Labor Relations Counsel, USA-CA-PR

At H&M, our purpose is to liberate fashion for the many. We want to shape a new world in Fashion. A world with one ultimate goal: to unleash your self-expression. As an H&M colleague, you're encouraged to be yourself & more. You'll take on new responsibilities from day one, learn skills for life, and find new ways to make your big dreams come true.

Our company is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, and we actively seek colleagues who share our commitment.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Labor Relations Counsel, USA-CA-PR in the HR function, your main focus will be to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of employment law and labor relations. You provide legal counsel and guidance that ensures compliance within the USA-CA-PR Sales Market and Logistics. You act as a speaking partner for local Union dialogue and/or works council. Equip HR Business Line and Business Leaders with the appropriate training, tools, and access to relevant information to be proactive in managing risk and People Relation related topics/cases.

• In this role, you are responsible for leading Labor Relations and together you play a key role in managing relationships between the organization and labor unions or employee representatives
• Responsible for interpreting and applying labor laws, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements
• Set implementation plan of new and/or updated H&M Group social policies, guidelines or framework
• Decide on local people relations plans and prios aligned with global strategy and prios and decide on local legally needed adaptations of policies and standards
• Give strategic and operational advice to local management and HR team
• Stay current with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations
• Ensure organizational practices are in compliance with legal requirements and collective bargaining agreements
• Govern and follow up on compliance and proactively address identified risks through strategic planning and mitigation efforts, minimizing the organization's exposure to compliance-related challenges
• Secure that Managers are fully aware of their responsibilities and have a proactive internal dialogue
• Ensure local grievance process that is in line with the Global grievance policy and handle grievance investigations

• Assist with the management of outside labor counsel and relevant vendor relationships
• Ensure the respect for freedom of associations for all colleagues connected to our business
• Create a trustful relationship with employee representatives
• Expectation to contribute to the People Relations Network
• Domestic and occasional international travel required

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law
• Previous experience working as a labor relations attorney or first chair experience
• At least 5 years of experience in labor law, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
• In-depth knowledge of labor laws, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regulations, and collective bargaining principles
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights advocacy within the workplace
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• We value diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and disability
• We pride ourselves on being a values-driven organization, guided by our 7 unique values that have been part of our success story for over 75 years

• You'll have access to our Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) to find community and networking opportunities among colleagues
• We are an inclusive company where you're encouraged to be yourself at work
• You will have access to a large global talent community, where career growth and aspirations have no limits
• We believe in supporting your overall wellbeing and offer comprehensive benefits inclusive of health insurance, wellness and family support programs, company match 401k, paid leave programs, and paid time off, including a community day to serve your local community
• You'll be able to express your personal style with our employee discount at H&M, & Other Stories, and COS