Labor Relations Specialists

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the impact of union proposals on company or government operations.
• Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
• Assess risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.
• Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
• Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.
• Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
• Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
• Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
• Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
• Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.
• Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.
• Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
• Research case law or outcomes of previous case hearings.
• 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.
• Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.
• Develop methods to monitor employee satisfaction with policies or working conditions, including grievance or complaint procedures.
• 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.
• Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.
• Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
• Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
• Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
• Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
• Develop employee health and safety policies.
• Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives.
• Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
• Prepare reports or presentations to communicate employee satisfaction or related data to management.
• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor relations or labor contracts.
• Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.