Labor relations specialist
Controller Job Description
Labor relations specialists jobs are often in the human resources departments of organizations. They serve as liaisons between management and workers, helping to resolve disputes or overall breakdowns in communication. Industrial relations representatives negotiate wages, conditions and benefits in the industrial sector. They can help companies avoid litigation, work on collective bargaining accords and handle complaints. The nature of this work often provides a stressful environment. Knowledge of labor or employment law and familiarity with the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act is usually required.
Labor relations specialists use decision-making skills to help management and labor agree on decisions when resolving grievances or other disputes. Specialists must be detail oriented when evaluating labor laws and maintaining records of an employee grievance. Interpersonal skills are essential for labor relations specialists. When mediating between labor and management, specialists must be able to converse and connect with people from different backgrounds. Listening skills are essential for labor relations specialists. When evaluating grievances, for example, they must pay careful attention to workers’ responses, understand the points they are making, and ask relevant follow-up questions. All labor relations specialists need strong writing skills to be effective at their job. They often draft proposals, and these proposals must be able to convey complex information to both workers and management.
Labor relations specialists usually have a bachelor’s degree. Some schools offer a bachelor’s degree in labor or employment relations. These programs focus on labor-specific topics such as employment law and contract negotiation. Candidates also may qualify for labor relations specialist positions with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, industrial relations, business, or a related field. Coursework typically includes business, professional writing, human resource management, and accounting.
• Handles routine labor relations and human resource inquiries related to policies, procedures, and bargaining agreements; refers complex matters to appropriate management staff.
• Serves as the initial contact and liaison for intake and assessment of employee complaints.
• Conducts initial interviews and gathers information for employee relations matters such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other concerns; informs appropriate HR staff when additional investigation is required.
• Assists with record-keeping related to hiring, termination, leave, transfer, and promotion particularly as related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), affirmative action, and diversity initiatives.
• Collects information and data to assess cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes. This may include management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, working conditions, and other mitigating circumstances.
• Conducts surveys, interviews, and other research related to human resource policies, compensation, and other labor negotiations; collects information and reports results to Labor Relations Manager or Human Resources Director.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to EEO, affirmative action, collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources.
• Assists with preparation of plans, policies, documents, and reports including EEO-1, affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
• Assists with preparation of documents and records required for contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employee and labor organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical duties of a Controller
Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to HR and contract negotiations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, Accounting, or related field required.