The Dispute Resolution and Training Administration section is responsible for coordinating the state’s resources in all mediation and arbitration cases as well as in all labor disputes.  This section oversees daily grievance activity statewide and offers consulting services and training to exempt-level agency human resources and labor relations personnel.  Specifically, this section monitors grievance trends and develops targeted communications and training courses to provide agency personnel guidance on contract interpretation and administration.

Dispute Resolution schedules all mediation and arbitrations with agencies and the five unions representing State of Ohio bargaining unit employees in agencies, boards, and commissions under the authority of the Governor.  This section also negotiates with the unions to select mediators and arbitrators for over ten state arbitration and alternative dispute resolution panels.  Dispute Resolution monitors cases proposed to mediation to ensure best outcome and prevent conflicting advisory opinions.  Additionally, this section conducts case reviews with agency advocates prior to scheduling arbitration to assess risk, discuss potential resolution, and assist with researching arbitration precedent.

The Dispute Resolution section monitors the electronic grievance system used by state agencies and all five unions to file grievances, requests for mediations and arbitrations and union leave requests.  This section assists advocates with issues that are not settled at the agency level, advises agencies in resolving contract interpretation issues, and addresses both management and union training and questions regarding the electronic grievance system.

This section represents management and OCB on several statewide labor management committees including the Joint Health Care Committee (JHCC), Union Benefits Trust (UBT), and the Joint Information Technology Committee (referred to as “8.05”).

Additionally, this section creates statewide agency specific training for exempt personnel.  Statewide training regarding the Employer’s role in administering the collective bargaining agreement is offered in partnership with DAS Office of Learning & Professional Development to all new supervisors within six months of assuming a supervisory role.  Additionally, Dispute Resolution oversees OCB Academy, a certificate program consisting of a series of courses that is recognized as six month’s experience in the Labor Relations Officer 3 classification upon completion.  This section provides statewide training on contract negotiations and the state’s interpretation and guidance on administration of new modified language.

Types of training:

1. Individual courses: Many of our individual courses are relevant to both labor relations personnel and supervisors who participate in performance evaluations, investigations and discipline.
2. Agency-level custom training: Human Resources and Labor Relations personnel may set up training classes for a specific group of managers and supervisors that is customized to their specific agency needs.
3. OCB Academy: OCB Academy is offered as a certificate program that will offer comprehensive labor relations training.  Thirteen facilitator lead and two e-learning classes comprise the Academy curriculum, and provide both contractual and practical information on many of the day-to-day duties of an agency level labor relations officer.

Note: "Successful completion of OCB Academy may be substituted for 6 of the 36 months labor relations experience required on the LRO 3 classification minimum qualifications."

Classes are for exempt personnel only