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Union Organizing Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

UNFI

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site +1

Strong working knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining agreements, grievance and arbitration processes, unfair labor practice issues, union organizing activity, and labor ...

LeoForce

Union Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site

$170 - $200/hr

Union Labor Relations Manager Providence, RI, US Experience: Manager Salary: $170,000 - $200,000 ... Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. A bit about ...

LeoForce

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site

$135 - $185/hr

... organized, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. A bit about us We are seeking an experienced, driven, and highly skilled Labor Relations Manager with a strong background wiht unions.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnion Organizing JobsUnion Organizing Jobs in Rhode Island

Union Organizing information

See Rhode Island salary details

$39.7K

$67.7K

$79.8K

How much do union organizing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for union organizing in Rhode Island is $67,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $73,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is union organizing?

Union organizing is the process of bringing workers together to form a labor union or join an existing one. The goal is to collectively bargain with employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Organizers educate employees about their rights, build support, and help guide them through the legal steps required to establish union representation. This process can involve meetings, campaigns, and sometimes elections overseen by labor boards. Successful union organizing empowers workers to have a stronger collective voice in the workplace.

What are some common challenges faced by union organizers when building support among workers?

Union organizers often encounter challenges such as overcoming worker hesitancy, addressing misinformation about unions, and navigating employer resistance. Building trust with employees is essential, as many may be uncertain about the benefits of unionization or fear retaliation. Organizers must also adapt their strategies to different workplaces and effectively communicate the value of collective bargaining. Collaboration with existing union members and clear, consistent communication are key to building strong support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union organizer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Organizer, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining processes, and organizing strategies, often supported by experience in labor relations or social activism. Familiarity with database management tools, communication platforms, and campaign management systems is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and resilience help organizers build trust and mobilize workers effectively. These abilities are crucial for advancing workers' rights, fostering solidarity, and achieving successful organizing campaigns.

What is the difference between Union Organizing vs Labor Relations Specialist?

AspectUnion OrganizingLabor Relations Specialist
Primary FocusRecruiting employees to join a union and establishing union presenceManaging employer-employee relations, negotiations, and compliance
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, union campaigns, employee meetingsOffice-based, HR departments, negotiation settings
Required CredentialsLabor rights knowledge, communication skills, sometimes union trainingHR or labor relations certifications, relevant experience

While both roles involve labor issues, Union Organizing focuses on building union support among employees, whereas Labor Relations Specialists handle ongoing employer-employee relations and negotiations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer needs in the labor industry.

Do union organizers make good money?

Union organizers typically earn a median salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and union size. Compensation may include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and some roles offer opportunities for overtime or travel allowances.

How do you become a union organizer?

To become a union organizer, individuals typically gain experience in labor rights, community organizing, or related fields, often through entry-level positions or internships. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of labor laws are essential, and some may pursue certifications or training programs offered by labor organizations or unions.

What does a union organizer do in a union?

A union organizer recruits and educates workers to join a union, helps build support for collective bargaining, and assists in planning campaigns to improve working conditions. They often conduct meetings, distribute materials, and coordinate with union leadership to achieve organizing goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Organizing jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Organizing jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Organizing jobs in Rhode Island?

For Union Organizing jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Organizing jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Organizing jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Union Organizing jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Union Organizing job openings:

Union Organizing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Organizing job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,683 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Labor Relations Manager

UNFI

Providence, RI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

UNFI rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

*Must reside on CA, OR, WA, AZ, NV or CO*
Who We Are
UNFI is North America's Premier Food Wholesaler. Our mission is to help make our customers stronger, our supply chain better, and our food solutions more inspired. For over 50 years, UNFI has been making bold moves to impact the food industry. We transform the world of food by building a food system that is better for our people, our communities, and our world.
Our work is done through our core values
  • We do the right thing.
  • We courageously embrace what's next.
  • We deliver better together.
  • We believe in better for all.

Purpose:
The Labor Relations Manager works as part of a team of labor relations professionals and reports to the Vice President of Labor Relations. This role supports labor relations for assigned operations in California, including contract administration, grievance handling, arbitration preparation, collective bargaining support, labor-management relations, and union benefit matters. The Labor Relations Manager advises HR and Operations leaders on issues involving represented associates, provides practical recommendations that balance business needs with contractual and legal obligations, and partners with internal stakeholders and counsel to resolve disputes.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Serves as subject matter expert on matters arising under collective bargaining agreements and advises business partners on all issues arising under collective bargaining agreements, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans and other issues involving unionized associates.
  • Handles grievance administration, including reviewing facts and evidence, preparing case summaries, assessing arbitration risk, developing recommendations, supporting grievance hearings, drafting responses, and identifying resolution strategies.
  • Represents the Company's position in grievance meetings, labor-management meetings, mediations, and other union-related discussions and partners with internal and external labor counsel on arbitration cases.
  • Prepares arbitration matters internally, including factual investigation, timeline development, exhibit collection, and coordination with internal or external counsel.
  • Supports chief labor negotiator in collective bargaining, including preparation and analysis of proposals, meeting preparation, note-taking, and implementation of ratified agreements.
  • Builds and maintains productive relationships with union business agents, stewards, HR partners, operations leaders, and other stakeholders to support constructive labor-management relationships and proactive issue resolution.
  • Maintains organized and timely documentation in appropriate systems, including grievance files, case records, correspondence, evidence, settlement documentation, arbitration materials, and other labor relations records.
  • Provides clear, concise, and complete written communications to stakeholders, including issue summaries, recommendations, risk assessments, meeting summaries, training follow-up, and executive updates.
  • Manages multiple locations and competing priorities while maintaining strong organization, responsiveness, follow-through, and judgment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field.
  • Labor relations certification, human resources certification, or prior experience in labor law, labor negotiations, grievance arbitration, union dispute resolution, or collective bargaining preferred.

Experience:
  • 5-7 years labor relations, labor negotiations, grievance administration, union dispute resolution, human resources in a unionized environment, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong working knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining agreements, grievance and arbitration processes, unfair labor practice issues, union organizing activity, and labor-management relations.
  • Knowledge of employment and labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act and related federal, state, and local employment laws.
  • Understanding of employee benefits, multiemployer benefit plans, union benefit arrangements, and how CBA language affects benefit administration preferred.
  • Ability to independently research issues, review applicable CBAs and policies, and develop a recommended answer before escalating for additional guidance.
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear issue summaries, grievance responses, settlement recommendations, leadership updates, training materials, meeting summaries, and executive-level communications.
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex labor relations concepts to HR partners, operations leaders, senior leaders, union representatives, and outside counsel.
  • Ability to partner effectively with stakeholders while maintaining appropriate Labor Relations boundaries and ensuring local HR and operations teams remain accountable for their responsibilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, locations, deadlines, and urgent issues while maintaining organization, follow-through, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to assess when a matter should be resolved, escalated, settled, advanced to arbitration, or handled internally before engaging outside counsel.
  • Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Where you will work:
Remote Role:
  • Must reside in California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada or Arizona.
  • This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:
  • Travel is required up to 75% for this position.
  • Must be able to travel frequently by plane and/or car to company locations, union meetings, arbitrations, negotiations, trainings, and other business-related meetings as needed.

Physical Environment/Demands:
  • Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
  • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
  • Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist and turn frequently.
  • Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist and hand movements required for working in an office environment including typing
  • May require warehouse floor presence with proper PPE

#LI-REMOTE
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .

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