Labor Relations Specialists
What is a Labor Relations Specialist?
A Labor Relations Specialist is a professional who focuses on managing the relationship between organizations and their employees, particularly in the context of unionized work environments. They play a crucial role in fostering a healthy work atmosphere, navigating collective bargaining agreements, and mediating disputes between employees and management. Labor Relations Specialists analyze labor market trends, negotiate contracts with labor unions, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. Their expertise contributes to building positive labor-management relations, addressing grievances, and implementing policies that promote fairness and equity in the workplace. These specialists often work in various sectors, including public and private organizations, and may be involved in training programs that inform management and employees about labor rights and responsibilities. Overall, Labor Relations Specialists are vital in promoting effective communication and cooperation between workers and employers, ultimately enhancing organizational productivity and employee satisfaction.
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.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Presentation software
- Human resources software
- Electronic mail software
- Application server software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Scanners
- Notebook computers
- Inkjet printers
- Pocket calculator
Knowledge
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Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Arrange collective bargaining agreements.
- Evaluate personnel practices to ensure adherence to regulations.
- Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
- Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
- Assess risks to business operations.
Work Interests
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48360.0 - $139520.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.