Director - Labor Relations

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

Accident & disability

Parental leave

Employee assistance program

Commuter

Paid holidays

Paid time off

401(k)

Flight privileges

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to lead strategic programs that support compliance, workforce stability, and positive employee relations at our Chicago hub.

You will advise HR and senior leadership on labor matters, oversee CBAs administration, grievance procedures, and arbitration preparation, and guide negotiation strategies to advance business objectives while upholding our values.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, collective bargaining, or a related HR/legal discipline.
• Demonstrated experience administering CBAs, grievance procedures, and disciplinary processes.
• Experience representing an organization in labor negotiations and dispute resolution matters.
• Strong business writing, data analysis, and reporting capabilities.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on labor relations and employment-related matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead labor relations programs and ensure compliance with organizational policies, labor agreements, and established practices.
• Represent the organization during collective bargaining negotiations, dispute resolution activities, and other labor-related proceedings.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and disciplinary processes to ensure consistent application across represented employee groups.
• Prepare and oversee briefs, position statements, affidavits, motions, and related correspondence in support of labor relations matters.
• Advise and counsel HR leaders and senior leadership regarding labor relations strategy, policy initiatives, and employment-related issues.
• Direct arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution activities, including planning and execution of arbitration dockets and hearing preparation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, union representatives, legal partners, and business leaders.
• Lead the resolution of highly complex operational, organizational, and employee relations issues while providing strategic guidance that supports business objectives.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

Collective bargaining

Business writing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Description

At United, we offer more than jobs, we build careers. Our HR team is passionate about growing a workplace where everyone can thrive. We empower our team members to pursue unique career paths, promote a culture where all employees feel empowered to a make a measurable difference in our success, and value the achievements and advancement of our organization. Join our team and chart your own uniquely United career journey!

About The Job

The Director, Labor Relations leads strategic labor relations programs and initiatives that support organizational compliance, workforce stability, and positive employee relations. This role serves as a key advisor to HR and senior leadership on labor and employment matters while overseeing the administration and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. The position plays a leadership role in negotiations, grievance resolution, arbitration preparation, and labor strategy development. Success in this role requires strong negotiation skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex organizational and employee relations issues.

Core Accountabilities / Key Responsibilities

• Lead labor relations programs and ensure compliance with organizational policies, labor agreements, and established practices.
• Represent the organization during collective bargaining negotiations, dispute resolution activities, and other labor-related proceedings.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and disciplinary processes to ensure consistent application across represented employee groups.
• Prepare and oversee briefs, position statements, affidavits, motions, and related correspondence in support of labor relations matters.
• Advise and counsel HR leaders and senior leadership regarding labor relations strategy, policy initiatives, and employment-related issues.
• Direct arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution activities, including planning and execution of arbitration dockets and hearing preparation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, union representatives, legal partners, and business leaders.
• Lead the resolution of highly complex operational, organizational, and employee relations issues while providing strategic guidance that supports business objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, collective bargaining, or a related HR/legal discipline
• Demonstrated experience administering collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), grievance procedures, and disciplinary processes
• Experience representing an organization in labor negotiations and dispute resolution matters
• Strong business writing, data analysis, and reporting capabilities
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on labor relations and employment-related matters

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a company spokesperson during labor negotiations
• Experience managing arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution proceedings

Preferred Qualifications

• Executive presence with the ability to influence and counsel senior leadership
• Experience working directly with legal teams on labor and employment matters

The base pay range for this role is $159,790.00 to $207,998.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• accident & disability
• parental leave
• employee assistance program
• commuter
• paid holidays
• paid time off
• 401(k)
• flight privileges

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail]