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Labor Relations Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

As a Labor Relations Specialist, you will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, helping leaders navigate collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, grievance resolution ...

Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations) * Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations ...

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR · On-site

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations) * Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations ...

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR · On-site

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations) * Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations ...

Labor Relations Strategist

Portland, OR · On-site

$55.01 - $81.97/hr

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Working knowledge of HR functional areas (employment, benefits ...

Labor Relations Strategist

Portland, OR · On-site

$55.01 - $81.97/hr

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Working knowledge of HR functional areas (employment, benefits ...

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Working knowledge of HR functional areas (employment, benefits ...

Previous labor/union relations experience strongly preferred. This is a hybrid role that requires regular meetings at a variety of Legacy locations across the Portland Metro area. Candidates must ...

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Labor Relations information

See Portland, OR salary details

$62.1K

$118.1K

$176.6K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in Portland, OR is $118,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $134,700.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in Portland, OR? For Labor Relations jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Labor Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,144 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Labor Relations Specialist

PacifiCorp

Portland, OR • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


PacifiCorp rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Power Your Greatness

PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability, inclusion and belonging.

General Purpose
Join PacifiCorp's Labor Relations team and play a key role in building strong, collaborative relationships between management, employees, and union leadership!
 
As a Labor Relations Specialist, you will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, helping leaders navigate collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, grievance resolution, and workplace investigations. This impactful role offers the opportunity to influence positive employee relations outcomes, support operational success, and foster productive partnerships across the organization. Working closely with business leaders, Human Resources, legal counsel, and labor representatives, you will help create a respectful, compliant, and collaborative work environment that supports both our employees and our commitment to delivering safe, reliable energy to the communities we serve.
Responsibilities
  • Regularly meets with management in the field to determine and develops a collaborative labor strategy.
  • Provides end-to-end management and resolution of interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), grievances and union requests for information, escalated union concerns, targeted leadership training and general labor relations support.
  • Provides advice and counsel to employees and all levels of management and client organizations regarding Labor Relations related issues (e.g., grievances, workplace incidents, employee performance management, etc.).
  • Works with client groups to assist with employee performance management activities including the development of performance improvement plans, identifying comparable situations and guiding the appropriate course of disciplinary action, when necessary.
  • Serves as a primary resource to leadership to assist with or lead workplace investigations.
  • Responsible for leading joint company/union committees and teams to further enhance a collaborative relationship in the organization.
  • Serves as liaison to the organization for union business leaders to foster a collaborative working relationship.
  • Conduct research, special studies, workplace investigations, and analyses.
  • Identifies, develops and administers relevant training to assigned client groups.
  • Participates and may lead labor contract negotiations. Leads the grievance process participating in arbitration, as needed.
  • Continuously reviews labor relations policies, programs and practices to keep company informed of current practices and new developments; ensures that the company is in compliance with all legal and contractual labor requirements and regulations.
  • Leads initiatives that align with Labor Relations strategy.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resource management, Industrial Relations, or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in Labor Relations, Human Resources, or a related field or working with employees who are represented by a collective bargaining agreement.
  • Project management and leadership skills, including ability to work as a team member.
  • Experience with presenting and conducting training sessions.
  • Knowledge of research, analysis, and consulting techniques, federal, state, and local government laws and regulations.
  • Ability to use research, analysis and consulting techniques, federal, state, and local government laws and regulations.
  • Demonstrated conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient with the use of personal computers to gather, analyze, and summarize data.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and interpersonal skills involving the ability to establish trust, maintain confidence and understand social behavior and interactions.
  • Ability to work with all organizational levels, to influence actions and negotiate outcomes.
  • Ability to travel within assigned geographical area, overnight as needed.
Preferences
  • Labor Relations experience, preferably in a public utility or power industry environment.
  • PHR or SPHR Certification.
Benefits

At PacifiCorp, we understand that living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about your physical health - your mental, financial, and social wellbeing also play an important role. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you live a more balanced lifestyle


Our Benefits include: 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k with match fixed contributions, including a Roth and saving option. For union employees, matching contributions vary by union. For nonunion, PacifiCorp makes a fixed contribution equal to 4% of your eligible pay each year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. 
  • Life insurance
  • Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Mass Transit Pass for employees in our Portland and Salt Lake City Offices.

 

Work Life Balance:

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - Time off varies by employee type (Union or Non-Union)
  • Paid short-term disability leave and long-term disability insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave 
  • Employee Assistance Program supporting mental and emotional wellbeing

For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US

Additional Information

Req Id: 114793

Company Code: PACIFICORP #PM25

Primary Location: PORTLAND, OR

Department: PacifiCorp General Counsel

Schedule: Full-time, 100% onsite

Personnel Subarea: Exempt

Hiring Range: $102,000 - $140,250

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 15.00% of salary.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.


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