Proficiency Indicators that SHRM Has Identified for Labor Relation Professionals

The following are the proficiency indicators that SHRM has identified as key concepts for mid-level HR Professionals:

• Supports interactions with unions and other employee representatives
• Supports the organization’s interests in union-management activities
• Assists and supports the organization in the collective bargaining process
• Participates in or facilitates ADR processes (e.g., arbitration, mediation)
• Makes recommendations for addressing other types of employee representation (e.g., governmental legal)
• Develops and implements workplace policies, handbooks, and codes of conduct
• Provides guidance to employees on the terms and implications of their employment agreement and the organization’s policies and procedures (e.g., employee handbook)
• Consults managers on how to supervise difficult employees, handle disruptive behaviors, and respond with the appropriate level of corrective action
• Conducts investigations into employee misconduct and suggests disciplinary action when necessary
• Manages employee grievances and discipline processes
• Resolves workplace labor disputes internally

Key concepts for senior-level HR Professionals:

• Manages interactions and negotiations with the union and other employee representatives (e.g., governmental, legal)
• Serves as the primary representative of the organization’s interests in union management activities (e.g., negotiations, dispute resolution)
• Manages the collective bargaining process
• Consults on and develops an effective organized labor strategy (e.g., avoidance, acceptance, adaptation) to achieve the organization’s desired impact on itself and its workforce
• Educates employees, managers, and leaders at all levels about the organization’s labor strategy (e.g., avoidance, acceptance, adaptation) and its impact on the achievement of goals and objectives
• Educates employees at all levels about changes in the organization’s policies
• Coaches and counsels managers on how to operate within the parameters of organizational policy, labor agreements, and employment agreements
• Oversees employee investigations and discipline

Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.

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