator

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$56K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Employee and Labor Relations Coordinator
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Employee and Labor Relations Coordinator at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Director, Employee and Labor Relations (ELR), the ELR Coordinator provides administrative support to the office. Supports the triage and prioritization of activities of the Director and team in a fast-paced environment requiring judgment, discretion, and accuracy. Proactively anticipates needs and drives improvements to build capacity for the team by performing administrative duties of a complex and confidential nature such as customer intake, reviewing issues, retrieval, and production of documents, etc. as assigned.
Essential Functions
Ensure proper documentation of receipt, intake, file and closure of grievances, arbitrations, mediations, and contract negotiations. This includes review and follow up with staff, document retrieval and production, file maintenance and contacts with staff to assist in review of pending grievances or issues. May participate with office representatives during interactions with union representatives in meetings, investigations, grievance hearings, arbitrations, and collective bargaining negotiations for all non-academic union-related matters. Assists in the preparation of negotiation timelines, and other internal and external communications, to include responsibility for finalizing all agreed upon terms, including preparation and distribution of new labor agreements.
Coordinate and organize office meetings, hearings, and campus events, including scheduling and calendar management. Also, ensures that meetings and other events have appropriate locations, supplies, and other needs met. Order supplies as needed for events, meetings, and day-to-day work, and participation in preparation of procurement/payment activities, including record keeping and internal operation procedures. Prepare professional documents, memos, letters, emails, and reports; to include word, excel and power point preparations. Answer communications (phones, emails) and direct or resolve, as needed.
Responsible for providing assistance and support with respect to the strategic development, planning, management, and implementation of a progressive, comprehensive, and effective non-academic labor strategy in support of the University's initiatives and goals. Provides assistance in office by proactively monitoring employees and union relations to facilitate early issue identification, intervention, and positive labor/management initiatives, as assigned.
Provides administrative support for the development and training to Human Resources and leadership aimed at building internal capabilities on a wide range of labor/union - related subjects. Assists in creating a positive employee relations environment and collaborates with leaders and HR teams to sustain positive labor relations programs and best practices.
Maintain office website updates, including finalizing and uploading of new agreements. Conduct, monitor and coordinate special projects as assigned, to include preparing statistical data for reporting purposes. Prepare reports which include conclusions and recommendations for solutions to administrative problems, as assigned.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; trainings and reviewing professional publications. Special project work as specified.
Other duties as assigned.
WORK CONTEXT
Job Reports to: Director.
Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures.
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives.
Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Associate's degree.
Associate's degree in human resources, labor students or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).
Minimum 5 years general office experience.
Experience and/or exposure to a Labor Relation or Human Resources role within a unionized environment is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to gather and obtain required documents and information in connection with the labor function and to thoroughly review and investigate matters, as assigned.
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build collaborative relationships.
Strong ethical values with exemplary level of integrity and confidentiality.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to exercise initiative, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality with a positive, service-oriented attitude.
Excellent organization skills with the ability to organize and coordinate a dynamic workload and complete multiple tasks within established and changing deadlines.
Ability to think proactively and prioritize work.
Ability to exercise judgement with incomplete information.
High-level computer skill proficiency and demonstrated ability to advance technical skills.
Extensive proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and Excel.
Ability to create presentations with Power Point or equivalent software.
Strong presentation skills are preferred.
Comfort with and ability to adapt in a changing technical environment.
School/College/Division:
H49 - Human Resources
Primary department:
H4801 - Labor Relations
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Salary hire maximum: $56,219
Working conditions:
- Office Environment. - Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

What Wayne State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom