A labor relations specialist is a human resources professional who assists employees and employers in contract negotiations. He or she conducts research on wages, benefits, and working conditions in a specific industry in order to assist management in the creation of work contracts. If a disagreement arises between a single employee or a union and an employer, a labor relations specialist can mediate the situation and assist both parties in reaching a satisfactory resolution. Most specialists enter the field after earning business degrees and working in specific industries for several years. Professionals can work for corporations full-time or as independent consultants, providing services to a variety of clients.
Any business or industry can’t succeed without a well-trained, committed workforce. Company owners must be able to keep employees happy and provide them with adequate wages and benefits in order to ensure quality production. Competition and the desire to maximize profits, on the other hand, can make it difficult to provide employees with everything they desire. A labor relations specialist’s goal is to assist workers and employers in reaching agreements that promote worker satisfaction while also ensuring the company’s profitability.
To develop contract standards, specialists conduct extensive research into competing businesses and economic theory. When an employee or a group of employees believe they are entitled to better pay or benefits, they consult with a specialist to learn about their options. The labor relations specialist explains the constraints on their desires and prepares a report for management. He or she tries to work out deals with business owners and executives, explaining worker requests and laying out the best ways to ensure that both parties are happy with the final decisions.
In many cases, an entry-level labor relations specialist job requires only a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Master’s degrees in management, human resources, or industrial relations are preferred by some employers, particularly private consulting firms. Furthermore, many aspiring labor relations specialists choose to pursue law degrees in order to strengthen their credentials and gain a better understanding of the legal aspects of their jobs.
Many professional organizations provide new workers in the field with voluntary certification. Certification isn’t usually required for employment as a labor relations specialist, but it can help expand job opportunities and show potential clients that you’re fully qualified. A respected labor relations specialist with experience and proven skills may be able to advance to an executive position within a company or even start his or her own independent consulting firm.