Labor Relations Manager

Aldridge Group•Green Oaks, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Aldridge is seeking an experienced Construction Labor Relations Manager with a minimum of 5 years of experience to manage the relationship between management trade union organizations and members. This role acts as the primary liaison between union representatives, field employees, and corporate leadership. The candidate will ensure compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), and labor laws, while proactively addressing employee issues to prevent work stoppages and grievances. The candidate will also serve as a primary investigator and advisor on all employee relations issues, with a specialized focus on harassment, discrimination, and retaliation complaints. This role requires a candidate with experience in labor laws (EEOC, FLSA) who can work effectively between union representatives, jobsite personnel, and executive leadership to ensure a respectful, safe, and compliant workplace.

Requirements

5+ years of labor relations experience in a unionized construction or heavy industrial environment.
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Labor Relations, Business, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
Strong, demonstrated knowledge of building trades unions, union jurisdictional issues, and CBA/PLA administration.
Exceptional conflict resolution, negotiation, and communication skills.
Experience in labor laws (EEOC, FLSA).

Nice To Haves

Experience in power construction, heavy industrial, or infrastructure sectors.
Experience with Davis-Bacon Act and NLRB proceedings.

Responsibilities

Act as the lead liaison with local, regional, and trades unions.
Negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and project labor agreements (PLAs).
Manage, investigate, and resolve grievances filed by union locals or employees, working closely with management to address disputes and avoid arbitration.
Interpret labor contracts and provide guidance to management to ensure compliance with union provisions, prevailing wage laws (Davis-Bacon Act), and apprenticeship standards.
Handle complex jurisdictional disputes and craft assignments to ensure optimal productivity and correct work assignments.
Advise field supervisors on labor relations issues, including proper disciplinary actions, terminations, and workplace conduct.
Proactively identify potential labor disruptions, such as walkouts, strikes or work stoppages, and develop site-specific plans to maintain project continuity.
Train project managers and field leadership on union contract obligations, and labor law compliance.
Act as the lead investigator for allegations of harassment, discrimination, bullying, and retaliation, conducting thorough, impartial, and confidential investigations.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (including EEOC guidelines) and company policies, particularly on jobsites with high-risk environments.
Monitor subcontractors’ compliance with anti-harassment obligations and review their investigation procedures.
Prepare detailed, high-quality investigation reports, maintain meticulous records, and recommend appropriate remedial actions to management.