Occupation AtlasLabor Relations Specialists
O*NET · 13-1075.00
Labor Relations Specialists
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
49 more
Employee Engagement Specialist · Employee Experience Specialist · Employee Relations Business Partner (ERBP) · Employee Relations Consultant · Employee Relations Coordinator · Employee Relations Generalist · Employee Relations Investigator · Employee Relations Partner · Employee Relations Rep · Employee Relations Representative (Employee Relations Rep) · Employee Relations Specialist · Employee Rep · Employee Representative (Employee Rep) · Employer Relations Rep · Employer Relations Representative (Employer Relations Rep) · Employer Relations Specialist · ERBP · Grievance and Appeals Specialist · Grievance Manager · HR Specialist · HR Specialist (Human Resources Specialist) · Industrial Relations Analyst · Industrial Relations Counselor · Industrial Relations Manager · Industrial Relations Rep · Industrial Relations Representative (Industrial Relations Rep) · Industrial Relations Specialist · Industrial Relations Worker · Labor Conciliator · Labor Contract Analyst · Labor Mediator · Labor Organizer · Labor Relations Analyst · Labor Relations Consultant · Labor Relations Negotiator · Labor Relations Rep · Labor Relations Representative (Labor Relations Rep) · Labor Relations Specialist · Labor Relations Worker · Labor Rep · Labor Representative (Labor Rep) · Labor Specialist · Personnel Arbitrator · Personnel Negotiator · Relations Specialist · Union Organizer · Union Rep · Union Representative (Union Rep) · Union Steward
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ECSEnterprising · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- E Enterprising5.65
- C Conventional4.61
- S Social3.72
- I Investigative3.10
- A Artistic1.71
- R Realistic1.31
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (33%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (24%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (43%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- NegotiationImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- PersuasionImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Service OrientationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
20 core · 8 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.Importance 4.7
- Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.Importance 4.4
- Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.Importance 4.2
- Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.Importance 4.1
- Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.Importance 4.1
- Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.Importance 4.1
- Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.Importance 4.1
- Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.Importance 4.1
- Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.Importance 4.0
- Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.Importance 4.0
- Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.Importance 3.9
- Assess risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.Importance 3.8
Show the other 16
- Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.Importance 3.7
- Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives.Importance 3.6
- Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.Importance 3.6
- Research case law or outcomes of previous case hearings.Importance 3.6
- Write letters related to labor relations activities, such as letters to amend collective bargaining agreements, letters of dispute or conciliation, or letters to seek clarification of contract terms.Importance 3.5
- Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.Importance 3.4
- Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.Importance 3.4
- Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.Importance 3.3
- Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.Importance 3.5
- Assess the impact of union proposals on company or government operations.Importance 3.5
- Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.Importance 3.3
- Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor relations or labor contracts.Importance 3.2
- Develop employee health and safety policies.Importance 3.1
- Prepare reports or presentations to communicate employee satisfaction or related data to management.Importance 2.9
- Develop methods to monitor employee satisfaction with policies or working conditions, including grievance or complaint procedures.Importance 2.9
- Prepare and submit required governmental reports or forms related to labor relations matters, such as equal employment opportunity (EEO) forms, new hire forms, or minority compensation reports.Importance 2.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- MathematicsImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- AdministrativeImportance 2.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level —
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.6
- OriginalityImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Number FacilityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.5Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Negotiate a major labor-management contract
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Processing InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.5Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
21 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (7)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- ServiceNowhot
- Workday softwarehot
- Oracle HRIS
Hot (5; 6 more marked hot above)
- Kubernetes
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
Other tools (9)
- Internet Grievance System IGS
- LaborSoft LaborForce Arbitration/Appeals Manager module
- LaborSoft LaborForce Discipline Manager module
- LaborSoft LaborForce EEO Claims Manager module
- LaborSoft LaborForce Grievance Manager module
- LaborSoft LaborForce Incident Tracking module
- LaborSoft LaborForce Personnel Manager module
- LaborSoft LaborForce Reporting/Dashboard Manager module
- Micropact entellitrak Labor Relations Edition
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Lawyers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.6, Critical Thinking +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Public Relations Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Management of Material Resources +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Public Relations Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +1.0, Negotiation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Fundraisers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +1.0, Mathematics +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.6, Systems Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.8, Negotiation −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources −0.9, Management of Financial Resources −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Customs Brokers
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −1.1, Persuasion −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.