Labor Relations Specialist

Jefferson County•Lakewood, CO

3d•$69,405 - $111,049

About The Position

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a strategic advisor to leadership and Human Resources teams on labor and employee relations matters. This role is responsible for fostering positive labor-management relationships, ensuring compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements, supporting negotiations, and providing guidance on workplace issues, grievance administration, and dispute resolution. Partners with business leaders to develop proactive labor relations strategies that align with organizational goals while maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally compliant work environment.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or a related field.
Experience supporting collective bargaining environments.
Experience managing grievances, investigations, and dispute resolution processes.
Experience advising leaders on labor and employment matters.
Bachelor's Degree

Nice To Haves

Public Library experience.
Experience supporting the transition, implementation, and ongoing administration of a newly unionized workforce, including development of labor-management processes and practices.
Experience participating in labor negotiations.
Experience representing management in arbitration or mediation proceedings.
Experience within healthcare, public sector, education, or other similar unionized industries.

Responsibilities

Advise leaders and HR partners on labor relations policies, practices, and risk mitigation strategies.
Assess labor relations impacts of organizational changes, workforce planning initiatives, and operational improvements.
Develop and implement labor relations initiatives that support organizational objectives and workforce engagement.
Monitor labor relations trends and recommend best practices to leadership.
Prepare for and participate in collective bargaining negotiations.
Analyze contract language and provide recommendations regarding bargaining proposals.
Research labor market trends, wage data, and industry practices to support negotiation strategies.
Draft, review, and interpret collective bargaining agreements.
Investigate employee complaints, grievances, and labor disputes.
Partner with managers and union representatives to resolve workplace concerns.
Represent the organization during grievance meetings, mediations, and arbitration proceedings.
Develop recommendations and action plans to prevent recurring labor issues.
Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements.
Provide guidance to managers regarding contract provisions, work rules, disciplinary actions, and employee rights.
Ensure organizational compliance with contractual obligations.
Act within compliance in all labor relations activities.
Provide guidance on compliance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
Assess labor relations risks and recommend corrective actions.
Consult with legal counsel as needed.
Support responses to labor agency inquiries, audits, and investigations.
Maintain accurate documentation of labor relations activities and cases.
Coach leaders on effective employee relations and labor-management practices.
Facilitate discussions between management and labor representatives.
Conduct training on labor relations topics, contract administration, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution.
Promote a culture of trust, fairness, and collaboration.
Utilize workforce and labor data to inform negotiation strategy, policy development, and operational decision-making.
Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership.
Identify opportunities to improve labor-management relationships and operational effectiveness.
Other duties as assigned.