UA HR Labor and Employee Relations Structure Change
Over the past year, UA HR leadership worked to create a strategy that allows our labor and employee relations teams to effectively manage the significantly increased workload. CHRO Memry Dahl implemented a strategic division of these functions to ensure efficient oversight and collaboration.
The labor relations team, led by Director of Labor Relations Danielle Foster, manages all five collective bargaining agreements and contract negotiations and is leading the negotiations with UNAC that began on August 19 and will continue throughout the fall.
The employee relations team, which oversees non-represented employees, was directed by Tara Ferguson until recently. Tara has facilitated a smooth transition as she departs the èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø after 18 years, and recruitment for a new Director of Employee Relations is in progress. During the interim, please continue to reach out via email to <ua-ler@alaska.edu> or Danielle Nelson, Sr. Labor and Employee Relations Specialist, who will serve as the point of contact for employee relations matters.
The Labor and Employee Relations teams have distinct service scopes but share a commitment to enhancing retention and fostering professional and team development. The labor relations team collaborates with UA's represented employees and is integral to contract negotiations. Both teams are tasked with conducting investigations, resolving disputes, offering coaching, and implementing preventative measures. Working closely with HR Business Partners, they address the campus's needs and play a vital role in fostering collaborative partnerships across all UA employees, thus promoting a strong and positive organizational culture.
Published in UA News 9/6/24