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Labor Relations Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Join a growing employment and labor relations practice with meaningful opportunities to advise employers on sophisticated workplace matters. * Counsel clients on a broad range of employment law and ...

Senior HR Manager - Multi-Site

Batavia, NY ยท On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Labor Relations Mastery * Serve as the principal liaison between senior management and union representatives, fostering open channels of communication and addressing employee relations matters ...

Employee Relations Specialist

Macedon, NY ยท On-site

$30.09 - $38/hr

Interpret and apply company policies, labor practices, and local employment law to support ... Manage employee relations casework from intake through resolution, ensuring timely follow-up and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Labor Relations information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$55.9K

$106.5K

$159.2K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in Rochester, NY is $106,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $121,400.00 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Labor Relations jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Labor Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,461 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Labor Relations Administrator and In-House Counsel

Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

Spencerport, NY โ€ข On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Administration/Administrator
Date Posted:
8/10/2026
Location:
Labor Relations
Date Available:
09/28/2026
Closing Date:
08/24/2026
Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES is an educational agency serving nine school districts in the New York State counties of Monroe and Orleans:
Brockport, Churchville-Chili, Gates Chili, Greece, Hilton, Holley, Kendall, Spencerport, and Wheatland-Chili.
Vision: Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES is the educational partner of choice. We strive for continuous improvement in serving
the diverse needs of our community, helping all students achieve their full potential.
BOCES 2 Core Values: Collaboration, Expertise, Innovation, Integrity, Quality, Respect, and Responsiveness.
PAY SCALE: $120,000- $140,000/Year (12 months), Based on Experience
CIVIL SERVICE TITLE: Attorney
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Labor Relations Administrator assumes overall responsibility for the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Labor Relations service which includes the following: labor relations and negotiations, unemployment, school investigation and superintendent hearing services. The position provides strategic leadership in collective bargaining, contract administration, employee relations, grievance resolution, disciplinary proceedings, labor law compliance, and workforce policy development. The Labor Relations Administrator also assumes numerous in-house counsel responsibilities. The Administrator works collaboratively with district leadership, legal counsel, labor organizations, and human resources personnel to foster productive labor-management relationships while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Typical Duties:
  1. Serve as the lead administrator for the BOCES 2 Labor Relations service
  2. Prepare yearly salary and benefits surveys for participating districts including data gathering and analysis
  3. Serve as the lead negotiator on behalf of participating districts including developing bargaining strategies, proposals, and costing analyses
  4. Represent participating districts at PERB, Arbitration and Section 75 hearings
  5. Provide guidance regarding the Taylor Law, Civil Service Law, Education Law, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), among others
  6. Analyze new laws and cases, and prepare status memos related thereto
  7. Conduct workplace investigations at district request involving misconduct, harassment, bullying, and discrimination
  8. Draft responses to contract grievances
  9. Draft improvement plans, counseling memorandums and settlement agreements
  10. Prepare responses to NYSDHR and EEOC complaints
  11. Provide training for administrators on supervision, labor relations, contract administration, progressive discipline and other employment-related topics
  12. Supervise labor relations staff
  13. Coordinate the Labor Relations Unemployment, School Investigation and Superintendent Hearing services
  14. Develop, implement and monitor the Labor Relations annual budget
  15. Perform in-house counsel responsibilities including but not limited to:
    • Analyze, draft and review Board policies, regulations and related legal documents
    • Analyze, draft and review agency contracts and agreements with outside vendors
    • Coordinate with outside counsel, as necessary
    • Advise the Executive Cabinet on legal matters involving students, staff, schools, and agency operations, as requested
  16. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education:
  • Minimum requirement: Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved/accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree and admission to practice law in New York State
  • A School District Administrator certificate is preferred but not required

Required Experience:
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing labor law and/or education law, preferrable in a school district or BOCES setting

APPLICATION PROCEDURE (Apply Online): Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES - Frontline Recruitment