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Labor Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia University

Manager, Labor Relations

New York, NY · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Position Summary The Manager of Labor Relations will work with the Labor Relations team to ensure that the strength and quality of relations with represented employees advance the University ...

Globe Telecom, Inc.

Labor Relations Manager

Globe, AZ · On-site

Develop and implement the organization's labor relations strategy, aligned with business objectives and legal requirements. Collaborate with senior management to define goals, objectives, and ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Labor Relations

Melbourne, FL

Lead, Human Resources Business Partner (Labor Relations) Job Code: 36459 Job Location: Melbourne, FL/Philadelphia, PA/Rochester, NY/Salt Lake City, UT/Greenville, TX Job Schedule: 1st Shift 9/80 The ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Labor Relations

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Lead, Human Resources Business Partner (Labor Relations) Job Code: 36459 Job Location: Melbourne, FL/Philadelphia, PA/Rochester, NY/Salt Lake City, UT/Greenville, TX Job Schedule: 1st Shift 9/80 The ...

Specialized Talent Solutions, LLC

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Labor Relations Specialist

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

The Labor Relations Specialist is responsible for developing and managing programs and systems that foster positive and effective relationships between the company and its union employees. This ...

Metalsa

Senior Labor Relations

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

Position Title Senior Labor Relations Specialist GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION The Senior Labor Relations Specialist is a mid-level professional responsible for providing advanced labor relations ...

Metalsa

Senior Labor Relations

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

Position Title Senior Labor Relations Specialist GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION The Senior Labor Relations Specialist is a mid-level professional responsible for providing advanced labor relations ...

Akron Public Schools

Labor Relations Manager

Akron, OH · On-site

$134K/yr

The Labor Relations Manager oversees the management of employee relations functions within the District, labor relations and compliance with labor laws in order to build, maintain and support ...

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Labor Relations information

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$58.5K

$111.4K

$166.5K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in the United States is $111,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $127,000.00 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 may work with union representatives, ensure compliance with labor laws, and use communication and negotiation skills to maintain positive labor-management relations.

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 are the different types of labor relations jobs?

Labor relations jobs include roles such as labor relations specialists, union representatives, labor arbitrators, and human resources managers focused on employee relations. These positions involve negotiating collective bargaining agreements, resolving workplace disputes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, often requiring strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment regulations.

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, 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 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.
More about Labor Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities with the most Labor Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Labor Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Labor Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations jobs are:
Labor Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,369 per year, or $53.5 per hour.
Manager, Labor Relations

Manager, Labor Relations

Columbia University

New York, NY • On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serves as a resource and point of contact to management and local HR on workplace issues by interpreting, applying, and administering University policies and labor contracts.

  • Handles grievances and ensures consistency with the application of disciplinary actions.

  • Assists in the development of labor strategy and participates in union negotiation.

Job description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
The Manager of Labor Relations will work with the Labor Relations team to ensure that the strength and quality of relations with represented employees advance the University's overall strategic goals and reflect sound principles of human resources management. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the consistent interpretation of the various Collective Bargaining Agreements, as well as promoting a positive relationship with the bargaining unit employees and the bargaining units. The Manager, Labor Relations will administer labor relations matters in accordance with labor and employment law, regulatory requirements and University policy.
Responsibilities
  • Serves as a resource and point of contact to management and local HR on issues that arise in the workplace by interpreting, applying, and administering University policies and labor contracts.
  • Ensures legal/contractual compliance throughout the University while maintaining positive relations between the University and the bargaining units.
  • Handles grievances and ensures consistency with the application of disciplinary actions.
  • Assists in the development of labor strategy; participates in union negotiation.
  • Collaborates with cross-functional teams (Benefits, Payroll, HR Client Managers) to accurately and timely resolve grievances.
  • Tracks and maintains all relevant issues for grievance resolution and contract negotiations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in labor relations.

Preferred Qualifications
  • JD or LLM degree preferred. Experience within a multi-union environment is strongly preferred.

Other Requirements
  • Knowledge of labor and employment law is essential.
  • Working knowledge and application of applicable laws and government regulations including those pertaining to labor law.
  • Advanced communication skills both oral and written required.
  • Strong negotiating and decision-making skills, including working with ambiguity, resolving complex problems, and having composure in difficult situations.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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