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Labor relations

Understanding labor relations and union laws

Labor relations describe the way employers and unions interact, when it comes to negotiating workplace conditions and resolving conflicts. Unlike employee relations, which refers to the general management of relationships between employers and individual employees, labor relation interactions involve collective bargaining and administrating the collective bargaining agreement, grievance procedures, and discussing issues between management and the union on behalf of the workers.

Strong labor relations programs help organizations work with the union to maintain fair treatment, reduce conflict and resolve issues constructively, and remain compliant with federal laws. 

HR teams are key in supporting good labor relations. They make sure workplace rules are applied fairly. They also provide clear communication with the union or unions that represent their employees. They address concerns early and help managers understand their duties.

Browse our full library of labor relations resources
Commentary and Insights

Thou shalt not use ChatGPT? Handling religious objections to AI at work

As AI becomes more common in the workplace, employers may encounter employees who object to its use on …
Charts

Franchisor protection laws by state

by the Brightmine Editorial Team Many states have laws that protect franchisors from liability for the labor and …
Charts

Right to work states

Learn which states have right-to-work laws and what they mean for employers, employees, unions, and workplace policies across …
HR law guides

Social media at work

This resource provides guidance on managing employee social media use in the workplace, including employer policies, employee rights, …
HR News

Maryland enacts new labor‑friendly laws

This article explains two new Maryland laws that expand protections for employees related to workplace meetings on religious …
Guides – How to

How to prepare and continue business operations during a strike

Strikes can disrupt business operations, but employers often receive advance notice; this How To outlines key steps for …
HR News

NLRB abandons Browning-Ferris Industry joint employer standard

Learn how the NLRB’s withdrawal of the 2023 Browning‑Ferris rule keeps the 2020 joint‑employer standard in place and …
Blogs

What role do labor unions play in the workplace?

Understand how labor unions support employees, how the NLRA protects organizing rights, and why compliance with labor laws …
HR News

NLRB Quorum Restored, General Counsel Appointed

After months of stalled decisions, the National Labor Relations Board is back in action. This shift signals renewed …

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