We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Labor Relations

Save

Labor relations is the study of the relationship between employers and employees. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including collective bargaining, labor law, and human resource management. Labor relations is a complex and ever-changing field, as it is constantly being shaped by new laws, regulations, and economic conditions.

Why Learn Labor Relations?

There are many reasons why someone might want to learn about labor relations. Some people pursue this field because they are interested in the legal and economic aspects of employment. Others are drawn to the human resource management side of labor relations, which involves working with employees to create a positive and productive work environment.

Academic Requirements

For those who wish to pursue a career in labor relations, there are several academic paths available. One option is to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial and labor relations. Many universities and colleges offer this degree, and it typically covers topics such as collective bargaining, labor law, and human resource management.

Another option is to earn a master's degree in labor relations. This degree is typically more specialized than a bachelor's degree, and it can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in labor relations.

Professional Development

Labor relations is a valuable skill for those who work in human resources or management. It can help them to understand the legal and economic aspects of employment, and it can also help them to create a positive and productive work environment. Many employers offer training programs in labor relations for their employees.

Personal Interest

Finally, some people simply enjoy learning about labor relations because it is a fascinating and complex field. It can be a great way to learn about the history of labor movements, the legal framework that governs employment, and the economic forces that shape the workplace.

Online Courses

There are many ways to learn about labor relations. One option is to take an online course. Online courses can be a great way to learn about a new topic, or to brush up on your skills. There are many different online courses available on labor relations, so you can find one that fits your needs and interests.

Here are some of the benefits of taking an online course on labor relations:

  • Convenience: Online courses can be taken at your own pace, so you can fit them into your busy schedule.
  • Affordability: Online courses are often more affordable than traditional in-person courses.
  • Variety: There are many online courses available on labor relations, so you can find one that suits your interests.

Careers in Labor Relations

There are many different career paths available to those who study labor relations. Some of the most common career paths include:

Human resources manager: Human resources managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources, including labor relations. They work with employees to create a positive and productive work environment, and they also ensure that the company is in compliance with all labor laws and regulations. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Labor relations specialist: Labor relations specialists work with unions and employers to negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements. They also help to resolve labor disputes and grievances. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or unions.

Mediator: Mediators help to resolve labor disputes and grievances. They work with both unions and employers to find a mutually acceptable solution. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Arbitrator: Arbitrators are impartial decision-makers who hear and decide labor disputes and grievances. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Lawyer: Lawyers who specialize in labor law represent clients in labor disputes and grievances. They may also advise clients on labor laws and regulations. They may work for private law firms, government agencies, or unions.

Economist: Economists who specialize in labor economics study the labor market. They analyze data on wages, employment, and unemployment to understand how the labor market works. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Conclusion

Labor relations is a complex and ever-changing field, but it is also a fascinating and rewarding one. There are many different career paths available to those who study labor relations, and it is a valuable skill for those who work in human resources or management. If you are interested in learning more about labor relations, there are many different resources available, including online courses, books, and articles.

Share

Help others find this page about Labor Relations: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 24 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Labor Relations.
Provides a critical analysis of how the traditional employment relationship has been broken down through outsourcing and subcontracting, leading to negative consequences for workers. It is highly relevant to contemporary labor relations discussions and offers insights into current challenges in the labor market. This valuable resource for understanding the changing nature of work.
This seminal textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of labor relations, covering topics such as collective bargaining, labor law, and human resource management.
Through immersive journalism, Ehrenreich chronicles the struggles of low-wage workers in the United States. provides a powerful look at the realities of precarious work and the challenges faced by many in the labor force. It is highly relevant for understanding the lived experiences of low-wage workers and the need for effective labor protections.
Delves into the theory and practice of collective bargaining, a central process in labor relations. It explains the dynamics between unions and management during negotiations. It is an essential resource for understanding the core mechanisms of unionized workplaces.
A seminal work that analyzes the economic and social effects of labor unions. presents the 'monopoly face' and 'voice face' of unions, offering a balanced perspective on their impact. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the role and function of unions in the labor market.
This edited volume explores the challenges and changes in industrial relations brought about by the new economy, including globalization, technological advancements, and changing employment patterns. It addresses contemporary issues and provides diverse perspectives on the future of labor relations. is valuable for understanding current trends and challenges.
Written by a long-time labor reporter, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of the history and current state of the American labor movement. It highlights key struggles and contemporary issues facing workers and unions. is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of the historical context and current landscape.
Explores the rise of the gig economy and its implications for labor, including issues of worker classification, rights, and benefits. It addresses contemporary challenges in labor relations brought about by new work models. It is highly relevant for understanding the evolving nature of work and its impact on labor.
This highly respected treatise provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework governing labor relations in the United States, including the National Labor Relations Act and other key statutes.
Focuses on the strategies and tactics of labor organizing in the modern era. It provides practical insights into building power and winning campaigns, making it particularly useful for those interested in the practical aspects of labor relations and activism. It offers valuable lessons for current organizing efforts.
This textbook provides a comprehensive economic analysis of labor markets, covering topics such as labor supply and demand, wage determination, and the impact of unions from an economic perspective. It standard text for understanding the economic forces influencing labor relations. is particularly useful for those interested in the economic underpinnings of labor.
Argues for the continued importance of labor unions in addressing inequality and advocating for workers' rights in the contemporary economy. It provides a clear and concise argument for the relevance of unions today. It valuable resource for understanding the arguments in favor of unionization.
Offers a concise overview of U.S. labor law, covering key legislation and legal principles governing labor relations. It useful reference tool for students and professionals needing a quick understanding of the legal framework. This book is excellent for quickly grasping the legal basics.
While not exclusively about labor relations, this influential work examines the social and economic changes brought about by the rise of market economies, including the commodification of labor. It provides crucial theoretical background for understanding the societal context of labor relations. is more valuable as additional reading for a deeper theoretical understanding.
Offers a ground-level look at the lives of young women working in factories in China. It provides a global perspective on labor issues, migration, and working conditions, which can inform a broader understanding of labor relations in a globalized economy. It offers a compelling case study of labor in a different economic context.
This textbook provides a detailed examination of the collective bargaining process, including topics such as negotiation, dispute resolution, and contract administration.
This widely discussed book analyzes income and wealth inequality, providing a broad economic context that is highly relevant to understanding the forces shaping labor relations and the distribution of wealth generated by labor. It offers valuable data and analysis for understanding contemporary economic challenges related to labor.
An early and influential work examining the harsh conditions faced by the working class during the Industrial Revolution. While a historical text, it provides foundational insights into the origins of labor movements and the need for workers' rights. It classic historical analysis of working conditions.
While not strictly a labor relations book, this work highlights systemic biases that affect women in various aspects of life, including the workplace. It provides crucial context for understanding gender inequality in labor and the importance of inclusive labor practices. offers valuable insights into diversity and inclusion within the labor context.
This comprehensive textbook provides a global perspective on industrial relations, covering topics such as the history of labor movements, the role of trade unions, and the impact of globalization.
A foundational text in the study of class struggle and the critique of capitalism. While a historical document, its analysis of the relationship between capital and labor remains influential in some perspectives on labor relations. It classic text for understanding critical perspectives, more for historical context than current practice.
Considered a foundational text in classical economics, this book introduces concepts such as the division of labor and the invisible hand. While written from a different era, it provides essential background for understanding the economic principles that underpin labor markets. This classic for understanding the historical roots of economic thought on labor.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser