Labor Relations Specialist

LaSalle Network is hiring for a Labor Relations Specialist who will serve as an HR Generalist with a primary focus on labor relations, union grievance administration, and collective bargaining support across multiple unions in a manufacturing environment. This role, based in Evanston, IL, partners closely with plant leadership, union representatives, and employees to ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements, timely resolution of grievances, and compliance with labor laws, while also supporting core HR functions.

Labor Relations Specialist Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for labor relations matters across multiple union-represented employee groups

• Administer and manage the full grievance process, including intake, investigation, documentation, responses, and resolution

• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring consistent and fair application across sites and shifts

• Support labor negotiations, including preparation of proposals, data analysis, meeting participation, and documentation

• Partner with operations and leadership to address contract compliance issues and mitigate labor-related risks

• Coordinate and prepare for grievance hearings, arbitration, and mediation, working with internal stakeholders and legal counsel as needed

• Monitor labor relations trends and proactively recommend strategies to improve union-management relationships

• Provide HR guidance and support to managers and employees on policies, procedures, performance management, and employee relations

• Support investigations related to employee conduct, policy violations, and workplace concerns in both union and non-union contexts

• Assist with employee onboarding, offboarding, and orientation, ensuring alignment with union requirements where applicable

• Partner with leaders on attendance, discipline, and corrective action processes in accordance with CBAs and company policy

• Maintain accurate employee and labor relations records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance

• Provide training and guidance to supervisors on labor relations best practices and contract administration

• Identify opportunities to improve grievance processes, communication, and labor-management partnerships

Labor Relations Specialist Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field

• 4+ years of experience in labor relations and/or HR within a unionized environment.
• 2+ years of HR Generalist experience

• Hands-on experience managing union grievances and interpreting collective bargaining agreements

• Working knowledge of labor and employment laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment

• Experience supporting multiple unions or complex union environments

• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) or labor relations certification.

This position can pay between $45-55/hr and offers medical, dental, and vision benefits. This position is based in Evanston, IL.

If you’re interested and meet the qualifications, apply today!

Rachel Holmes
Principal, LaSalle Network
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