Labor Relations Consulting

The Department of Human Resources recognizes the importance of creating and sustaining a positive, supportive and safe work environment for all employees. To support this in a proactive and strategic manner, we’ve reorganized the way we offer our employee and labor relations services through a new function called HR Consulting.

Our HR Consulting and Labor Relations staff strategically works with managers to integrate effective and efficient HR processes, programs and practices into business operations. HR Consultants conduct departmental needs assessments or audits and proactively work with clients to develop performance improvement corrective plans through the support of a cross-functional HR team. The staff also develop and market "best practice" products or services to maximize the client’s performance related to human resources. 

On behalf of managers and employees, HR Consultants also work closely with the HR Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity as well as the Legal and Safety Offices to develop and maintain consistent and appropriate application of human resources and labor policies, practices and procedures; ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws; and promote and foster a safe and hostile free work environment.

Our staff educates, trains, advises and coaches managers and employees on the interpretation and application of written policies, consideration of past practices and assisting management in formulating and maintaining procedural options and effective alternative processes for conflict resolution.

Our daily operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  However, in the event of an emergency, an on-call representative may be contacted from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. by pager at 410-283-8225. To make an appointment, contact Zina Brown, Phipps 481, at 410-955-6783. For labor relations matters, such as mediation or the filing or status of a grievance or Appeal, please contact Connie Lewis at 410-955-5164.