Industrial relations jobs manage labor relations, including unionized employment relationships. These jobs can be office-based or in the field, and can vary based on employee type and job focus. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important, as well as computational and organizational skills.
Industrial relations jobs focus on managing labor relations. The term industrial relations is commonly used in reference to unionized employment relationships, although the term has largely been replaced by labor relations, human resources or personnel. Regardless of the name used, the types of jobs in this field can be divided into several categories. Industrial relations jobs can manage relationships with union officials, which often have different considerations than tasks managing non-union employees. Depending on the industry, an industrial relations position may be office-based or much of the work may be done in the field. These jobs can also vary based on the types of employees managed – professional or trade professionals – and can vary based on the focus of the job – compensation, benefits or recruiting.
Early careers in industrial relations had their roots in unionized environments and focused on union implementation, employee safety, and fair labor practices and policies. Modern industrial relations jobs may also focus on labor relations between union workers and employers, but other industrial jobs manage labor relations outside of an organized union. The main difference between these two types is the different mechanisms by which conflicts are managed and changes are implemented. Union employees are typically protected by a detailed set of procedures set out in the employment contract and therefore these jobs in a unionized environment require a good knowledge of union relations in general and the specific collective bargaining agreement in place. Non-union industrial relations jobs may have the opportunity to more easily implement new programs, including performance management and recognition and retention programs.
Industrial relations jobs are usually located in offices, although in some companies these employees may be located near or on the factory floor. Proximity to the job often helps the industrial relations coordinator stay engaged with the job, the employees, and the managers. All successful industrial relations managers, working on the manufacturing floor or in an office, generally have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Computational, organizational and mathematical skills are also important.
Jobs in this field can also vary according to the type of employees involved. In addition to union distinction, trade workers may require different types of assistance than licensed professionals. Licensed professionals, such as lawyers or doctors, for example, may need assistance in maintaining license requirements. Additionally, salaried professionals will require different pay and benefit assistance than hourly workers.
Another way to categorize industrial relations jobs is based on the focus of the job. Some jobs may require the coordinator to manage all elements of the employment relationship. Others may require the industrial relations specialist to focus solely on recruiting, compensation, or benefits.
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