The Office of Labor Relations represents the Mayor, the City and City Departments in all labor matters. This includes matters before state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and other forums.

The Labor Relations Division also negotiate and administer the City’s collective bargaining agreements with the Unions that represent City of New Haven employees, and employees of the Board of Education, covered under their collective bargaining agreement. There are approximately 13 bargaining units covering nearly 5,000 City employees. We also provide support, training and guidance to supervisors and managers on labor and some employment related matters.

The Office of Labor Relations has established relationships with the Unions, and department heads to settle issues prior to the formal filing for grievance arbitration, and municipal prohibited practice complaints. We help promote an atmosphere conducive to assisting parties in resolving issues/controversies at the earliest opportunity.