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

HR News

NY Court Blocks State Agency from Acting in NLRB’s Place

A federal district court has temporarily blocked the New York law allowing the state Public Employee Relations Board …

HR News

Starbucks Agrees to Largest Worker-Protection Settlement in NYC History

Starbucks will pay $39 million to settle charges that it violated New York City's predictive scheduling law.

HR News

Fifth and Sixth Circuit Court Rulings Widen Split Over NLRB Enhanced Remedies

The 5th Circuit and 6th Circuit Courts of Appeals each ruled recently that the National Labor Relations Board …

HR News

New York law authorizes state agency to act in NLRB’s place

Due to NLRB inaction, NY passed a law letting its state board (PERB) handle private-sector union issues. The …

HR law guides

Unfair labor practices: Ohio

An overview of unfair labor practice requirements in Ohio, including how federal law applies where there is no …

Guides – How to

How to prepare for union representation elections

This guide explains how the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees’ rights to organize and form a …

Guides – How to

How to determine whether an employee’s activity is protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

This guide outlines practical steps employers can take to determine whether an employee’s activity is protected under the …

Guides – How to

How to prepare for collective negotiations with a union

This guide explains how employers can prepare for collective bargaining with a union, including understanding NLRA obligations, forming …

HR News

NLRB restores quorum after court reinstates fired member

A federal district judge has reinstated Gwynne Wilcox as a member of the NLRB, allowing the Board to …

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