Hybrid Labor Relations Specialist - Union Strategy

Oregon Health & Science University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 95,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Health & Science University is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist to lead and support labor relations initiatives within a large academic medical setting. The role focuses on contract interpretation, negotiation support, grievance handling, and ensuring HR practices align with labor agreements.

The position requires collaboration with HR partners, legal, and management to promote equitable workplace practices, address employee concerns, and advance healthy labor relations across OHSU’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, labor relations, HR or related field.
• 3+ years of professional labor relations experience including contract negotiations participation, implementation, grievance handling, mediation, or equivalent.
• Ability to work in a small professional team and foster collaboration.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in HR practices.
• Experience navigating large organizations to implement labor relations strategies.
• Strong verbal and written communication, de-escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and assess information for equitable decisions.
• Experience in medical, academic, and/or academic medical settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in collective bargaining activities, including pre-bargaining prep, note taking, drafting language, and post-settlement support.
• Build positive relationships with employees, union reps, and stakeholders through proactive communication.
• Develop and implement equitable HR and labor relations strategies aligned with business needs.
• Interpret contract and policy language with HR partners and management for consistent application.
• Review disciplinary actions, separations, and grievances for consistency with contracts and laws.
• Consult with stakeholders to address workplace concerns and guide complaint processes.
• Draft and review contract provisions, mid-term agreements, and labor relations communications.
• Support investigations and responses to grievances per collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate to support grievance resolution and labor relations strategy.
• Assist in developing collective bargaining strategies promoting trust and collaboration.
• Provide training on labor relations topics, policy updates, and HR processes.
• Coordinate layoff, bumping, and other contract administration processes.
• Assess employment decisions for equity, financial, and legal impacts.

Skills

Labor relations experience

Contract negotiations

Grievance handling

Mediation

Policy interpretation

Verbal and written communication

De-escalation

Change management

Project management

Equity and inclusion

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, labor relations, HR or related field

Job description

Oregon Health & Science University is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist to lead and support labor relations initiatives within a large academic medical setting. The role focuses on contract interpretation, negotiation support, grievance handling, and ensuring HR practices align with labor agreements.

The position requires collaboration with HR partners, legal, and management to promote equitable workplace practices, address employee concerns, and advance healthy labor relations across OHSU’s