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Labor Relations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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As an expert technical authority, responsibilities will involve solving significant employee and/or labor relations issues, and the incumbent also must hold expertise to assess ER organizational ...

Develop and deliver labor relations training, including best practices related to policies, procedures, grievance prevention, and union-management relations * Advise on internal investigations ...

You will own complex litigation files, drive labor relations documentation, manage agency matters, and keep a fast-moving legal operation running at a high standard. You will work across U.S. and ...

Paralegal, Labor & Employment

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$105K - $128K/yr

You will own complex litigation files, drive labor relations documentation, manage agency matters, and keep a fast-moving legal operation running at a high standard. You will work across U.S. and ...

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Labor Relations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$60.9K

$115.9K

$173.2K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in Reston, VA is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $132,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA? For Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Labor Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Human Resources Specialist (Labor Relations)

Human Resources Specialist (Labor Relations)

US Department of Commerce

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$143K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Are you looking to join an agency that celebrates, supports and thrives on building the bridge that ensures intellectual property (IP) rights are accessible to everyone? Our HR Specialists are able to make meaningful change within the IP Community by ensuring the hiring of a diverse and inclusive workforce and facilitating that workforce's management to create excellence.Qualifications:You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at OPM Website.
Administrative and Management Positions, 0201
Specialized Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-13.
Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Experience leading collective bargaining/negotiations of union contracts; providing advice on developing management proposals, negotiating strategies, and when the union's proposals may be non-negotiable under federal law and regulations.
  • Experience serving at a senior level conducting negotiations and developing coherent labor relations negotiations strategy based on understanding of legal requirements and the mission, policy and procedures of the organization.
  • Experience consulting with senior management and researching historical data to make determinations that impact unions.
  • Experience developing additions and or revisions to policy guidance to accommodate new law, regulations, policies and procedures.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.Employment Type: OTHER

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