Details Report for:
13-1075.00 - Labor Relations Specialists
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
- Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
- Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
- Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives.
- Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.
- 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.
- Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
- Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
- Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
- 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.
- Prepare reports or presentations to communicate employee satisfaction or related data to management.
- Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.
- Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
- Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
- Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
- Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
- Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.
- 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.
- Assess risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.
- Assess the impact of union proposals on company or government operations.
- Develop employee health and safety policies.
- Develop methods to monitor employee satisfaction with policies or working conditions, including grievance or complaint procedures.
- Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
- Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor relations or labor contracts.
- Research case law or outcomes of previous case hearings.
- Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.
- Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Calculators or accessories — Handheld calculators |
| Facsimile machines — Fax machines |
| Inkjet printers — Office inkjet printers |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Personal computers |
| Photocopiers — Digital copiers |
| Scanners — Image scanners |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Human resources software — Internet Grievance System IGS; LaborSoft LaborForce Arbitration/Appeals Manager module; LaborSoft LaborForce Reporting/Dashboard Manager module; Micropact entellitrak Labor Relations Edition (see all 9 examples) |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
See all T2 categories and examples
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
78   |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 78 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
| 67 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 64 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 61 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 61 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Employment data collected from Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists, All Other.
Industry data collected from Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists, All Other.
| Median wages (2012) | $26.28 hourly, $54,660 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 442,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Faster than average (20% to 28%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 165,300 |
| Top industries (2010) | Administrative and Support Services (20% employed in this sector)
Government (16%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
Find Jobs
for Labor Relations Specialists
State & National Job Banks
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Human Resources Specialists
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
