Employee and Labor Relations
The Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) team serves as a trusted partner to faculty, staff and human resource professionals regarding questions, conflicts and issues that arise in the workplace. The Employee and Labor Relations team leads these services and strategies for the Ohio State community and Wexner Medical Center.
The ELR team combines expertise in workforce policies with a collaborative approach to deliver proactive and strategic services to the university. ELR works closely with administrators, managers and human resource professionals to understand the unique needs and objectives of each college and business unit. ELR also helps problem solve, provide advice, and interpret policies, procedures, labor contracts and key federal and state regulations.
Below are some of the core services provided by Employee and Labor Relations. Click the title of the service to read more about how an Employee or Labor Relations Senior Representative can assist you or your team.
Core Services
Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives assist in resolving problems and conflicts in the workplace before they escalate to a disruption. Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives are available to provide problem-solving strategies to managers, human resource professionals, or employees involved in conflict. They can also assist in facilitating informal mediation. Conflict in the workplace can arise in a wide variety of ways. It can range from workplace misunderstandings, very mild interpersonal problems, to serious conflicts.
Mediation
Human Resources also offers formal mediation services. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties work through and resolve problems. It is not available for resolving disputes related to promotion and tenure, discrimination, sexual misconduct, serious misconduct/criminal activity, discharge or issues governed by federal or state law. For more information on mediation services, please call (614) 688-5396.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is conflict resolution?
Conflict resolution is a process where an impartial third party helps disputing parties explore solutions acceptable to all the parties. It relies on the good-faith agreement of the parties to discuss and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Conflict resolution offers internal, diplomatic resolution of disputes and provides an opportunity to talk constructively about future working relationships.
What is formal mediation?
Formal Mediation is voluntary and confidential process where an external third party helps disputing parties explore solutions acceptable to all parties. Formal Mediation may be a service to utilize when the conflicts are causing organizational wide impacts.
What is the difference between formal mediation and conflict resolution facilitated and offered by Employee and Labor Relations?
Mediation is a specific process overseen by an external third party. Conflict resolution tends to focus on managing conflict for individuals or teams and may be formally facilitated by a trained team member in Employee and Labor Relations with the objective that the parties can work towards a conclusion together.
Both require voluntary participation of parties and conducted by a facilitator who is able to remain neutral and trusted by the parties. Neither option is appropriate when the conflict is concerning discrimination, harassment, or a violation of university policy or procedure.
Who oversees the conflict resolution process?
The Employee and Labor Relations team oversees and facilitates the conflict resolution process.
How do I initiate the conflict resolution process?
If you have a concern that you think could be resolved through conflict resolution, this should be discussed with the Employee and Labor Relations contact that supports your unit. You will need to share information about the dispute, including the names and contact information of all parties to the dispute, and whether or not you have talked with them about confliction resolution as a way to resolve your conflict. This is a part of the intake process.
How do I refer others to conflict resolution or mediation?
If you want to refer other parties to mediation, your first step should be to talk with the parties involved in the dispute about using conflict resolution. If you feel you cannot do this, contact your Employee and Labor Relations contact for guidance.
What is the facilitator’s role?
The facilitator’s role is not to decide who is right or wrong, who wins or loses. Rather, the facilitator is a completely neutral party whose role is to assist the participants reach their own resolution through a structured discussion.
How long will sessions last?
The entire conflict resolution process can last up to 3-4 hours. While a time commitment of that length may not be manageable for the entire process to be completed in one single session, the process can be divided into multiple sessions. In these cases, additional sessions will be scheduled prior to the end of the first session.
What is the role of participants?
Participants initiate the process. They agree to ground rules at the beginning of the process, describe the conflict, and agree on the list of issues to be discussed. Participants brainstorm potential solutions and work toward identifying those solutions that are mutually agreeable.
What types of conflicts CAN and CANNOT be handled through conflict resolution?
Conflict resolution can be used to resolve any workplace dispute except promotion and tenure, discrimination, sexual harassment, serious misconduct or criminal activity, performance management, discharge, or any other issues covered by state and federal law.
What are the advantages of using conflict resolution?
Conflict resolution allows parties to develop their own solutions, rather than having others’ solutions imposed on them. This creates greater ownership and commitment to the solution. Conflict resolution is a very effective way to resolve disputes between parties who will continue to work together over time…it not only solves the problem at hand but improves working relationships as well.
What happens after the conflict resolution process?
As a party, you will come up with your own solutions to your conflict, in collaboration with the other parties. You will complete a “Conflict Resolution Agreement” that will outline your agreed-upon solution.
Is the settlement agreement binding?
This agreement is between the parties to the conflict, and it is your responsibility to follow through on your commitments.
If I agree to conflict resolution, am I required to agree to a solution?
You can withdraw from the process at any time, with no consequences to you. You are not required to agree to any particular solution. The parties themselves develop a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
Who has to approve my access to conflict resolution?
Faculty, staff, and graduate associates have the right to access conflict resolution services. It is a benefit provided to you by the university. Employee and Labor Relations will determine whether or not the dispute is appropriate for this process. The sessions will generally occur between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you need permission to leave the workplace to participate in, talk with your supervisor to arrange a time that works best for your session and for your unit. If you need permission to leave the workplace and do not want to disclose to your supervisor that you are going to participate in conflict resolution, you will need to take vacation time to participate. We will do our best to schedule sessions for 2nd and 3rd shift employees that are convenient for their schedules.
What happens if the conflict resolution process does not succeed?
We hope that the conflict resolution process will succeed, and in the vast majority of cases it does. If you find you cannot implement your settlement agreement, you may choose to re-engage in the conflict resolution process, if all parties agree. You may also choose to use another avenue within the university to help resolve your dispute. To discuss your options, contact your departmental human resource professional or Employee and Labor Relations contact.
Are conflict resolution materials and discussion confidential?
The facilitator will treat discussion(s) as confidential. It is requested that each party treat the discussion(s) confidential as well. Any written documentation could be subject to a public record request.
Will the conflict resolution documents become a part of my personnel file?
The documents related to conflict resolution will not become a part of your personnel file.
Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives serve as objective hearing officers in matters involving corrective action, employee grievances and resolutions of dispute, when applicable. Corrective action is the process used to identify and correct undesirable behavior of employees. The objective of corrective action is to eliminate undesirable behavior and provide employee a fair and just process. Visit HR Policies and Forms for university policies related to corrective action.
Resources
- Performance Improvement and Corrective Action – A step-by-step guide for the university’s performance improvement process for unclassified, classified civil service and bargaining unit staff. See the Labor Relations page for additional information regarding bargaining unit members.
The Office of Human Resources Employee and Labor Relations is responsible for investigating all workplace complaints. Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives perform objective and thorough investigations of workplace complaints in many areas, including staff conflict of interest, retaliation, and workplace violence. Representatives also investigate allegations where other Human Resources or university policies have been violated. Investigations play a key role in the university’s risk management strategies and practices. Through consultations and investigations, the Employee and Labor Relations team provide guidance on key employment practices and laws to ensure a healthy work environment.
Contact your Employee and Labor Senior Representative for more information on investigations. You man also visit HR Policies and Forms for university policies related to investigation topics.
Resources
- Employee and Labor Relations Investigation Standards
- Workplace Complaint Form – use this form to formally file a workplace complaint
Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives collaborate with human resource professionals to administer and interpret various collective bargaining agreements to ensure integration and consistency across the university, facilitate problem resolution to mitigate risk and work to enhance labor and management relationships.
Visit Labor Relations for additional information, collective bargaining agreements and other resources.
Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives assist managers and human resource professionals in establishing performance expectations and accountability to ensure productive employees and work environments. Performance management is an ongoing process of communication between a supervisor and employee, focused on helping the employee achieve his or her best workplace results. It requires thoughtful planning, ongoing communication and commitment.
View HR Policies and Forms for university policies related to performance management. Managers and human resource professionals can contact their Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representative for tools and resources to strengthen the performance management process.
Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representatives provide guidance and development on university policies and procedures, including leave programs and reductions in force.
Visit HR Policies and Forms or contact your Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representative for more information on university policies. Your representative can also provide additional resources related to university policies.
Ohio State is committed to diversity and inclusiveness of all our employees. A reasonable religious workplace accommodation is a change in the work environment, requirements or in the way tasks or responsibilities are customarily done that enables an employee to participate in their religious practice or belief without undue hardship on the conduct of our business or operation. To consider your request for a religious workplace accommodation, please complete the Religious Accommodation Request.
In accordance with Department of Labor guidance, employing units are required to have posters conspicuously posted at each organizational facility. Required posters must be displayed so they are easily visible to the intended audience. Departments in coordination with their HR Business Partners should ensure compliance in their units. Consultation with Employee and Labor Relations for guidance and support is available for any questions.
Links to posters last audited by ELR on 2/6/2025.
Federal
- Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act – Federal Minimum Wage (revised 4/2023)
- Employee Rights for Workers with Disabilities Paid at Special Minimum Wage (revised 1/2018)
- Employee Rights on Federal or Federally Financed Construction Projects (revised 10/2017)
- Employee Rights on Government Contracts (check PCA box after printing poster) (revised 4/2009)
- Family and Medical Leave Act Poster (revised 3/2013)
- Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Poster (includes English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese posters) (revised 10/2022)
- Pay Transparency (revised 1/2016)
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Poster (revised 4/2017)
- Worker Rights Under Executive Order 13658: Federal Minimum Wage for Contractors (revised 1/2025)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Job Safety and Health (required poster for OSUWMC units only)
State
- Ohio Equal Employment Opportunity Poster (revised 8/2022)
- Ohio Minimum Wage Poster (revised 1/2025)
- Ohio Minor Labor Laws (revised 6/2021)
- Ohio Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (revised 3/2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the “six-in-one” or other large combination poster rather than separate posters? Can I get a “six-in-one” poster from the Department of Labor?
Yes, while it is recommended to use the postings provided and update as necessary, if a unit desires to use a six-in-one poster, they will need to identify and procure the poster(s). Units must also ensure to check for any posters required that may not be included in the six-in-one as well as ensure each individual poster meets the size requirements of the Department of Labor then you may use it. See more information regarding posted size requirements.
Where should I post the labor law posters?
According to poster compliance requirements, you must display the posters in an area where your employees can readily see them. These areas can include but are not limited to:
- A break room
- A common room people regularly gather
- Near the time clock
- The lunchroom or kitchen
Places that may seem like a good idea but don’t actually adhere to labor law compliance requirements include:
- The HR Manager’s office
- A specific office
- In one specific department
What if I have two break rooms? Do I have to display the posters in both areas?
The best way to answer this question is by asking another question. Do all your employees have access to both rooms? If the answer is no, then it is suggested that you display the labor law posters in both break rooms. If yes, then you should be compliant with the posters in one break room.
If my employees work on separate floors of the same building, do I need to display the compliance posters on each floor?
Yes, you need to post the compliance posters on each floor because you’re required to post the labor law posters where your employees can readily see them. The keyword here is access. Your employees must have easy access to labor law posters. If employees are required to travel or go out of their way to read the posters, then the posters are not easily available to them, and as an employer, you are not following the labor law compliance requirements.
Some of my employees work in a separate building. Do I need to display the posters there?
Yes, you should display the compliance posters in both buildings so that all employees have easy access to the posters.
Training is available on various employee and labor relations topics, including management of the corrective action process, implementing corrective action, conflict resolution and Drug Free Workplace.
The below courses are offered through BuckeyeLearn:
- Managing a Classified Civil Service Employee
- Working in the Public Sector
Additionally, customers can request tailored trainings to meet the needs of their teams. If you would like to inquire about a training, please contact your college or unit Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representative.
Trainings can span a range of employee relations topics, including:
- Employee Relations and Corrective Action Training
- Labor Training and Contract Interpretation
- Drug Free Workplace
- Flexible Work Considerations and Decision making
- Leadership Onboarding on Employee and Labor Relations Topics
- Conducting Departmental Investigations
- Managing Attendance in the Wexner Medical Center
Please connect with your Employee and Labor Relations Senior Representative if you have questions or to discuss additional training topics.