Occupation

Labor Relations Specialists

Human Advantage 76%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

Also Known As: Appeals and Grievances Specialist, Arbitration Specialist, Business Agent, Business Representative, Collective Bargaining Specialist, Conciliator, Contract Negotiator, Employee Engagement Specialist +35 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
  2. Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
  3. Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
  4. Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
  5. Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
  6. Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
  7. Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
  8. Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
  9. Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
  10. Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
  11. Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
  12. Assess risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.
  13. Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.
  14. Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.
  15. Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives.
  16. Research case law or outcomes of previous case hearings.
  17. Write letters related to labor relations activities, such as letters to amend collective bargaining agreements, letters of dispute or conciliation, or letters to seek clarification of contract terms.
  18. Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.
  19. Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
  20. Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.

Supplemental Tasks (8)

  1. Assess the impact of union proposals on company or government operations.
  2. Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
  3. Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.
  4. Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor relations or labor contracts.
  5. Develop employee health and safety policies.
  6. Develop methods to monitor employee satisfaction with policies or working conditions, including grievance or complaint procedures.
  7. Prepare reports or presentations to communicate employee satisfaction or related data to management.
  8. Prepare and submit required governmental reports or forms related to labor relations matters, such as equal employment opportunity (EEO) forms, new hire forms, or minority compensation reports.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
33%
Some College Courses
10%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
10%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
10%
Master's Degree
10%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
10%
Less than a High School Diploma
5%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
5%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
5%
Doctoral Degree
5%
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Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Kubernetes
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft

Software (20)

  • Internet Grievance System IGS
  • LaborSoft LaborForce Arbitration/Appeals Manager module
  • LaborSoft LaborForce Discipline Manager module
  • LaborSoft LaborForce EEO Claims Manager module
  • LaborSoft LaborForce Grievance Manager module
  • LaborSoft LaborForce Incident Tracking module
  • LaborSoft LaborForce Personnel Manager module
  • LaborSoft LaborForce Reporting/Dashboard Manager module
  • Micropact entellitrak Labor Relations Edition
  • Oracle HRIS
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (7)

  • Digital copiers
  • Handheld calculators
  • Image scanners
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Office inkjet printers
  • Personal computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Leadership & Operations Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Data Entry Keyers 78% match
Zone 3
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping 94% match
Zone 4
Labor Relations Specialists You are here
Zone 5
Political Scientists 78% match

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