Assistant Labor Relations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Labor Relations Manager

Responsibilities

The Assistant Labor Relations Manager supports the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and plays a key role in maintaining effective, constructive labor–management relationships. Working in close partnership with the Labor Relations Manager, this role ensures consistent enforcement of work rules, supports grievance and disciplinary processes, provides contract interpretation guidance, and mitigates organizational risk through fair, ethical, and compliant employee relations practices.

This role is based in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay: $70,000+ annually

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) savings plan with employer match

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Life insurance and employee assistance programs

• Professional development and compliance training opportunities

Primary Responsibilities

• Support administration of the labor agreement by ensuring consistent enforcement of work rules, practices, and policies for the hourly union workforce.

• Investigate, document, and resolve employee complaints and grievance activity.

• Prepare and review employment-related documentation associated with grievances, arbitrations, and union information requests.

• Partner with managers and supervisors to collect documentation and data required for grievance responses and reporting.

• Conduct investigations related to potential disciplinary situations and support determination of appropriate actions.

• Assist with interpretation of union contract language and provide guidance to leaders responsible for contract implementation.

• Support training and communication efforts to ensure consistent understanding of contract intent and application.

• Foster positive, constructive relationships between the organization and union representatives.

• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements to minimize financial exposure related to attendance, pay, and other provisions.

• Assist in managing apprenticeship programs, including monitoring participant progress, rotation schedules, assignments, and program content.

• Administer the grievance process by tracking cases, scheduling meetings, and managing timelines across all grievance steps.

• Maintain electronic document systems for grievances, arbitrations, memorandums of understanding, and related materials.

• Investigate workplace concerns raised through compliance channels and internal issue resolution processes.

• Partner with leave coordination and medical resources to address leaves of absence, work restrictions, and accommodation requests.

• Assist with administration of work-hour compliance rules, including tracking waivers and maintaining monthly metrics.

• Comply with all environmental, health, and safety requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support labor relations and organizational objectives.

Job Roles

• Fair and ethical – Demonstrates unquestioned integrity; evaluates issues impartially; supports consistent and fair enforcement of standards.

• Relationship and communication – Builds trust through confidentiality, clarity, and professionalism; communicates calmly and transparently across differing perspectives.

• Organization and structure – Maintains detailed, accurate records; manages processes and timelines effectively; delivers timely documentation and decisions.

• Analytical – Separates fact from perception; understands situational and enterprise-level tradeoffs; reads dynamics accurately.

• Presence – Communicates directly and confidently; influences through discernment; balances firmness with approachability; represents the organization effectively.

• Proactive – Anticipates issues; provides guidance in advance; reinforces alignment through timely communication.

• Flexibility – Manages competing priorities; adapts to changing conditions; transitions smoothly between responsibilities and systems.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a human resources role with responsibility for employee relations

• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support operations across shifts

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field