Labor Relations

Understands and demonstrates knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, case law, principles, and practices related to negotiating and administering labor agreements.

Key Behaviors
  • Demonstrates knowledge of a wide range of HR concepts, laws, policies, practices related to labor relations.
  • Develops guidance and provides regulatory and policy advice and assistance on workforce relations matters such as work schedules, time and leave, performance management, etc.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of a variety of personnel management services to include performance management, employee conduct, benefits administration, and other work life issues.
  • Reviews complaints or grievances; performs fact-finding and advises management on the preparation of disciplinary and adverse action, grievance, and appeal letters.
  • Reviews, translates, and negotiates union proposals, counter proposals, and settlement agreements.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of provisions for collective bargaining agreements, and provides training/orientation to supervisors and managers.
  • Develops and delivers briefings, legal documents, project papers, advisory opinions, and arguments through oral and/or written communication.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and recommends management interventions to solve complex problems and issues.
  • Applies knowledge of consensus building, negotiation, coalition building, mediation, interest-based bargaining, and other non-adversarial problem solving approaches to resolve problems and advise management.

Developmental opportunities for this competency are available from the NIH Training Center.