Employee Relations and Labor Relations Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Act as the primary liaison for matters concerning employee relations and labor relations, encompassing conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance management issues.

• Perform comprehensive, objective, and timely investigations into employee complaints, covering harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other forms of misconduct, in both unionized and non-unionized settings.

• Oversee formal union grievances, execute related workplace investigations, and represent the organization during mediation, arbitration, and other labor management dispute resolution activities.

• Record investigation findings and maintain precise case files; collaborate with HR leadership and legal counsel to recommend corrective measures.

• Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding company policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Assist or take part in collective bargaining and contract renewal processes.

• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements.

• Address issues related to contract compliance and resolve workplace conflicts.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment and labor regulations.

• Review, develop, and refresh HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.

• Collaborate with legal counsel on intricate employment and labor matters, provide litigation support, and address regulatory agency charges.

• Keep track of legislative and regulatory changes and relay pertinent updates to HR leadership and management.

• Create and provide tools, resources, and training aimed at enhancing managerial competencies and fostering a positive, compliant workplace culture.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related discipline.

• Over 10 years of progressive experience in HR, employee relations, or labor relations, demonstrating strong, hands-on involvement in union and labor relations.

• Proven experience in conducting workplace investigations and managing intricate employee relations and labor relations cases, including union grievances.

• In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws, such as FMLA, ADA, Title VII, FLSA, and NLRA, and their application in union environments.

• Established ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the capability to produce clear, concise investigation reports and labor relations documentation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to assess risks, identify trends, and propose practical solutions.

• Ability to establish trust and credibility with employees, managers, union representatives, and leaders across all levels.

• US Citizenship is mandatory.

• Preferred: Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or a related field.

• Preferred: Professional HR certification such as PHR or SPHR.

• Preferred: Experience in a multi-state or multi-site organization with both unionized and non-unionized workforces.

• Preferred: Extensive direct experience in union and labor relations, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance management.

• Preferred: Familiarity with HRIS systems.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.

• Employee assistance programs and resources.