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Labor Relations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Labor Relations information

See Virginia salary details

$58K

$110.4K

$165.1K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations 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 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in Virginia? For Labor Relations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Labor Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 83% Full Time, and 11% 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.

Labor Relations Consultant - Remote

UnitedHealth Group

Chesapeake, VA • Remote

$91K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.    

The Labor Relations Consultant is an individual contributor role responsible for assessing proactive labor relations needs, interpreting trends and business requirements, and supporting the implementation of solutions across assigned lines of business or geographies. This role works with minimal guidance and serves as a resource to leaders and partners on labor relations practices, risk considerations, and program execution.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

 

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Assess proactive labor relations needs across designated lines of business or geographies and support the development and implementation of solutions aligned to business and workforce needs
  • Support the design and delivery of training programs for management and employees on labor relations best practices, contract administration, and compliant workforce behaviors, providing guidance on difficult questions and maintaining supporting materials and records
  • Prepare and interpret summaries, dashboards, and briefing materials to support labor relations risk assessments, identify themes, and inform decision-making
  • Analyze labor relations data, site assessments, and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, assess moderately complex issues, and recommend actions to inform program priorities and business decision-making
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and People Team partners, serving as a consultant and facilitating communication on labor relations priorities, issues, and program execution
  • Support organizational change initiatives, including implementation of new labor relations programs, translating labor relations concepts into practice and promoting continuous improvement and operational excellence
  • Monitor adoption and effectiveness of labor relations toolkits and programs, gather feedback, identify non-standard issues, and elevate recommendations or concerns as appropriate
  • Monitor documentation, reporting, and labor relations practices to support compliance with company policies and applicable state, federal, and local regulations; identify gaps and escalate or recommend corrective actions.
  • Update and maintain labor relations toolkits, playbooks, and intranet resources

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • 4 years of experience in Human Resources, employee relations, and/or labor relations
  • Demonstrated experience in organization, communication, consultation and collaboration skills with the ability to provide guidance on difficult issues and work with minimal supervision
  • Proven knowledge of the NLRA fundamentals, contract administration, and compliant labor relations practices with the ability to apply concepts in practical business situations
  • Driver's License and access to reliable transportation

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Healthcare experience

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy. 

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $91,700 to $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. 

 

 

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. 

 

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.


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