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What is a labour relations representative and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

If you've ever been told that you drive a hard bargain, working as a labor relations representative may be the career for you. One of the biggest tasks for a labor relations representative is to help negotiate a collective bargaining agreement, a contract for a group of unionized workers that sets out their benefits, salaries, and more.

As a labor relations representative, you would act as a go-between for the workers and their bosses in whatever capacity that may be. Sometimes you will discuss how a contract could be improved. Other days you may help an individual worker who believes that they have been treated unfairly.

Many labor relations representatives have a college degree in human relations, but it is not necessary. The most important qualifications include a strong relationship with the union, excellent people skills, and a passion for fighting for what's right.

ScoreLabour Relations RepresentativeUS Average
Salary
5.3

Avg. Salary $67,214

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 7.65%

Black or African American 9.65%

Hispanic or Latino 18.06%

Unknown 5.41%

White 58.47%

Gender

female 44.30%

male 55.70%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Labour relations representative career paths

Key steps to become a labour relations representative

  1. Explore labour relations representative education requirements

    Most common labour relations representative degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.1 %

    Master's

    15.5 %

    Associate

    8.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific labour relations representative skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Human Resources10.08%
    Collective Bargaining Agreements8.37%
    Arbitration6.54%
    Collective Bargaining4.74%
    EEO4.42%
  3. Complete relevant labour relations representative training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New labour relations representatives learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a labour relations representative based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real labour relations representative resumes.
  4. Research labour relations representative duties and responsibilities

    • Manage employee files, grievances, and update HRIS database daily.
    • Manage contract negotiations, contract administration, dispute resolution, settlement agreements, grievance handling, and grievance preparations for arbitration.
    • Investigate all employee complaints including harassment and EEO violations.
    • Document investigations for grievance/arbitration cases, ADA and EEO complaints.
  5. Prepare your labour relations representative resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your labour relations representative resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a labour relations representative resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable labour relations representative resume templates

    Build a professional labour relations representative resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your labour relations representative resume.
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
    Labour Relations Representative Resume
  6. Apply for labour relations representative jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a labour relations representative job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first labour relations representative job

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Average labour relations representative salary

The average labour relations representative salary in the United States is $67,214 per year or $32 per hour. Labour relations representative salaries range between $43,000 and $103,000 per year.

Average labour relations representative salary
$67,214 Yearly
$32.31 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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