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Labor Relations Specialists

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

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Negotiation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Business Agent
  • Business Representative
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Labor Specialist
  • Grievance Manager

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