Virtual Labor Relations Specialist

Location: Remote
Annual Salary: $85,832

Job Overview:

We seek a highly motivated and experienced Virtual Labor Relations Specialist to join our team. This is a fully remote position, and the ideal candidate will deeply understand labor laws, employment regulations, and collective bargaining processes. The specialist will be a critical resource for managing labor relations, ensuring compliance with labor agreements, and fostering positive relationships between management and employees. If you have a passion for labor law and a talent for resolving conflicts in a balanced and fair manner, this is your role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Labor Relations Strategy and Policy Development:

• Develop and implement labor relations strategies that align with organizational goals and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with senior management to ensure labor policies are consistent with the organization’s mission and long-term objectives.
• Provide guidance and counsel to management on labor relations issues, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and collective bargaining agreements.

2. Collective Bargaining and Negotiation:

• Lead or assist in negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with labor unions.
• Analyze labor contract provisions to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the company and union representatives to resolve disputes and ensure contract adherence.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and data analyses for negotiations, mediation, and arbitration hearings.

3. Grievance and Dispute Resolution:

• Manage the grievance process, ensuring timely and effective responses to employee or union complaints.
• Act as a mediator in labor disputes, facilitating fair and impartial resolutions to conflicts between employees and management.
• Investigate and assess claims related to unfair labor practices, providing recommendations on corrective actions.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to address grievances and ensure compliance with labor laws.

4. Labor Law Compliance and Risk Mitigation:

• Stay up-to-date on relevant labor laws, regulations, and case law, ensuring the company remains compliant.
• Conduct regular audits of labor relations policies and practices to identify potential risks or areas for improvement.
• Advise management on labor-related risks and recommend actions to mitigate legal exposure.
• Develop and deliver training programs on labor relations, union agreements, and compliance requirements to managers and employees.

5. Employee Relations and Engagement:

• Foster a positive and productive relationship between employees, management, and union representatives.
• Promote open communication and collaboration to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the workplace.
• Conduct employee surveys or focus groups to gather feedback on labor relations and workplace culture, using insights to improve engagement.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ensure labor practices align with the organization's DEI goals.

6. Reporting and Analytics:

• Maintain accurate records of all labor relations activities, including grievances, negotiations, and contract administration.
• Prepare detailed reports on labor relations metrics, trends, and outcomes for senior leadership.
• Use data-driven insights to improve labor relations practices and develop proactive strategies for future negotiations.
• Track industry trends and benchmark labor relations practices to maintain competitive and compliant labor agreements.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Law, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree or JD is preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in labor relations or a closely related field, with a proven successful negotiation and conflict resolution track record.
• Experience working with unions and handling collective bargaining agreements is essential.
• Strong understanding of federal and state labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Negotiation and Mediation: Exceptional skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and mediation are critical for success in this role.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex labor contracts, identify issues, and provide practical solutions to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to think critically, manage multiple priorities, and resolve labor disputes fairly and on time.
• Attention to Detail: Must be meticulous in ensuring compliance with all labor laws, policies, and contractual agreements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Build strong relationships with management and labor representatives, earn trust, and foster collaboration.

Work Environment:

This fully remote position allows you to work from home or anywhere with reliable internet access. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team, and communication through virtual platforms will be key to success. Occasional travel may be required for in-person negotiations or meetings, but the role will primarily be conducted online.

Career Growth Opportunities:

This position offers significant growth opportunities within the organization. As the Virtual Labor Relations Specialist, you will be pivotal in shaping labor policies and advancing the company’s labor relations strategy. With successful performance, there is potential for promotion to senior leadership roles in labor relations, human resources, or legal counsel.