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Labor Relations Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

UNFI

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site +1

The Labor Relations Manager works as part of a team of labor relations professionals and reports to the Vice President of Labor Relations. This role supports labor relations for assigned operations ...

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Labor Relations information

See Rhode Island salary details

$57.3K

$109.1K

$163.1K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in Rhode Island is $109,065.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,100.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in Rhode Island?

For Labor Relations jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Labor Relations jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Labor Relations jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Labor Relations jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Labor Relations job openings:

Labor Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,065 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Labor Relations Manager

UNFI

Providence, RI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

UNFI rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

*Must reside on CA, OR, WA, AZ, NV or CO*
Who We Are
UNFI is North America's Premier Food Wholesaler. Our mission is to help make our customers stronger, our supply chain better, and our food solutions more inspired. For over 50 years, UNFI has been making bold moves to impact the food industry. We transform the world of food by building a food system that is better for our people, our communities, and our world.
Our work is done through our core values
  • We do the right thing.
  • We courageously embrace what's next.
  • We deliver better together.
  • We believe in better for all.

Purpose:
The Labor Relations Manager works as part of a team of labor relations professionals and reports to the Vice President of Labor Relations. This role supports labor relations for assigned operations in California, including contract administration, grievance handling, arbitration preparation, collective bargaining support, labor-management relations, and union benefit matters. The Labor Relations Manager advises HR and Operations leaders on issues involving represented associates, provides practical recommendations that balance business needs with contractual and legal obligations, and partners with internal stakeholders and counsel to resolve disputes.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Serves as subject matter expert on matters arising under collective bargaining agreements and advises business partners on all issues arising under collective bargaining agreements, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans and other issues involving unionized associates.
  • Handles grievance administration, including reviewing facts and evidence, preparing case summaries, assessing arbitration risk, developing recommendations, supporting grievance hearings, drafting responses, and identifying resolution strategies.
  • Represents the Company's position in grievance meetings, labor-management meetings, mediations, and other union-related discussions and partners with internal and external labor counsel on arbitration cases.
  • Prepares arbitration matters internally, including factual investigation, timeline development, exhibit collection, and coordination with internal or external counsel.
  • Supports chief labor negotiator in collective bargaining, including preparation and analysis of proposals, meeting preparation, note-taking, and implementation of ratified agreements.
  • Builds and maintains productive relationships with union business agents, stewards, HR partners, operations leaders, and other stakeholders to support constructive labor-management relationships and proactive issue resolution.
  • Maintains organized and timely documentation in appropriate systems, including grievance files, case records, correspondence, evidence, settlement documentation, arbitration materials, and other labor relations records.
  • Provides clear, concise, and complete written communications to stakeholders, including issue summaries, recommendations, risk assessments, meeting summaries, training follow-up, and executive updates.
  • Manages multiple locations and competing priorities while maintaining strong organization, responsiveness, follow-through, and judgment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field.
  • Labor relations certification, human resources certification, or prior experience in labor law, labor negotiations, grievance arbitration, union dispute resolution, or collective bargaining preferred.

Experience:
  • 5-7 years labor relations, labor negotiations, grievance administration, union dispute resolution, human resources in a unionized environment, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong working knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining agreements, grievance and arbitration processes, unfair labor practice issues, union organizing activity, and labor-management relations.
  • Knowledge of employment and labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act and related federal, state, and local employment laws.
  • Understanding of employee benefits, multiemployer benefit plans, union benefit arrangements, and how CBA language affects benefit administration preferred.
  • Ability to independently research issues, review applicable CBAs and policies, and develop a recommended answer before escalating for additional guidance.
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear issue summaries, grievance responses, settlement recommendations, leadership updates, training materials, meeting summaries, and executive-level communications.
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex labor relations concepts to HR partners, operations leaders, senior leaders, union representatives, and outside counsel.
  • Ability to partner effectively with stakeholders while maintaining appropriate Labor Relations boundaries and ensuring local HR and operations teams remain accountable for their responsibilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, locations, deadlines, and urgent issues while maintaining organization, follow-through, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to assess when a matter should be resolved, escalated, settled, advanced to arbitration, or handled internally before engaging outside counsel.
  • Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Where you will work:
Remote Role:
  • Must reside in California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada or Arizona.
  • This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:
  • Travel is required up to 75% for this position.
  • Must be able to travel frequently by plane and/or car to company locations, union meetings, arbitrations, negotiations, trainings, and other business-related meetings as needed.

Physical Environment/Demands:
  • Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
  • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
  • Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist and turn frequently.
  • Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist and hand movements required for working in an office environment including typing
  • May require warehouse floor presence with proper PPE

#LI-REMOTE
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .

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