A labor representative is a union staff member who makes sure the contract workers fought for is respected every day on the job. While internal organizers focus on building member engagement and leadership, labor representatives focus on enforcing the contract and defending members when their rights are violated. They are the union's front line in dealing with management.

Their main responsibility is to represent members in workplace disputes. They investigate and file grievances, represent workers in disciplinary and investigatory meetings, and negotiate settlements with management. Labor representatives also interpret the contract, advise and support stewards, take part in labor-management meetings, and help prepare cases for arbitration. In many unions, they also support contract bargaining by bringing the problems they see every day to the table.

By holding management accountable and making sure every member is treated fairly, labor representatives turn the words of a contract into real protection. Every grievance won and every member defended shows workers that the union has their back, and that standing together makes a difference.