Labor Relations Specialists

13-1075.00

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

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

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

Technology Skills

• Application server software - Kubernetes 🔥
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Oracle PeopleSoft 🔥
• Human resources software - 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
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Arrange collective bargaining agreements.
• Evaluate personnel practices to ensure adherence to regulations.
• Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
• Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
• Assess risks to business operations.
• Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
• Organize special events.
• Measure effectiveness of business strategies or practices.
• Advise others on human resources topics.
• Train personnel on managerial topics.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
• Establish business management methods.
• Present business-related information to audiences.
• Prepare regulatory or compliance documentation.