The Office of Collective Bargaining is primarily responsible for directing the state’s labor relations and human resources policy. Created under Ohio Revised Code Section 4117.10, the Office of Collective Bargaining serves as the principle representative of the state as an employer and negotiates the state’s labor contracts. 

This office presently serves approximately 70 state agencies, boards and commissions, offering technical assistance and expertise to agency management staff on contract interpretation, civil service, and many employee relations matters. OCB coordinates dispute resolution, provides advocacy and consultation on mediation and arbitration cases, and administers an electronic grievance filing system for all state bargaining unit employees and agencies. OCB provides training to State agencies on the labor contracts and labor relations skill sets. OCB participates on the Board of Trustees for the Union Benefits Trust and provides management oversight to the Joint Health Care Committee (JHCC).