What Do Labor Relations Specialists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Labor Relations Specialists resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. They also negotiate collective bargaining agreements.

Other tasks include:

• Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
• Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.
• 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.
• Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
• Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
• Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.

We asked Labor Relations Specialists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Labor Relations Specialists monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements. They call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.

A typical day for a Labor Relations Specialist will also include:

• Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
• Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
• 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.
• Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
• Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.

We asked some Labor Relations Specialists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	95% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	40% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	68% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	20% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	15% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	35% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Labor Relations Specialists also 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. They may also identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Labor Relations Specialists Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability. They might also Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.

In addition, they Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.

To some Labor Relations Specialists, it is also their responsibility to Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Labor Relations Specialist, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/labor-relations-specialists.htm

http://www.shrm.org/pages/default.aspx