Zrg Careers

Labor Relations Specialist - Hybrid, Pittsburg, PA

We are seeking an experienced Labor Relations Specialist to support our organization in managing union relationships, interpreting collective bargaining agreements, and providing guidance on labor relations matters. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders, helping ensure compliance with labor laws while fostering positive employee and union relationships.

The ideal candidate has experience working in unionized environments, possesses strong knowledge of labor law, and has a proven ability to navigate grievances, negotiations, and workplace investigations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary advisor on labor relations matters for HR and business leaders.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring consistent application of contract language.
• Manage the grievance process, including investigations, documentation, responses, and arbitration preparation.
• Partner with union representatives to resolve employee concerns and maintain productive labor-management relationships.
• Support collective bargaining negotiations by preparing proposals, analyzing contract language, and conducting research.
• Advise leaders on employee discipline, performance management, attendance, and contract compliance.
• Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, and labor disputes.
• Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and other federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Analyze labor relations trends and recommend proactive strategies to minimize risk and improve employee relations.
• Develop and deliver training for managers on labor relations, contract administration, and employee relations best practices.
• Maintain accurate records of grievances, investigations, settlements, and labor-related activities.

Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• 5+ years of labor relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Strong working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor law.
• Experience managing grievances, arbitrations, and labor-management meetings.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or participating in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Experience in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, logistics, utilities, public sector, or other highly unionized industries.

This role is ideal for a labor relations professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, can effectively balance business objectives with contractual obligations, and is committed to fostering positive labor-management relationships.